After suffering a fire, the homeowner will need to file a property damage claim so they can clean up and begin rebuilding. Fires are devastating, and sometimes homeowners make a costly mistake during and after the resolution of their fire claims. Most will let a fire claims adjuster 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 damages were not properly assessed. To help make sure you get the right settlement for your fire claims, here are some tips to help you.
Document the damage to your home and other buildings.
Take the time to inspect and document all damages yourself. If the house is not a total loss, be sure to take pictures of the damaged rooms. Try taking overviews and some close-up photos. Before entering the room, hallway, or closet, take a look. By doing this, it will help you organize your pictures and which ones belong in which room. For example, with the living room, take an overview and then go up and down the walls, ceiling, doors, and floor.
Document damage to your content
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 clothing, shoes, furniture, paintings, etc. that have been damaged by fire, making sure to show the damage in the image. Yes, this is going to take a lot of photos, but everything needs to be documented to get the correct solution. 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 nothing has been missed. Make an inventory list for each room with the attached pictures.
Check your insurance policy
Yes, insurance policies are difficult to understand, but before filing fire claims, you should take the time to review police basics 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 to stay in a hotel.
Once you make the fire claims, the fire claims adjuster will cover the fire site and start your own claim. Do not give them the original photos and the inventory claim sheet, but a copy. This will help them expedite the claim.