When a fire destroys or damages a home, the result can be devastating. Not knowing what your insurance policy will cover after a fire can cause even more stress. How much you can get back depends on the type of homeowner’s insurance coverage on your home, and in some cases, not everything that was damaged in a fire is covered. Read on to find out what attorney Bill Voss has to say about filing an insurance claim for fire damage to your home so you have the best chance of recovering the damages.
What do you do after a house fire?
After a fire breaks out in your home, you will need to contact your insurance company that holds your homeowner’s insurance policy. The insurance company will send an officer who will be responsible for assessing the amount of damage to the home and providing an estimate of the loss coverage. You may want to document everything lost or damaged in the fire and give a copy to the officer. You can include photos, receipts, and other information that can be used to prove missing items and the value of each. You may like To get your own estimate of repairs as well as what your insurer provides. Be sure to keep notes of all communications because the insurance company will want to see any and all estimates, invoices, and receipts for repairs.
If your home is unlivable due to fire damage, some insurance policies cover the cost of living while you are away from home. This can include the cost of a hotel room or rental property, meals, and other services. You will need to check with your insurance company about the type of reimbursement included in your policy.
You will also need to secure your home after a fire breaks out. This can prevent further damage and destruction from theft or vandalism. If the fire is contained in a particular room of the house, you may want to climb into that room to prevent further damage or entry into the home. If the house is unlivable, be sure to secure any openings that can be used as a means of entry while the house is vacant.
Fire damage insurance coverage
Some items may not be covered by your insurance policy, so it is important to understand your specific policy and know what is covered before a fire or other disaster strikes. You will also need to know your deductions and the maximum amount your policy will pay in the event of a fire. There are different types of coverage in case of fire. Some documents only cover damage caused by heat or flames from 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 home.
Damage that may not be covered after a fire in Texas
- Water damage
- smoke damage
- Damage caused by emergency responders
- The full amount required to cover the entire loss
Some insurance companies may want to settle your insurance claim as quickly as possible. This is not always ideal for the homeowner because it can often take time to discover everything that was lost or damaged in the fire. If you wait and keep your claim open, you can protect yourself and potentially recover.
You do not have to accept the amount of the claim from the insurance company if you do not agree that the settlement is the amount the loss is worth. If you believe the insurance company is not fairly reimbursing you for your loss after a fire damages or destroys your home, contact an insurance claims attorney for assistance. An attorney can review your claim, determine the value of your case, provide legal advice as well as assist in negotiating your claim.
We can help you with your claim
If you sustain damage or loss after a residential fire in your Texas home, contact an experienced insurance claims attorney to protect your legal rights and interests. To find out more, contact The Voss Law Firm, PC for a free consultation using our contact form or call our office at 888-614-7730. We’ve recovered billions of dollars in settlements for our policyholders’ clients and don’t charge any fees unless we win your case.
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