When fire destroys or damages a home, the result can be devasting. Not knowing what your insurance policy will cover after a fire can cause even more stress. The amount you can recover will depend on the type of homeowner’s insurance coverage you have on your home, and in some cases, not everything damaged in the fire is covered. Read on to find out what Attorney Bill Voss says about filing an insurance claim for fire damage to your home so you have the best chance at recovering damages.
What to Do After a House Fire
After a fire in your home, you will want to contact your insurance company that holds your homeowner’s insurance policy. The insurance company will send out an adjuster who will be responsible for assessing the amount of damage to the home and submitting an estimate to cover the loss. You may want to document everything that was lost or damaged in the fire and give a copy to the adjuster. You can include photos, receipts, and other information that can be used to prove what items were lost and the value of each. You may want to get your own estimates for repairs in addition to what the insurance adjuster provides. Be sure to keep notes of all communication since the insurance company will want to see any and all estimates, invoices, and receipts for repairs.
If your home is not livable due to the fire damage, some insurance policies cover the cost of living while out of your home. This can include the cost of a hotel room or rental property, meals, and other services. You will want to verify with your insurance company about what type of reimbursement is included in your specific policy.
You will also want to secure your house after a fire. This can prevent more damage and devastation from happening due to theft or vandalism. If the fire was contained to a specific room of the house, you may want to board up that room to prevent more damage or entry into the house. If the house is not livable, be sure to secure any openings that can be used as a means to enter while the house is vacant.
Insurance Policy Coverage for Fire Damage
Certain items may not be covered in your insurance policy, so it is important to understand your specific policy and know what is covered before a fire or other disaster occurs. You will also want to know about your deductibles and the maximum amount that your policy will payout in the event of a fire. There are different types of coverage in the event of a fire. Some policies only cover the damages done by the heat or flames of the fire itself. Check your policy to see if personal items such as clothing, electronics, and household items are covered in addition to the physical structure of the house.
Damages That May Not Be Covered After a Fire in Texas
- Water damage
- Smoke damage
- Damage caused by emergency responders
- Full amount needed to cover the entire loss
Some insurance companies will want to settle your insurance claim as quickly as possible. This is not always ideal for the homeowner since it can often take time to discover everything lost or damaged in the fire. If you wait and keep your claim open, you may protect yourself and possible recovery.
You do not have to accept the claim amount from the insurance company if you do not agree that the settlement is the amount that the loss is worth. If you believe that the insurance company is not compensating you fairly for your loss after a fire damages or destroys your home, contact an insurance claims attorney for help. An attorney can review your claim, determine the value of your case, and provide legal advice as well as help negotiate your claim.
We Can Help With Your Claim
If you have suffered damage or loss after a residential fire in your Texas home, contact an experienced insurance claim attorney to protect your legal rights and interests. To learn more, contact The Voss Law Firm, P.C. for a free consultation by using our contact form or calling our office at 888-614-7730. We have recovered billions of dollars in settlements for our insurance policyholder clients and do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
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