Here Are 10 Things to Do After a House Fire

Here are ten things you should do after suffering a house fire:

1. Ensure Safety
   
   It might seem as though we are pointing out the obvious but the truth is, a fire leaves you feeling scrambled. You might forget basic things because you are not in a calm state of mind.

   The first thing on your list should be ensuring every member of your household including pets is safe and accounted for. It is best to seek medical attention to ensure they have not inhaled smoke if they were in the house when the fire broke out.

   You should also ensure the safety of your home as much as you can. Confirm that there are no pockets of fire left but do not throw things away as this can affect your claim. Also, make sure that affected electrical appliances have been turned off to reduce the chances of starting another fire. Do not hesitate to contact the fire department if you are unsure that the fire has been completely put out.

2. Hire a Public Adjuster
   

   A public adjuster is a trained and licensed professional who specializes in handling insurance claims on behalf of policyholders, ensuring that they get a fair settlement and that their interests are well-represented throughout the claims process.

   Hiring a public adjuster helps you focus on rebuilding emotionally after a fire rather than stressing about dealing with the insurance company. This is because they will handle all aspects of your claim on your behalf. At On-Site Adjusting, we can help you maximize your claim while offering restoration services to repair any structural damage your home may have suffered.

3. Contact Your House Fire Insurance Company
   

   You should try to contact your insurance provider such as Allstate, Statefarm, or Progressive as soon as you can. Ideally, you should do this before hiring a public adjuster. This is because most insurance companies require you to notify them of any loss within a specific timeframe and if you miss that window, you may not be able to file a claim for that particular loss.

   When dealing with the insurer directly, you will be required to provide documentation which will include an inventory of any items lost, your claims form, and sometimes, evidence. You may also be asked to provide the value of these lost or damaged items. This process can take several months before you get your settlement depending on how complex your claim is. Furthermore, you will have to handle the restoration of your home; and hire a fire restoration contractor to put your home back in order if it is salvageable.

   If you have a public adjuster, they will negotiate with the insurer on your behalf, and streamline the entire claims process from documentation to providing evidence and valuation. Their expertise and experience can also speed up the process when compared to dealing with the insurance company on your own. In addition to this, public adjusters can help you get a higher settlement because they conduct their inspection and provide an estimate based on current market pricing and the extent of damage. This estimate will have a higher value than the estimate provided by the insurance company and this is based on the scope of work done by the public adjuster.

4. Familiarize Yourself With Your Policy and Budget

   You need to carefully review your insurance policy even if you did so when you got your insurance coverage. This is to familiarize yourself with terms so you can know what to expect and demand from your insurer. While perusing it, you should ask yourself questions such as: What does my insurance cover? What is the financial limit of my coverage? What additional living expenses can I claim for? Does my policy provide for Actual Cash Value or replacement cost? This usually determines whether the reimbursement you get will cover the current cost of the item or what it cost at the time you got your coverage.

   If you have a public adjuster, they will also read your policy and break down any complicated or essential terms for you.

   If the fire is particularly bad, you may not be able to stay in your home for an extended period. You should keep track of every expense when you are displaced. This can make the claims process easier for you and your adjuster. If you cannot trust yourself to keep a proper account or you are worried about your expenses, your insurance may be able to offer an advance or you can contact a financial advisor for some help.

5. Organize Salvageable Possessions

   Sort through your belongings once your house is declared safe enough to re-enter. This will help you determine what has been lost or damaged and you will be able to accurately and easily compile a list to further your claim.

   Start small and from the places least touched by the fire. Ensure you are properly protected when going through the most affected places by wearing gloves and a mask to protect you from smoke and soot.

   Do not throw anything away when doing this. Rather, let the insurance adjuster or investigator examine your home first. You should also take pictures of every damage you see as evidence for your claim.

   It is best to go through this process with a restoration company as they can easily identify any permanently damaged items or structures and also give you an estimate for repairs. We offer restoration services alongside our adjusting services. This is to make things easier and less burdensome for you. 

6. Find Temporary Housing

   This temporary housing will be covered under your additional living expenses. As we mentioned earlier, you might be displaced for a while if the fire significantly damages your home. It is best to seek temporary accommodation as soon as you can. We know that it is not easy to uproot yourself from home and find somewhere to stay immediately. In such a situation, it is best to turn to your family or community for comfort and help. You can ask your friends or family if they can house you just until your insurance company sorts your accommodation.

   Alternatively, you can consider short-let apartments, hotels (although this is usually a pricier option), an Airbnb, or a motel. The receipts from these will also be easier to put together and track for your additional living expenses claim. Of course, this is subject to your insurance coverage and policy.

7. Keep Track of Living Expense

   You will need to present proof of your expenses to claim for your additional living expenses. This includes invoices, bills, and receipts. Ensure that any arrangements for expenses you make are in documentary or written form. Insurance companies will be unwilling to take oral evidence of an expense. Any out-of-pocket bill you settle should also be documented.

   Most fire insurance policies include a clause that states that you will be reimbursed for living expenses outside your home. However, your additional living expenses only entails the difference between what it usually costs you to live in your home and what it costs you now. For example, if feeding when you were home costs you $150 a month and you are spending $250 now that you are displaced, you can only claim the extra $100. However, you may be able to claim the entire amount for accommodation.

8. Understand Your Insurance Coverage

   Yes, we already told you to familiarize yourself with your policy, and your coverage is included in your policy. However, you should understand the type of coverage you have and how it affects your claim.

   For homeowners’ fire insurance, you can get Dwelling, Loss of Use, Personal Property, Other Structures, Liability, or Medical Protection Coverage. Dwelling coverage covers any damage to your home, such as water or fire damage, and even weather damage.

   Loss of Use is what covers your additional living expenses. If this is included in your policy, you will be able to claim any extra costs you have spent as a result of the fire.

   Personal Property coverage covers your belongings if they are damaged. For example, if you lose your couch or dining set due to the fire, you will be reimbursed.

   Other Structures coverage ensures that structures such as your garage, driveway, and shed are covered if they are damaged by fire.

   Liability coverage and Medical Protection tend to go hand in hand. Liability coverage means that if you or anyone else covered by your policy causes damage to someone else’s home, your insurance will pay for it. Medical protection covers the bills if the person sustains any injuries on your property as a result of your oversight.

   You should understand exactly what is included in your coverage to know what you can claim for and how to budget for your expenses pending the time your claim is processed.

9. Cooperate With Investigators

   After you contact your insurance company or file a claim, they will send their adjuster to inspect your home. This is to help them determine the severity of the damage and get an estimate of repairs. Ensure that you provide accurate information for whatever you are asked. Insurance contracts are based on the principle of utmost good faith. This means that the insurance company has the right to not move forward with your claim if you are found to be lying about any crucial information.

   Your public adjuster will carry out their separate investigation as well. This is because they will be working in your interest to ensure your settlement is full and fair while the insurance company adjuster will try to minimize your payout.

10. Seek Emotional Support 
    
    Going through a house fire is a deeply emotional and traumatic experience. It is known to cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety attacks, and nightmares. Do not neglect your emotional well-being while trying to sort out the claim. Having a public adjuster will also take some of these hectic tasks off your plate so you have time to tend to yourself.

    Do not be afraid to lean on your community for much-needed emotional support during this time. Also, consider joining support groups or reaching out to counselors or therapists who are professionals and will be able to provide you with the expert emotional guidance you need.