Buying a house is not easy, but protecting it can be. You know we’re talking about insurance. Isn’t that what everyone buys for protection of their property? 

However, most people are unaware of how to claim their insurance when encountering fire accidents. Well, they can happen to anyone, any time and it’s a great idea to keep yourself prepared beforehand. 

All thanks to fire alarm systems that helps save lives, and insurance that helps reclaim damages. The question still remains, how does insurance work after a fire? Let us break it down for you.

See Also: Home Insurance: A Beginner’s Guide to Protecting Your Investment

Step 1: Measure the Severity of your Loss

The first step to file for a fire damage claim is to calculate the amount and severity of loss and damage encountered. We advise you to enter inside your house only after the fire department confirms the safety of the house. 

While you may still be in shock of what happened minutes ago, it would be best if you ask for the fire brigade’s help in getting an estimate of the total damage caused by the fire. With their extensive experience, they can better tell you whether it is just the house structure that is compromised or the electricity or plumbing systems also need repairing.

It is best to list all the things you want to claim.

Remember, the insurance also covers the damage due to smoke caused by the fire, such as furniture damage and blackened walls.

You might have to leave your house and live somewhere else for the time being. In that case, the fire insurance also provides the additional cost of your living. It is recommended that you cross check the offered policies with your insurer. 

See Also: How do you get the Cheapest Home Insurance?

Step 2: Waste No Time

It is crucial to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The insurance claim process can take time, as it will require assessing the property’s and personal damages, confirmation by the company, and then finally, provision of replacement money and construction of your property. 

Step 3: Do Not Hurry

Many insurance companies will force you to close the claim as soon as possible, but wait, there’s no rush! Do not do it instantly. 

There is a possibility of overlooking certain losses when you first assess everything, mainly because of the accident’s shock. 

Usually people later realize how much they have lost and how less they have claimed. It is best to take your time to get every part of your property examined and every lost thing listed.

Step 4: Rebuild Your Assets

Check with your insurance provider how your damage will be reimbursed. Use the compensation to build back what you had lost.

What Exactly Does Home Insurance Cover After A Fire?

Talk to your insurance provider to confirm what your insurance covers and what it doesn’t. It varies from plan to plan, and thus we are unable to give you a definite answer. However, here is a basic list of coverage that most insurance policies provide:

• Cost of rebuilding or repairing house structure.
• Cost of rebuilding or repairing other structures, such as fences, garages, and yards.
• Cost of repairing or replacing personal belongings, such as furniture, carpets, electronics, and clothing.
• Additional expense coverage in case you evacuate your house and live somewhere else temporarily. 
• Liability Coverage

What is Liability Coverage?

Personal liability is covered under the home insurance policy. It comes in handy when the fire caused in your property damages other persons’ health, wealth or family. 

The fire caused by your negligence in your house damaged the neighbors’ property and belongings or caused any injury. They can sue, for which you are liable to pay for their losses caused by you. Here, the legal fees and settlement charges are covered by your insurance company.

Can You Claim the Fire Insurance?

Before filing for the insurance claim, you must determine first if you are eligible for it. Only accidental fire damages are covered by house insurance, such as wildfires, short circuits, and gas leaks.

The insurance will not cover the fires caused by the homeowner intentionally or by their negligence for example fire caused by not regularly maintaining the chimney.

What to do After a House Fire Insurance?

You have claimed the fire insurance and got your damages covered. Now, what? 

Like every other insurance plan, your monthly or yearly premium will increase. Make sure to keep paying those premiums because they cover accidental losses. Even though we hope nothing of the sort happens again, life however, is always unpredictable.

Conclusion

Fire accidents can even burn down your entire house. Again, we hope not, but there’s always a risk. The best thing you can do is to keep your property and belongings insured which you can claim in case of a fire accident.

We advise you to claim your insurance, as soon as you can, as well as take as much time as you need before you close the case. It would be best if you study each clause of your policy plan and discuss it with your provider for a hassle-free damage claim.

We’re here to help! Don’t hesitate to reach out and get your queries answered quicker than you’d expect.