Structural fires can start from wildfires, kitchen fires, dryers catching on fire or various other reasons. Because of fire threats, it is critical that you familiarize yourself with your insurance policy. Make sure you have the right coverage in the event of a structural fire and that you know what to do after a fire.
What Is a Structural Fire?
A structure fire involves the structural components of a home, condo, townhome, apartment building, office complex, commercial building, or any other type of building. When structural building components, such as steel or wood roof and floor trusses, joists, and beams are damaged or destroyed in a fire, the fire is considered a structure fire.
What You Need to Know About Structure Fires
Losing your home or business and personal belongings is a devastating experience. The last thing you want is for the insurance company to delay your claim, undervalue your claim, deny your claim, or give you a hard time regarding your fire insurance claim. This is why it is important to do the following three things:
- Make sure you get the right repair estimates – when you file a fire insurance claim, don’t just file the claim and let the insurance company handle everything. Make sure you are involved in the process. You need to know if they are hiring licensed professionals to inspect your home, especially if your home was partially damaged and not destroyed in the fire. Depending on your policy, the insurance company will send out their own adjusters to obtain a fair market value or cost of replacement of damaged property. The estimate the insurance company comes up with may not be in your best interest. Remember, adjusters work for the insurance company and not you. For this reason, it is best to get your own numbers.
- Hire a lawyer – the right attorney will know the right experts to contact to investigate your property damage. An insurance claim lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, fight for your best interest, and make sure the insurance company is handling your claim fairly so that you get a maximum and timely settlement amount.
- Continue to pay your insurance premiums – during this time, many homeowners who have experienced a total loss from a fire fail to pay their insurance premiums. Don’t make this crucial mistake. If you do, your insurance policy will be canceled, even after you may have filed a fire insurance claim.
For help with your structure fire insurance claim, call the Voss Law Firm at 888-614-7730 for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Texas insurance litigation attorney. You may also request a FREE copy of our book, Top 10 Mistakes You Cannot Afford to Make When Filing Your Insurance Claim.
