What To Do After A House Fire

A house fire can be one of the most devastating events people will face. While the recovery won’t be easy, your home insurance coverage can help you get through it. Here’s how to get started.

Cooperate With The Fire Investigation 

Almost every fire will have some type of investigation to see how it started. In many cases, the responding firefighters can easily confirm that the fire started where you said it did. For other fires, a fire marshal or investigator will need to take a closer look. 

This is a routine procedure, and you generally have nothing to worry about — if you weren’t trying to commit arson or insurance fraud. Even if you did something embarrassing, like falling asleep smoking, you typically can’t get in trouble. However, the investigation report can help your insurance claim go faster.

Secure Your Property 

If your home isn’t completely destroyed, secure your property to prevent further damage. This may mean moving things out from under a hole in your roof, boarding up windows or doors, or moving your belongings into your storage. 

Your home insurance will help to cover your immediate losses. But you have a duty to prevent additional losses to weather, theft, or other causes when reasonably possible.

Call Your Insurance Agent 

Call your insurance agent as soon as you can. Try to call them even while the firefighters are still putting out the fire. 

Your insurance company may want to send someone out to take pictures, or to conduct an investigation on behalf of the insurance company. Plus, the sooner you start the claims process, the sooner you can get the insurance benefits you’ve been paying for.

Explore Your Housing Options 

You may want to stay with a friend or family member for the night. But beyond that, your home insurance probably has loss of use coverage. If you can’t remain in your home, your insurance company may pay for a certain amount of days in a hotel. Or your coverage could help you to temporarily rent an apartment. Ask your insurance company where and how to book. That way you can make sure they’ll cover your chosen accommodation.

Schedule Repairs 

Finally, choose a contractor to repair or rebuild your home. Your insurance company may have preferred contractors they work with and pay directly. Either way, work with your home insurance company to make sure they’ll cover the estimated costs.