If you have experienced a house fire, you know how difficult it can be to make a claim. Your insurance company will want an estimate of the fair market value of the damaged property and the estimated cost of replacing it. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company and will make decisions that are in their best interests. In some cases, it may be in your best interest to hire an independent insurance claim estimator to help you.
Lessons learned
After a house fire, a homeowner can experience a variety of emotions and questions about his or her insurance coverage. The loss of a home is devastating, but it can also be a lesson in how to plan ahead. By following these lessons, homeowners can minimize their stress and prepare for their next challenge.
First, document the damage. Take pictures or videos of the affected areas and get all the necessary receipts. You should also create a list of contents and secure your home. Your insurance company will need these as proof of loss. You must also secure your property until the insurance company can inspect it.
Common reasons for denying insurance claims
If you’ve been denied a house fire insurance claim, there are a few common reasons. One of the main reasons for a claim denial is misrepresentation. That is, claiming that your home suffered damage but in reality, it wasn’t as bad as you claimed. An example is claiming that your pet knocked over a candle. But you should be honest with your insurer about the damage because they will investigate your claim.
Another common reason for a denial is that you failed to keep up with routine maintenance on your house. Many insurance companies may deny a fire claim because it’s less than your deductible. To avoid this situation, you should familiarize yourself with your policy before making a claim.
Taking photos and videos
Taking photos and videos can help document the damage and the full extent of your loss. It’s also helpful to have photos of the day of the fire. You can also ask neighbors if they took pictures. You can also request copies of any media images and videos, and keep copies of receipts for these.
Taking pictures and videos of your home is particularly useful when making a house fire insurance claim. It will help your insurance company make the claim faster and provide a detailed picture of the damage. In addition, it will help your insurer determine whether to send out a restoration vendor or an investigator. However, taking pictures and videos immediately after a fire is not always possible. The fire department should give the green light before you start the claims process.
Documentation
Documentation is an essential part of making house fire insurance claims. Take photos and videos of the damage, and keep receipts. You can also make an inventory of what was damaged, and how much it would cost to replace it. If you’re proactive, you’ll also make an inventory of the contents of your home.
You may need to provide copies of any documents, but originals are best. Make copies of receipts as well. Keep multiple copies of all correspondence with your insurance company. This will help you make your claim faster. Typically, fire insurance claims take three to four months to settle, and documentation will make the process easier.
It’s best to use a professional adjuster for your fire insurance claim. Your insurance company will send an adjuster out to assess the damages and make decisions on your behalf. But remember, these adjusters work for the insurance company, and their interests are not always in your best interests. It’s a good idea to hire an independent estimator to get an accurate assessment of the loss.
Dealing with an insurance adjuster
Homeowners need to understand what to expect from an insurance adjuster during a house fire insurance claim. These professionals work for the insurance company and must do their job to protect the insurer’s interests. However, there are some adjusters who work independently and are paid by insurance companies to look into claims and evaluate their value. The insurance adjusters should not leave any money on the table.
When you are claiming compensation for a fire-damaged home, you may be dealing with a tense situation. You may not be able to live in your home while it’s being repaired. If you’re not certain of the cause of the fire, you’ll want to consult a fire insurance attorney. Oftentimes, the insurance company will deny the claim if it believes you caused the fire.
