One of the most traumatic things that could happen is a house fire. You have a family to support and a home to live in. Your insurance policy should protect you and your family against damages to your property. The right to a fair insurance settlement after a fire is one that can be hard to know about. After all, it’s not like most people expect their homes to catch on fire. The prospect of hope for a speedy recovery doesn’t dawn on most people until the damage is done.
Most people think that if their house burns down, their insurance company will pay for a new one. And in some cases, that’s true. But there’s more to understanding your rights after a house fire. When homeowners deal with the devastating effects of a house fire, they should know their rights and the options they have to receive compensation. In this article, we will give you an overview of what to expect after a house fire.
How To Deal With Your Insurance Company After A House Fire Incident
After a house fire incident, you may be left feeling confused, frustrated, angry, and scared. These are perfectly normal emotions to experience after such an unexpected event. However, keep in mind that it is imperative that you deal with your insurance company in the correct manner. If you follow these tips when dealing with your insurance company after a house fire incident, you can ensure that your claim is processed quickly and effectively.
Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
After a fire, it is critical that you contact your insurance company immediately. They will ask questions about the cause of the fire and how much damage was done to your home. They will also want to know if anyone was injured in the fire.
Know Your Rights Under Your Policy
After contacting your insurance company, you should familiarize yourself with your policy’s terms and conditions. The more familiar you are with these details, the better equipped you will be to make sure that your claim gets processed correctly and in a timely manner.
Under most homeowners insurance policies, you’re covered for losses that occur when the cause of the fire is “reasonable.” It means that if the fire started from an electrical malfunction or was caused by a faulty appliance, like a dryer, you may be able to collect damages from your insurance company.
Don’t Sign Any Papers Without Reading Them First
Make sure you read any papers you’re given carefully before signing them. Insurance companies often send their customers an initial estimate of the damage, but there’s no guarantee that this amount will be accurate or even close to the final settlement. Once you sign the papers, the insurance company can use that document as evidence against you if they choose to deny your claim later on.
Work With The Insurance Adjuster To Determine The Claim
The first step in resolving your claim is working with the adjuster to determine how much would be paid out. Most claims are settled within 30 days of filing, but how much would the insurance company give you?
After the fire is out and the damage has been assessed, work with your insurance company’s adjuster to determine the claim amount. It should cover the cost of rebuilding your home and replacing damaged personal property.
Wrapping Up
If your house fires, you will be faced with the daunting task of putting your life together again. Understanding how insurance companies work during a fire can mean the difference between fair compensation and extortion by an insurance company. If you feel that you have been wronged by an insurance company, call a reputable fire injury attorney to help you get the property damage award or compensation that you deserve.
