5 Quick Tips to Filing a Fire Claim on Your Homeowner’s Insurance

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

File the claim immediately

Five Steps To Make Things Easier

According to the National Fire Protection Association, around 500,000 structure fires happen each year in the United States. If you're one of the unlucky ones in Kensington, MN, you have a challenging time ahead of you. However, one call to an insurance company Preferred Vendor fire restoration company can take care of everything you need.
You have a choice right after a fire: you can call your homeowner’s insurance company yourself or have your restoration company handle everything. If you prefer to do it yourself, there are 5 steps you can take to make things easier:

• Document everything.
  
• File the claim immediately.
  
• Tarp and board ASAP.
  
• Don’t stop paying your premiums!
  
• Know your rights.
  
  

1. Gather Every Bit of Proof and Keep Records
If you’re well-prepared, you’ll have a list – and even photographs – of all your damaged property, kept in a fire-safe or safety deposit box. Unfortunately, not everyone does this, meaning you’ll have to make your list from memory after the destruction. Fire restoration can also proceed more quickly with pictures from before the fire.

2. Call Your Fire Insurance Company Immediately.
You can literally call them while watching the fire department battle the blaze. Most companies have 24-hour numbers, so if you know who they are, call as soon as everyone is safe.

3. Cover Exposed Areas
This is best left to the restoration company you choose for fire and smoke cleaning. Areas left exposed to the weather, animals or curious humans are likely to be further damaged – and it may not be covered by insurance.

4. Never Let Your Insurance Lapse
If you miss a single payment, your insurance company may be able to deny your claim. Don’t get caught by this! Ideally, set up autopayments to avoid the possibility.

5. You Decide When Your Home Is Restored
The fire restoration company will make every effort to ensure your property is returned to at least as good as before the event. However, insurance agents are eager to close a case, possibly leaving you with suddenly remembered items. Keep your claim open as long as possible.