Navigating Insurance Claims for Fire Damage

Several accidents, from kitchen mishaps to brush fires, can cause buildings to burn. Putting out the fire can prove troublesome, and the damage cleanup afterward even more so. However, your homeowners' insurance should help you get back on your feet if it includes fire protection benefits.

But how do you claim expenses for fire damage cleanup in Atlanta? 

The Homestar Group offers top-quality repair and restoration services in Fulton County. Since 1999, our team has helped thousands of families rebuild their lives after natural disasters. Read more to learn what you need to make your insurance claim after fire damage to your home.

The Basics of Home Fire Insurance Policies

HO-3, or homeowners' insurance, policies usually offer some fire coverage at their basic level without additional policy add-ons. Policies generally include various types of coverage:

• Coverage A: Dwelling coverage protects the structure you live in consistently. Policy documents will show the maximum amount the insurer will pay you if your property experiences total loss or destruction.
• Coverage B: Other structures, including detached garages, sheds, or fences, receive coverage under this.
• Coverage C: Personal property includes personal belongings, familial belongings, and other objects your family uses or owns. Coverage C ensures you can submit a claim over personal property damage or loss.
• Coverage D: While an IICRC-certified restoration company works on your home, you may need additional living expenses to stay elsewhere. When you lose access to your home due to a covered fire loss, Coverage D can help you stay comfortable.
• Coverage E: If your building has tenants or guests, they and the law may hold you liable for incidents regarding the fire. This personal liability coverage can help pay for any legal needs regarding their injuries or property loss.
• Coverage F: Regardless of legal liability, medical expense coverage helps pay for care the injury victims receive.

Explanations regarding Coverage E and F may require speaking with a licensed attorney. However, our team can help further explain Coverage A through D. Our reports often help homeowners gain higher insurance payouts for fire damage cleanup in Atlanta.

What Homeowners' Insurance Won’t Cover

If anyone named on the HO-3 policy intentionally sets fire to your property, you likely won’t receive a payout. If the policy paid out, but an investigation proves a policy member set the fire intentionally, authorities may hold you liable. However, you generally have coverage if the fire happened from naturally caused fires or unintentional sources like an oven accident. 

HO-3 policies usually have open and named perils. Open perils policies cover any event not explicitly excluded from your policy. Named perils policies only cover incidents specified on the policy.

Make sure you take some time to review your HO-3 policy and ensure it covers everything you expect it to. Preparation ahead of an incident can help ease the issue if it happens.

Five Steps To Improve Your Claim

If you or a loved one experienced a fire in or on their property, you need to act quickly.

#1. Be Safe, Then Call

Once safe, call your insurance company. Keep a record of when you called, who you spoke with, and pertinent information you discussed in the call.

#2. Contact Expert Restoration Companies

Despite calling us, it won’t be time for repairs or restoration just yet. Instead, our team can help you document current damage and prevent further issues by boarding windows and using tarps. You should also keep a record of damage the contractors mention and take some pictures yourself if safe to do so.

#3. Receive More Than One Estimate

Reputable contractors use specialized equipment to restore your property to or beyond pre-damage conditions, but others may attempt to overcharge you. Consulting more than one restoration company can help you keep future repair costs low during fire damage cleanup in Atlanta.

#4. Know Your Insurance Policy

Knowing what your policy covers can go a long way when speaking with insurance representatives. You may want to understand any coverage limits, exclusions, or deductibles. Also, remember to keep paying for your current policy during the claims process, which can take a long time.

#5. Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster

The insurance company will send their adjuster to review the property, and they may come up with a payout amount you don’t quite understand or agree with. A public adjuster, who isn’t beholden to the insurance company, can reduce your stress and negotiate on your behalf.

Call Us for Fire Damage Restoration and Care in Atlanta, GA

The Homestar Group provides IICRC-certified care with fire damage cleanup in Atlanta, GA, and nearby cities. Fulton County residents rely on us for top-quality customer service, detailed damage reports, and specialized services like removing smoke damage. Call us at (678) 928-5377 for more information or fill out our online contact form for a free quote!