Filing a Claim for Fire Damage

There are more lightning strikes in Florida than anywhere else in the US. This puts our state at high risk for fires. If a fire has damaged your Florida property, you are going to need to file an insurance claim.

As South Florida public adjusters, it is our role to help you file your claim accurately, and get you covered and paid for everything you are entitled to receive under your policy.  Below I will explain the likelihood that your policy covers fire damage, as well as explaining some of the steps you can take to prevent fire damage in the future. 

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Fire Damage? 

It is always important to check your policy to see exactly what it covers. That said, a homeowners insurance policy typically covers fire damage. This includes fires started accidentally in your home, as well as fires caused by lightning and also wildlife fires. 

There are some exceptions to coverage, the biggest being if you started a fire in your home with the intent of causing damage to it. Acts of war are also not covered by insurance. The amount of coverage you can receive may be dictated by your dwelling limit and your personal property limit. 

How to Protect Your Home from Fire Damage 
The only thing better than receiving the proper claim payment for damage is not needing that payment in the first place. There are several steps you can take to mitigate the likelihood of fire damage: 
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• Maintain Your Home – Over time, older appliances are more likely to cause electrical fires in your home. This is why it is useful to replace or repair these appliances. You also want to make sure to minimize the presence of any old papers or fabrics, which can combust. 
• Quit Smoking – Cigarettes are a common cause of accidental fires. This makes sense, since they require chain smokers to light a flame many times during the course of a day. If you smoke, it is important to always make sure to use an ashtray.   
• Do Not Leave Flames Unattended – This most commonly occurs when someone lights a candle and forgets about it while walking away, but you also want to make sure not to leave stoves or fireplaces unattended.  If you like candles, contemplate switching to LED candles which look realistic without the danger of an actual flame. 

Filing a Fire Insurance Claim with Your Insurance Company 
If your property has been damaged by a fire, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. In this situation, a public adjuster can help you document all the damage and assist with the submission of the necessary information. On average, people who hire public adjusters get 500% more of a settlement on their claim. 

If your claim is underpaid, a public adjuster can assist and reopen your claim. If the insurance company remains unconvinced by the evidence and documentation submitted, most insurance policies allow for a dispute resolution such as appraisal. If needed during the appraisal process, an insurance umpire can help settle the dispute and find a fair resolution for both parties. 

Looking for a Public Adjuster in South Florida? 
You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance, we are committed to helping our clients understand their coverage and get you everything you are entitled to under your policy. We have decades of experience representing residential and commercial insurance claims. 

We also provide free insurance policy reviews. Please do not hesitate to contact us today. We are always happy to help. ​