Fire & Smoke Damage
Your Property Damage Claims
Fire and smoke damage can be inconvenient experiences for homeowners. If your property has been damaged by fire or smoke, you may be wondering what to do next.
Fire or smoke damage are common in Florida and often cause extensive damage. Making sure you represent a strong claim to the insurance company from the beginning will ensure you get fully compensated for the damages. Fire and smoke can cause a wide range of damage from the electronics in your appliances all the way to the cushions on your couch.
Fire & Smoke Damage
Your Property Damage Claims
Fire and smoke damage can be inconvenient experiences for homeowners. If your property has been damaged by fire or smoke, you may be wondering what to do next.
Fire or smoke damage are common in Florida and often cause extensive damage. Making sure you represent a strong claim to the insurance company from the beginning will ensure you get fully compensated for the damages. Fire and smoke can cause a wide range of damage from the electronics in your appliances all the way to the cushions on your couch.
Get Your Free Claim Assessment
Take the first step toward fair compensation by contacting us today. Fill out this simple form for a no-obligation consultation to discuss your property damage claim and discover how DKPA can help maximize your settlement.
Signs of Fire or Smoke Damage
Smoke
Damage resulting from smoke even when a fire doesn’t directly burn your property can cause extensive damages. The smell of smoke will get into everything from drywall an insulation to your couch or mattress.
Fire
A fire in your property will cause direct physical damage to anything it comes into contact with. In addition smoke can permeate and destroy everything from carpets to the electronics on appliances such as the refrigerator.
Off-Premise Smoke
Smoke that originates off your property can easily find it’s way into your home and cause damages.
Sources of Fire or Smoke Damage
01. Lightning
One of the most common ways fire starts in a home is lightening. While it’s an awe-inspiring sight, it can also be incredibly dangerous. One way lightening can start a fire is if it hits your home and travels through the wiring. Another way is if it ignites something near your house. For example, a car fire can easily spread to a home, or if a barbecue is left unattended, the heat can easily start a fire.
02. Cooking Accidents
Inside and outside the property cooking is one of the most common ways fire starts in a home. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is responsible for more than half of all house fires in the United States. Small fires can quickly become large fires, and it’s important to take action as soon as you notice the fire. If you’re able to extinguish the fire yourself, do so immediately. If you’re not able to extinguish it, or if the fire is too large, evacuate your home and call 911.
03. Faulty Wiring
Another common way fire starts in a home is through faulty wiring. This can be caused by old wiring, incorrect wiring, or even animals chewing on wires. It’s important to have your wiring inspected regularly to ensure it’s in good condition and up to code.
04. Candles
Left burning, candles are another common way fire can start in a home. Always make sure to blow out candles before leaving the room, and never leave them burning unattended. If a fire starts with candles, it can quickly become out of control.
05. Cigarettes
One of the most common cause of house fires are cigarettes. They should always be put out in an ashtray, and never left burning in a trash can.
06. Appliance Malfunction
Caused by overheating and sparks, appliances are another common way fire can start in a home. It’s important to have your appliances inspected regularly to ensure they’re in good condition. This includes your refrigerator, oven, stove, dishwasher, and any other appliances in your home. If you have an older appliance, it’s especially important to have it inspected regularly, as they’re more likely to malfunction.
07. Fireworks
If a fire starts with fireworks, it can quickly become out of control. They can cause fire to the roof, and if the fire gets up into the attic, it can be very difficult to put out. It’s important to keep fireworks away from your house, and never light them inside.
Is Fire and Smoke Damage Covered by My Insurance Company?
Each policy is different, so it’s important to read your policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered. Most policies will cover fire damage and smoke damage, as well as the associated mitigation costs from firefighting. However, there may be a limit to how much coverage you have for a smoke damaged house, repairs, smoke damage restoration, additional living expenses, and damage to your personal belongings.
It’s important to review your policy and understand what you are entitled to. Speak with an expert like a public insurance adjuster to advise you.
Damages For Which You Can Be Compensated
Kitchens
Interior Walls
Windows
Floors
Smoke Damage Items
Insulation
Structural Elements
Permanent Discoloration
Personal Property
Professional Cleaning
Restoration
Fire Fighting Fees
Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Claim?
If your property has been damaged by fire damage or smoke damage, you may want to consider hiring a public adjuster for your insurance claim. A public adjuster is an insurance professional who can help you file your insurance claim and get the most compensation possible for your damages.
In fire damage insurance claims and smoke damage insurance claims in addition to the obvious damages there are often a lot of unnoticed damages that requires an experienced claims professional to present to the insurance company.
Less obvious damages like smoke causing damage the electronics of appliances, soot can damage the plumbing, the heat can often damage seals on windows or electrical. These are just a few of the ways the property can be damaged that aren’t always apparent. A Public Insurance adjuster can bring in a team to inspect the property and determine all of the damages that need to be claimed.
Commonly asked questions
A. The first thing a property owner should do after experiencing fire damage or smoke damage is file an insurance claim. Filing an insurance claim is the best way to start the recovery process. Your insurance company will send out an adjuster to assess the damage and create a repair plan. It’s important to remember that you are not obligated to represent yourself. You can engage a Public Insurance Adjuster to handle the claim. Not only will this give you the peace of mind but you are likely to have a much higher settlement. The insurance company will always try to underpay your claim.
A. No, it’s best to allow to the insurance company to inspect any property damage or smoke damage. Throwing out property is eliminating the evidence. Additionally, the insurance company has the right to keep the property so long as the pay for the replacement cost. It’s best to give them that opportunity even if you don’t think there is any value left in the property.
A. If your fire damage claim or smoke damage claim gets denied don’t give up. The insurance company will deny claims if they think they can get away with it. Most clients with denied fire damage or denied smoke damage claims that come to DKPA are able to get the results they are looking for. Contact a Public Adjuster to review the claim and work on producing the results you need. Never accept anything less than you deserve.
A. Many homeowners falsely think the adjustment and payment from the insurance company is their final decision. There are steps you can take to increase the chances of having your claim approved. First, reach out to a public insurance adjuster. A claim expert can help you put together the documentation you need to give your insurer a proper understanding of the damage and more importantly let the insurer know you won’t be accepting less than you’re owed. Be sure to keep all receipts for any repairs or replacements you make. Take lots of pictures and videos and don’t throw any personal property items away unless you absolutely have to and have taken plenty of pictures. With the right documentation and assistance, you stand a good chance of getting your fire damage claim paid.
A. Most of the coverages in the policy could be used. Coverage for the dwelling, also known as Coverage A, would cover the cost of repairs to the main structure. Additional detached structures like garages or sheds have a separate limit. Costs for mitigation if there is water damage or mold can be used. Personal property or business personal property can be accounted for as well as costs incurred resulting from not being able to use the property for its intended use.
A. The insurance company often employees two adjusters that handle the claim and represent the interests of the insurance company. A Field Adjuster, also sometimes called an Independent Adjuster, has the job of visiting the property, taking pictures, measurements of the rooms, and gathering some basic information from the property owner. They will ask a few questions about the circumstances of the loss.
The Desk Adjuster is the second adjuster involved representing the insurance company. Their job is to compile the claim information, interpret the insurance policy, and make a decision if the claim will be paid or not.
A Public Insurance Adjuster does both field adjuster and desk adjuster duties but represents the property owner’s interests. Their job is to present a strong and defensible claim to the insurance company and negotiate maximum settlement of the claim.
A. No, never. Public Insurance Adjusters are legally allowed to only work on commission. This means a property owner will never have to take any money out of their own pocket to pay for their services.