Fire Insurance Claim FAQs

If you’re attempting to handle your claim without professional claim help from a public adjuster then common mistakes will likely result in a delayed settlement. Barring mistakes or unforeseen variables, 90 days of the date of loss is a reasonable time for a fire insurance claim to settle.

It’s imperative you remain in control of your personal property until there is a proactive claim plan in place. Relinquishing your personal property to a restoration company without first knowing all of your rights and options could waste settlement dollars that could be better spent on replacing damaged items instead of cleaning them. Consult with an independent claim adjuster before allowing any company to start cleaning or restoring your property.

If the cause or origin of fire damage is unknown then the insurance company will certainly take an investigative approach. This often results in claimants who feel like suspects rather than victims of a heartbreaking loss. The fire investigation conducted by the insurance company and/or government municipality can take weeks or months to complete. Until the investigation is complete the fire claim process will be at a halt and no settlements will be made. The insurance company will send you a document called a “Reservation of Rights” which will notify you of the pending investigation. It’s possible that a skilled and experienced fire damage adjuster- a public adjuster- will be able to negotiate a partial advanced settlement during the investigative process.

Your cooperation with the insurance company and it’s adjuster is essential during the claim process. If you feel like the requests are unreasonable or that the carrier is attempting to make the process purposely difficult then contact an experienced public adjuster for professional fire claim help.

If the claimant has received a Reservation of Rights or a request to participate in an Examination Under Oath then it’s necessary to at least consult with a trusted and experienced public adjuster. A thorough investigation into the cause and origin of the fire damage is necessary but a longer than necessary investigation can be used as a delay tactic. If your fire claim has been delayed due to an ongoing investigation then hiring professional help is necessary to progress the claim.

Smoke damage can be invisible and is often times subjective. Getting a smoke damage expert would be essential in this case. Your insurance company has an obligation to restore your property to its pre-loss condition so there should not be any remnants of smoke or soot.

Smoke odors can infiltrate carpets, bedding, furnishings, clothing, and even the home’s insulation. Soot can clog air conditioners and damage surfaces. Both smoke and soot damages should be included in the fire claim and paid for through your insurance contract. Working with a trusted fire claim adjuster will ensure all visible and invisible damages are documented, substantiated and paid for by the insurance company.

Insurance companies often read their policies and document damages in their own favor. If you want the best chance at a fair fire claim settlement then get a second opinion about your insurance company’s calculation of the fire damage.

Yes. If you refuse or otherwise neglect to participate in an Examination Under Oath then you risk your claim being denied for breach contract. Never participate in an Examination Under Oath or submit EUO documents without first consulting with a first-party insurance attorney or public adjuster. A skilled public insurance adjuster can often times negotiate a postponement for the EUO if extra time is needed to prepare the client and/or claim documents.

An experienced fire damage adjuster knows how to navigate the claim process. He or she is skilled in understanding and analyzing insurance policies, policy language, damage estimation and settlement negotiations. Hiring a public adjuster ensures the quickest claim process and the largest settlement possible with little hassle from your insurance company.

A private insurance adjuster can be hired during any stage of the claim process. Some claimants elect to hire professional claim help when there’s a delay in the claim process while others seek help after their fire claim has been denied or underpaid. Many public adjuster firms offer complimentary claim evaluations. If you have any questions about the accuracy of your settlement offer, or the claim process then contact a trusted and experienced claim adjuster.