Do you want to file a fire insurance claim? Here are a few steps that you need to follow.
Despite our rigorous preventive measures, the possibility of a fire accident always hovers upon our heads. On the bright side, we can always resort to insurance plans to minimize the damage caused by a fire accident. Fire insurance plans apply to both residential and commercial fire accidents. A fire accident can put you under a lot of physical and mental trauma. Therefore, an insurance claim needs to be filed promptly.
Here is a step by step guide on how to file a fire insurance claim.
So, let’s begin.
Step # 1: Utilize a Financial Advance If Any
In the event that a fire accident has taken place on your property, you are forced to vacate the area immediately. In some cases, you don’t have enough money to buy some essential items. If such you are in such a situation, you can always speak to your insurer and ask for financial help. However, the released amount in advance can easily be adjusted in the entire claim later. But before this, you need to make sure whether or not the insurer has a similar provision.
Step # 2: Loss Estimation
To get complete reimbursement, you should be able to estimate the loss beforehand. Doing so, you should keep track of the extent of loss after the incident has taken place. Here are a few things you need to take care of.
- Do not dispose of any burnt items.
- The damages to the infrastructure shouldn’t be repaired.
- Keep all the evidence of the damaged and burnt items. If possible, take pictures and shoot videos to document your evidence.
Step # 3: Reach Out to an Insurer
The insurer should know about the fire accident, soon after it has occurred. It is up to whether you want to call or email your insurer or pay them a visit in person. Your insurance claim should contain the following information.
- Date of the incident
- Extent of damage
- Injuries occurred during the accident
- Current condition of the property
- Complete description of the damaged or burnt items
- The location of your property
- Other agencies and institutions involved in the process.
- Copy of the FIR by the police.
Step # 4: Loss Estimation by the Surveyor
An insurance company will be sent by the insurance company to survey the damaged property. The estimation of loss will be done on the basis of the report made by the surveyor. For better reimbursement, try to cooperate fully with the insurer. Make sure you keep all the reports and documents handy.
Step#5: Don’t Be Hasty
In most cases, the insurance personnel wants to wrap up the case soon enough. However, you should take your time, for there might be something that was overlooked in the first place. Take another look around, for you might find something important, before you close the case.
To file an insurance claim, make sure not to skimp on any of the steps mentioned earlier.
If you have experienced a fire accident and are looking for a professional fire restoration company in Greenville, SC, then get in touch with our professionals today.
