How to File a Fire Claim and the Role of the Fire Claim Adjuster
We all know that the last thing that we want to happen to our home is for it to be consumed by fire. So, being a homeowner, it is already a natural instinct that we do the necessary steps so that we can avoid getting our homes to burn down. But still, even with such precautions in place, there are things that we still cannot control and accidents can happen. So with this, it is also necessary that you not only make your home “fireproof” but you should also have an insurance policy to protect you once the inevitable happens.
And when it does, despite the tragedy, you can still be able to recover something from it once you will be able to file your fire insurance claim. This is why it is also essential that you have thoroughly read through your policy and be able to contact a reliable fire claim adjuster that will put your best interest first.
How a Fire Claim Adjuster Can Help You
They provide help in the investigation, evaluation, and settlement of insurance claims
Although these adjusters, examiners, investigators, and appraisers all evaluate the insurance claims, the adjusters rather play a different role. This is because they have to know more about what the firm is insuring.
So, employees who are in casualty and property insurance, for example, they should be able to know the costs for construction and housing. This information is going to help them to arrive at a proper evaluation in relation to the damage that has been caused by the fire.
They provide assistance in the determination of what is covered in the insurance policy
One of the roles of the fire claim adjuster is to inspect the extent of damages of the property. this information will assist them as to how much the insurance company will have to cover from the loss.
They provide assistance in deciding the amount that the insurance company should cover
This is the essential role of the file claim adjuster, as he or she is the one who will decide on the amount that the insurance company is going to pay in order to cover the damages brought about by fire.
They will take charge in the negotiation of settlements
If the claimant is not satisfied with the result of the settlement or the insurance claim, then the fire claim adjuster is going to work with expert witnesses and lawyers in defense of the insurer’s position.
They will see to it that the claims are not fraudulent
When working on a fire insurance claim, this will require thorough evaluation in order to see to it that insurance companies are only approving valid insurance claims. And if there are suspected to be fraudulent insurance claims, it is the job of the fire claim adjuster to work with the insurance investigators.
They will be responsible for authorizing payments
It is also the job of the fire claim adjuster to authorize the payments on behalf of the insurance firm. It is also essential to note that not all of the adjusters are working for an insurance company since there are adjusters who are working as public adjusters. They are adjusters who are self-employed and are independent of the insurance company.
What a Homeowner Should Do When Filing a Fire Damage Claim
See to it that you have read the insurance coverage
It is important that you not only pay your insurance but also know what your insurance policy covers. This means that you should have read the coverage, and that means reading all of it. This is for you to know that what you are filing is really a valid insurance claim and you are not going to be denied when you file it. Thus it is really essential that you are able to understand the extent of your insurance coverage.
See to it that you have a record of everything
Documentation is really important. It should cover the entire process from start to finish. You can take photos of the damages and then request for estimates on the damaged items. You can also ask as to how much it will cost to replace or repair the damaged portion. The estimates provided should be in writing.
Make sure that you have gathered all relevant information
You should provide all of the information that your insurance company is going to need from you. The purpose is to make sure that your fire claim is not going to be denied. Some relevant information that they may ask are the type of claim (which in this case is a fire damage claim), the date of the fire damage, the location of the fire damage, the detailed list of all the damaged items, the condition of the property, the estimate for repair and replacement, the detailed list of injuries, and a copy of the police report in relation to the fire incident.
Make sure that you ask for immediate temporary assistance
There are extensive fire damages wherein the insurance company will be offering different types of assistance to the homeowners. So, if the fire damage resulted in a condition where your home is no longer livable, then your insurance company may offer you with temporary housing.
Do not be hesitant when seeking a second opinion on the extent of the damage
Usually, the fire claim adjuster’s job is to make a decision that is favorable to the insurance company instead of the policyholder, that is if the fire claim adjuster is an employee of the insurance company. This is why it is really beneficial if you will be able to work with a fire claim adjuster that is independent of the insurance company. You can also hire a structural engineer or a licensed contractor that you will help you get an accurate assessment of the extent of the damage.
Make sure that you pay fire insurance premiums regularly
When you have already filed for your fire claim, you should not be negligent on your insurance premiums. This is because there are a lot of policyholders who tend to forget to pay their insurance premiums the moment they have already completed their fire insurance claim.
