5 Steps to File a Claim After a Fire

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a Bennett, CO home.

After a Fire, There Are Five Steps To Filing a Claim

A house fire can be a very traumatic event, and you may find it difficult to know what you should do in the immediate aftermath. One of your first moves should be to file an insurance claim as soon as possible. If your home in Bennett, CO has been damaged in a fire, there are some important steps you can take to help you deal with your homeowner’s insurance company successfully and help you begin the fire restoration process.

1. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Once the flames have been put out, it’s imperative that you contact your fire insurance company immediately, preferably within 24 hours. If you received a fire incident report from emergency responders, have it available.

2. Don’t Touch or Remove Items

While your first instinct may be to take personal items or salvageable belongings out of the house, this could actually hinder the claims process, which can also lengthen the time it takes for fire restoration to begin. You may be tempted to start smoke cleaning procedures, as well, but it’s best to wait until your insurance company gives you the go ahead. Depending on your policy, you may be required to allow an adjuster to survey the home in the exact condition it was left after the fire.

3. Secure the Property

Most insurance companies require that you take steps to prevent further damage from occurring. This may include boarding broken windows or placing tarps over the roof to stop potential leaks.

4. Take Inventory

Take photographs of the property to be compared with any pictures you may have of your home before the fire took place. Make a detailed inventory list that includes both damaged and undamaged belongings.

5. Track Communication

Throughout your claim process, keep detailed notes on any conversations you have with representatives from your insurance policy provider. Hold on to copies of any emails or other correspondence that takes place.

Following these steps can ensure that your insurance claim is resolved quickly and smoothly, allowing your clean-up and restoration specialist to get to work on your home’s fire restoration as soon as possible.