Tips For Fire Damage Insurance Claims Infographic

Strategies For Getting Fire Claim Settlement You Deserve

The First Steps

No two fire insurance claims are alike. However, the first steps may be similar. To ensure a smooth claim, follow these steps:

Secure the scene. Call 911. Protect life before property. Make sure all people and pets are safe.
Contact your insurer. Your insurer can explain the next steps. Your insurer may dispatch an emergency contractor to the scene or provide a list of contractors.
Document the damages. Take photos and videos. The more evidence you have, the better.
Get multiple estimates. House fire insurance claims are complicated. Get multiple estimates from multiple contractors or contact a Public Adjuster. Some contractors may spot damage the insurance company adjuster missed.
Wait for the contractor to repair or restore the damage. The contractor will repair or rebuild your property to pre-loss condition.
Consider hiring a Public Adjuster. If you encounter issues with your claim, then hire professional help. Request a free consultation with a Public Adjuster. A Public Adjuster navigates the claim for a small fee. You could double or triple payout after hiring a Public Adjuster.

How Much Does Fire Restoration Cost?

The average fire restoration costs around $78,000. However, this number includes everything from small kitchen fires to fires that destroy the entire home.

National Average Cost: $78,000
Average Range: $40,000 to $350,000
Minimum Cost: $5,000
Maximum Cost: $1,000,000+

Tips for Maximizing Fire Claim Settlements

Want to get the payout you paid for? Maximize claim settlements with the following tips:

Document Additional Living Expenses (ALE): When a fire forces you out of your home, you pay additional living expenses (ALE). You need to buy meals, stay at a hotel, and rent a car. Home insurance policies cover all of these costs. Keep receipts to maximize payout.
Take Photos and Videos: Insurers request plenty of evidence after a house fire. The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to justify your claim.
Maintain a Home Inventory: Home insurance covers your home and your possessions. By maintaining a home inventory, you ensure you have a directory of items in your home. Include the value of each item, a photo or video of the item, and any receipts proving the value.
Review your Policy Regularly: Do you have an ACV or replacement cost policy? Many homeowners are under-insured. Others don’t understand the difference until it’s too late. This difference can be worth over $100,000 in a house fire insurance claim. Review your policy to make sure it meets your needs.
Hire a Public Adjuster: A Public Adjuster can increase payout by 300% or more. If you’re overwhelmed and want to make sure you get a fair and accurate settlement, hire a Public Adjuster.

Fire Restoration Company Cleanup Costs Per Square Foot

It costs $5.50 to $12.00 per square foot to clean up after fire damage. This cost includes water damage restoration, soot and smoke remediation, and the removal of burnt materials.

1,000 sq ft. – $8,750
1,700 sq ft. – $14,875
2,000 sq ft. – $17,500
2,500 sq ft. – $21,875
3,000 sq ft. – $26,250
4,000 sq ft. – $35,000

Fire Restoration Cost by Type of Damage

Smoke Damage: $3,000 to $35,500
Burnt Materials: $2,500 to $4,000
Soot Damage: $4,500 to $15,000
Chemical Damage: $1,500 to $17,500
Water Damage: $2,500 to $50,000
Structural Damage: $17,000 to $250,000+