Help With Fire Insurance Claims

Fire Insurance Claims Tips For Domestic and Commercial Properties

Dealing with your insurer after a fire can add to an increasingly stressful situation. An insurance claim for a fire can potentially be more complicated than a standard home insurance claim simply because it has the potential to cause more damage.

You are not only contending with fire damage but also water damage due to extinguishing the fire. Therefore, there will most likely be hidden damage that needs addressing too.

Public Loss Adjusters have compiled a helpful list of tips for managing fire insurance claims for both homeowners and businesses. Although this list should prove helpful, we always recommend that you appoint an independent expert to deal with your insurance claim.

Our Helpful Guide To Planning and Submitting a Successful Insurance Claim After a Fire

Ensure That You Plan Ahead Just in Case a Fire Does Occur

To start off, this could initially be the planning of a safe meeting point that everyone is aware of. Also plan a nightly check to make sure that unused electricals are switched off during the night or even whilst you are away from the premises. If you are a business ensure that there is a plan as part of your health and safety in the workplace procedures and that everyone is aware of it.

Keep Proof of What You Own Beforehand

Think about how you would prove to your insurer that you owned household possessions that may be destroyed in a fire. It would be wise to take photos of your rooms so that it provides proof of the possessions that you own.

Always keep receipts of anything that you buy for your home or Business. Digital receipts are recommended where possible as you should still be able to access these from anywhere. Keep in mind that paper receipts may be destroyed in the fire.

In The Event of a Fire Ensure Everyone is Safe

After a fire, your first priority is to ensure that everyone around you is safe and that any other potential dangers are dealt with by the relevant professionals. You should then contact your insurer as soon as possible after your home or commercial property has suffered from fire damage.

Do Not Throw Any Damaged Goods Away Unless You Told To

No matter how tempted you are, never throw any damaged goods until you are told to by your insurer. Your insurance-appointed loss adjuster may examine your possessions to determine if they are damaged beyond repair or if they could be cleaned and restored. If you were to dispose of these items beforehand it may result in them being excluded from your overall claim.

Make Sure Your Immediate Needs Are Dealt with First

After a fire, your home may not be suitable to stay in. Even if only one room was damaged by fire, it could result in smoke damage throughout the whole property. You may need temporary accommodation or a quick base for your business to continue trading.

You may need to ask your insurer for an interim payment to get you through the immediate aftermath. This could be used to pay for temporary accommodation, clothing, or even food. Dependent on your level of coverage, your insurer may find accommodation for you otherwise you may have to organise this by yourself. In regard to our claims management services, we would look to do this for you.

Make Sure You Research Any Loss Adjusters or Contractors Your Insurer Appoints

Most insurers will appoint their own preferred groups of loss adjusters, surveyors, cleaning companies, building contractors, and restoration specialists. Remember, these are appointed by and work for your insurer. It is in their interest to be retained by insurance companies which may not always be good for the policyholder.

Always conduct a little research on the companies that your insurer wants to use. It is not uncommon to see bad reviews for insurance-approved contractors or claims managers. Never be afraid to look at Google reviews or even do a search on Trustpilot. If you are concerned, raise it with your insurer at the earliest possibility.

Get Help With Your Insurance Claim Should You Need It

Our Loss Adjusters are here to help should you need it. When it comes to fire insurance claims help, we are experts. We are always happy to offer free initial advice if you ask us. A little extra knowledge can go a long way when it is time for your insurer to settle the claim.

Most people find it a little overwhelming when dealing with their insurer, especially after a fire. Here at Public Loss Adjusters, we can take that stress away. We can negotiate all aspects of your claim to ensure that you receive all you are entitled to.

We can also arrange for interim payments, surveying services and recommend building contractors. As insurance claims management experts, we can check through your insurance policy to identify any extra benefits you may be entitled to that your insurer may not necessarily make you aware of.