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What to do if your property is damaged by fire, how a public adjuster can help


Written by: Sill Public Adjusters


What to do if your property is damaged by fire, how a public adjuster can help

Experiencing a fire at your property can be a traumatic and devastating experience. In addition to the emotional toll, fires can cause significant property damage and financial losses.

Knowing what to do immediately after the fire, how to start your insurance claim, and why you should hire a public adjuster to assist with your insurance claim can help alleviate some of the stress and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

RELATED | 5 things to do BEFORE you file a property insurance claim

What to do Immediately After a Fire

Here are some important steps to take immediately after a fire:

  1. Ensure Your Safety: The safety of you and your family should be your top priority. Make sure everyone is safe and avoid re-entering the property until it's deemed safe by the authorities.

  2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the fire and start the claims process.

  3. Document the Damage: Document the damage to your property thoroughly, including taking photographs and videos of the damage.

  4. Secure the Property: Secure the property to prevent further damage or theft. This may include boarding up windows or doors and covering any openings in the roof.

  5. Consult with Restoration Professionals: Consult with restoration professionals to assess the extent of the damage and develop a restoration plan.

Starting Your Insurance Claim

Starting your insurance claim as soon as possible is crucial for ensuring you receive the compensation you're entitled to under your policy. Here are some critical steps to take when starting your insurance claim:

  1. Contact Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the fire and start the claims process.

  2. Provide Documentation: Provide documentation of the damage to your property, including photographs, videos, and a detailed description of the damage.

  3. Review Your Policy: Please take a look at your insurance policy to understand the extent of your coverage and any exclusions or limitations.

  4. Cooperate with the Insurance Company: Cooperate with the insurance company throughout the claims process, providing any requested documentation or information.

Why You Should Hire a Public Adjuster

Hiring a public adjuster can provide several benefits when dealing with a fire damage insurance claim, including:

  • Expertise: Public adjusters have specialized knowledge of the insurance claims process and can provide guidance and support throughout the claims process.
  • Documentation: Public adjusters are trained to document and assess property damage thoroughly, ensuring that all damage is accurately accounted for in the insurance claim.
  • Negotiation: Public adjusters are skilled negotiators and can negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the policyholder to ensure a fair settlement.
  • Time-Saving: Dealing with an insurance claim can be time-consuming and stressful, but working with a public adjuster can alleviate the burden of the claims process and allow property owners to focus on other priorities.

Using a Public Adjuster for a Fire Damage Insurance Claim

Using a public adjuster for a fire damage insurance claim can help ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your claim and alleviate the stress and burden of the claims process.

A public adjuster can assist with documenting the damage, negotiating with the insurance company, and ensuring that you receive the compensation you're entitled to under your policy.

ADVICE | What happens when you file an insurance claim?

Experiencing a fire at your property can be a traumatic and devastating experience, but knowing what to do immediately after the fire, how to start your insurance claim, and why you should hire a public adjuster to assist with your insurance claim can help alleviate some of the stress and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

By working with a public adjuster, you can protect your rights as a policyholder and ensure you receive a fair settlement that you are entitled to for your fire damage insurance claim.

Why you should choose Sill Public Adjusters

Sill is the leading public adjusting firm in North America, and we have successfully settled claims with almost every insurance provider in the industry. We specialize in significant loss situations involving high-value residential homes and commercial properties.

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We have a team of insurance policy, building, and content damage experts prepared to handle any claim. Sill is one of only a few public adjusting firms with a group of forensic accountants who can assist with any business interruption claims.

Sill has been in business for more than 90 years, and we help hundreds of property owners each year. If your home or business was damaged by fire, tornado, hurricane, or any other natural disaster, you can contact Sill 24/7.

We have offices throughout North America, which means we can respond to any location within hours. Get your claim started today by callingĀ 844.650.7455.