{"id":369436,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/top-ten-tips-for-filing-fire-insurance-claims.html"},"modified":"2023-12-04T11:58:42","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T16:58:42","slug":"top-ten-tips-for-filing-fire-insurance-claims","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/top-ten-tips-for-filing-fire-insurance-claims.html","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Tips for Filing Fire Insurance Claims"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Top 10 Tips for Filing Fire Insurance Claims<\/h1>\n
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\n By Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

As fires become an increasingly prevalent threat in places like California, insurance companies cut corners on fire insurance claims in an attempt to save money. The increasing threat of fires makes it very important to familiarize yourself with the claims process. You should learn what your policy covers and how to file fire insurance claims<\/a>. An insurance claim, if filed properly, allows you to get reimbursed when you lose your property in a wildfire.<\/p>\r\n

Losing your home and personal belongings to house fire damage is already a devastating experience. The last thing you want is your homeowners insurance<\/a> company giving you a hard time regarding your claim. Here are some tips to follow when dealing with your homeowners insurance company regarding fire insurance claims.<\/p>\r\n

1. Ask for an Advance Against Your Ultimate Fire Insurance Claim<\/h2>\r\n

If you were forced to evacuate due to dangerous conditions, you may not have grabbed essentials like toiletries or clothes. Some of these things may have even been completely lost in the fire. Don’t panic. Call your property insurance company and ask for an advance check to cover emergency needs. That may include money for property damage and lodging. That way, you can purchase necessities without having to wait for your ultimate insurance coverage.<\/p>\r\n

Take care of your needs, but don’t go overboard. Be practical with what you buy because the insurance company will refuse to reimburse you for frivolous things. For example, if you need a pair of slacks and a dress shirt for work, don’t assume you’ll get full reimbursement for the most expensive clothes available. Home insurance companies are only required to accommodate you for reasonable replacement costs and additional living expenses covered under your policy.<\/p>\r\n

Remember, this advance will be deducted from the total damage claim amount you receive from the insurance company, so don’t hurt yourself by going overboard. Your homeowners insurance policy might also have a deductible, which means your payout might not cover all initial out-of-pocket expenses.<\/p>\r\n

2. Make a List of Everything You’ve Lost and Don’t Throw Anything Away<\/h2>\r\n

You’ll want to make a list of everything affected by fire loss. That includes personal property affected by smoke damage or water damage related to putting out the fire. This can take some time and reflection from everyone in your household. You want to be sure to start making this list as soon as possible so that you will remember to include everything lost by the time you file your fire insurance claim<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Be sure not to throw anything away. It’ll be easier to prove that you really lost the damaged items on your list if you hold on to them. This will allow the insurance adjuster to see the damage to your personal property. If you throw them away, the insurance company may refuse to compensate you even if your homeowners insurance covers the loss.<\/p>\r\n

3. File Your Claim Right Away and Press the Insurance Company To Act ASAP<\/h2>\r\n

Insurance policies require policyholders to file their fire insurance claims as soon as possible. Call your homeowners insurance agent immediately to get the process started. The insurance company will require you to submit a proof of loss claim<\/a>. This is where you list all of the items you lost, including their value.<\/p>\r\n

Your prompt action is especially important if there are many other homeowners affected by the fire. If you don’t act immediately, you could fall to the bottom of the list of policyholders who have fire insurance claims. It could be a long time before the adjuster reaches you. The following is a list of information to include in your claim:<\/p>\r\n