Fire Claims: What To Do
Immediate Safety & Action Steps
Ensure Safety First
Do not enter the structure until fire officials have cleared it. Get a copy of the fire department's incident report.
Document Everything
Take photos and videos of the damage from a safe distance. Do not throw anything away—including charred furniture or food—until it has been logged.
Contact Your Carrier
Report the loss immediately. Ask for a certified copy of your full policy, including the Declarations Page and endorsements.
Mitigate Further Loss
The 'Duty to Mitigate' requires you to prevent further damage (e.g., boarding up windows). Keep receipts for all emergency repairs.
Fire Claims: What to Do
Step 1: Get the All-Clear
Safety is the absolute priority. Do not enter the structure until the fire department or local authorities officially declare it safe. Once cleared, document everything before moving any debris.
Step 2: Document Everything
Property & Content List
Create a comprehensive inventory of all damaged items, including estimated values and dates of purchase.
ALE Documentation
Keep every receipt for Additional Living Expenses (ALE). This includes temporary housing, food, and laundry costs above your normal baseline.
Temporary Repairs
Under your policy, you have a duty to mitigate further loss. This may involve boarding up windows or placing tarps over openings.
Step 3: Contact Your Carrier
Initiate the claim process immediately. Request a complete certified copy of your insurance policy to understand all applicable limits and sub-limits.
Step 4: Professional Inspection
The insurance carrier will send their own adjuster. It is crucial to have a Public Adjuster present to ensure hidden smoke or structural damage is identified.
Water Damage from Firefighting
The water used to put out a fire can do as much damage as the flames. It soaks into drywall, insulation, subfloors and furniture, and it often settles in lower floors and basements far from where the fire started. This damage is usually covered as part of your fire claim, but adjusters focused on the burned areas often miss it. Wet materials can start growing mold within 24 to 48 hours. Photograph every wet area, ask for moisture readings, and keep receipts for fans, dehumidifiers and water removal.
The Importance of ALE (Additional Living Expenses)
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage is a lifeline. If a fire makes your home uninhabitable, ALE pays for temporary housing, restaurant meals, laundry expenses, and even increased commuting costs. Do not leave this money on the table; it is designed to maintain your current standard of living during a crisis. Keep all receipts diligently, as every ALE reference exactly as written must be justified to the insurer to ensure full reimbursement.
Hidden Dangers: Smoke and Soot
Damage from a fire isn’t just where the flames touched. Smoke and soot can penetrate walls, HVAC systems, and porous materials, causing long-term odors and health hazards. Insurance adjusters often overlook these invisible damages. Our team ensures that professional testing is conducted to identify every area affected by smoke, advocating for proper cleaning or replacement rather than superficial repairs.