Fire Damage Advice and Five Must know Fire Claim Tips

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Fire Damage Advice and Five Must know Fire Claim Tips


A house fire can be a life changing event that no person should ever have to endure. If you happen to find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it's very important to advise the insurance company of the fire as soon as humanly possible. Here are five critical steps you should know and take after suffering fire damage to your property.Water


1: Know Your Policy and You're Coverage Limit:

Larger fires will consume most household items. The policy refers to household items as Contents or Coverage C. Along with furniture, clothing, and the like; this usually means that your insurance policy has burned or has incurred water damage beyond reading. It's very important to obtain a replacement copy of your policy and the declarations page. This task can be completed by visiting your agent's office or asking the insurance company adjuster that inspects your damages. Review your policy declarations page for the amount of coverage limits you are insured for under the main categories of your policy.

Look for:

Coverage A: The amount listed under Coverage A will be the primary amount of coverage for your building or home.
Coverage B: This amount is the amount of coverage you have for any out-buildings or items on your property. Items like sheds, pools, fencing, etc. This limit is usually calculated at 10% of your Coverage A limit. So, if you have $200, 000 worth of coverage on your home, you will have $20, 000 in coverage for Other Structures.
Coverage C: This is the amount of coverage you have for all your Personal Belongings, known as Contents. In summary, contents is everything that would fall out of your home if you flipped upside down. Items like furniture, clothing, linens, utensils, electronics, etc. This limit is usually calculated at 70% of your Coverage A limit. So, if you have $200, 000 worth of coverage on your home, you will have $140, 000 in coverage for Contents.
Coverage E: This coverage amount is the limit you have for Loss of Use or Additional Living Expense (ALE). This coverage is for your loss of the use of your home when it is not livable. You may need rent a home or live in a hotel while repairs to your home are being completed. This temporary housing may be 30 more miles away from work than normal. That will incur more fuel, which in turn is an additional expense over and above your normal expenses of living. This limit is usually calculated at 20% to 30% of your Coverage A limit. So, if you have $200, 000 worth of coverage on your home, you will have $40, 000 to $60, 000 in coverage for Loss of Use or Additional Living Expense (ALE).