After experiencing a fire, the homeowner will need to file a property damage claim so they can clean up and start rebuilding. Fires are devastating, and sometimes homeowners make a costly mistake during and after the settlement of their fire claims. Most will allow a fire claims adjuster to come inspect your property and make the claim, but there may be things that are overlooked during the initial claim. One thing to keep in mind is that after the insurance company sends you a check and closes the fire claims, the homeowner has three years to add to the existing closed claim. This can be done if it is determined that the damage was not properly assessed. To help make sure you get the right settlement for your fire claims, here are some tips to help you.
Document damage to your home and other buildings
Take the time to inspect and document all damage yourself. If the house is not a total loss, be sure to take pictures of the damaged rooms. Try to take general views and some close-up photos. Before entering the room, hallway or closet, take a general look. Doing this will help you organize your images and which ones belong in which room. For example, with the living room, take an overview, then go up and down the walls, ceiling, doors, and floor.
Document damage to your contents
The next step is to go back to each room and closet to take an inventory of its contents. For everything that is damaged, including clothes, shoes, furniture, paintings, etc. that have been damaged by fire making sure to show the damage in the photograph. Yes, this is going to take a lot of photos, but everything needs to be documented to get the right deal. Make a list of all the contents that have been damaged. Once you’ve listed the damaged items and have the pictures, look around the room again to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Make an inventory list for each room with pictures attached.
Check your insurance policy
Yes, insurance policies are difficult to understand, but before filing fire claims, you should take the time to review the basics of the police, such as how much coverage you have on your home, how much coverage is on your personal belongings, and how much it will cost. The policy. pay for you to stay in a hotel.
Once you make the fire claims, the fire claims adjuster will cover the fire site and start their own claim. Do not give them the original photos and the inventory claim sheet, but give them a copy. This will help them expedite the claim.