Posted on February 14, 2022
ICHQ | Site Author
A house fire is a terrifying experience that can destroy your property and shake you and your loved ones to your core. In the aftermath of such a frightening event, probably the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not you have adequate fire insurance to cover the damages—and if your insurance company is actually going to pay up.
To remove this burden from you and loved ones, you may consider hiring an experienced fire damage attorney to guide you through the claims process and help you return to normal.
At Insurance Claim HQ, we know all about fire insurance claims and take on the big insurance companies so you can focus on recovery – and we make sure to go after the maximum settlement possible. Insurers often try to cheat their customers out of the compensation they deserve, particularly when they know those customers aren’t getting solid legal advice.
In this article, we will cover what insurance is supposed to cover after a fire, the unfortunate reality, and how you can increase your claim’s chances of success.
What Does the Insurance Company Typically Cover in Fire Damage Claims?
When you enroll in homeowners insurance, the average clause for fire damage covers certain conditions. Your fire insurance policy should cover the costs of replacing and repairing items that are lost or damaged due to the house fire. This includes personal possessions, structural damage, and other damages to your home. It also should cover other necessary costs directly related to the fire, such as hotel expenses for temporary living space or even temporary costs of a rental home.
However, many insurance companies use tricks and tactics to prevent policyholders from getting the compensation they deserve. Your insurance provider may use an insurance adjuster to claim that your damage is not as extensive as you claim or say that some damage is not directly linked to your house fire. Insurance companies will even draw out the claim process to place more financial pressure on you, forcing you to accept whatever unfair offer they give you.
It is important to be as thorough as possible when filing property insurance claims to ensure you and your loved ones are properly cared for. By hiring an experienced attorney, you can take this burden off your shoulders and focus on getting your life back to normal. Using the following tips, you and your attorney can build a strong case to get you what you deserve from the insurance company.
Related: How to Make a Fire Insurance Claim
How to Maximize Compensation for Fire Damage Claims
Many fire damage victims make common mistakes that can cost them the fair compensation they deserve. If you are filing an insurance claim and are afraid of getting cheated by your insurance company, be sure to follow these steps to have the strongest claim possible.
Notify the Insurance Company of a Fire as Soon as Possible
The last thing you want to do after a fire is wait too long to contact your insurance provider. Reporting fire damage to your homeowners insurance sooner rather than later allows you to get your compensation sooner and get a more accurate estimate for your losses. If you wait, the insurance company may even deny your claim on the basis that they were not given a fair opportunity to investigate the claim and establish the true cause of your property damage.
Insurance companies also handle thousands of property claims a day, which can draw out the claim process, so it’s important to act fact to get your life back on track as soon as possible.
Make an Inventory of Lost Property
By keeping a detailed list of what property was damaged or destroyed in your house fire, you give yourself a better chance of getting your replacement costs covered by insurance. Make sure you are as detailed as possible, as every penny matters when it comes to fire damage repair costs. Even little issues could be hiding a much bigger problem that could cause you serious financial hardship if not covered by your house fire insurance claim.
Don’t Throw Anything Away
It is important that you do not throw anything that is damaged away, even if you forgot to include it on your initial inventory list of lost property. When working with an attorney, it is far easier to prove that there is something you missed in your initial inventory when you still have the object itself in your possession. Keeping damaged objects also works as physical evidence of the item’s existence, as well as the exact damage it received during your house fire.
Gather Evidence of Damages and Expenses
After your house fire has been handled by experienced professionals, it is important to gather evidence of the damage it has caused. Take as many photos as possible of any fire damage to your home and property. These photos will help to determine the actual cash value your insurance provider offers later when referenced against your inventory list.
Be sure to hire a public adjuster to get a second opinion on what replacement compensation you are entitled to. The insurance company’s own loss adjuster is likely to underestimate the true cost of the damage; a public adjuster can help you counter these claims. Keep any documentation of expenses or estimates to include in your insurance claim settlement costs.
How an Experienced Fire Damage Attorney Can Help Strengthen Your Homeowners Insurance Claim
By hiring an attorney experienced in filing fire insurance claims, you have access to someone who knows the dirty tricks home insurance companies use to cheat claimants out of compensation. An experienced attorney can help you to compile evidence of damage, estimate your property’s replacement value, and guide your fire claim through the claims process. They will also treat you the way you deserve to be treated and help take the stress off you and your loved ones, so you can focus on rebuilding your life.
Insurance Claim HQ: Fighting for the Rights of Fire Claim Victims in Louisiana
At Insurance Claim HQ, our team of experienced fire damage claim attorneys work hard to fight for the rights of victims across Louisiana. We know the tricks insurance providers use to unfairly deny homeowners the compensation they deserve. We value an honest and empathetic approach to fire damage insurance claims that put your needs first and hold the insurance company accountable.
If you or a loved one have been affected by fire damage and are unsure where to turn, call Insurance Claim HQ. We help you file your fire insurance claim, communicate with public adjusters, and fight back if your homeowners insurance denies your claim. To schedule your free consultation, contact us today or call us at 844-587-8395.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
