The most challenging insurance claims that any home-owning client could confront in the course of their ownership tenure are those associated with fire. Fire could be minute, but it can be high in terms of losses and destruction caused to parts of the house. Every year, in the United States alone, about 2500 people die, and more than 12,600 people sustain injuries due to house fires. Estimated fire damage caused by house fires amounts to $7.3 billion in property losses each year.
Surely, even without considerable damage or loss of life, the emotional burden imposed by a fire can be considerable for anyone. Then, if anyone has to leave their home until it is habitable once more, this places an additional emotional strain and financial worries. However, that cost is covered under loss-of-use coverage. Only, however, after filing a claim and being granted approval, that at least the first portions of the claim be covered. So, what does fire insurance cover in Florida?
What Does Fire Insurance Cover in Florida?
Essentially, house insurance conditions will include coverage for fire loss with respect to any insurable risks, save for exclusions, as is the case for some insurance policies about wildfires. Generally speaking, policies cover all fire-related issues, including the following:
- Weather-related lightning or storms that result in a fire
- Explosions or implosions
- Aircraft or vehicle damage to property
- Riots, strikes, malicious acts, and terrorism
- Electrical malfunctions or wiring issues
- Fires related to the furnace or heating system
The insurance company may not want to pay if the fire was caused by deliberate action or willful negligence. For example, if you renovate your own garage, including the wiring, and then a house fire starts because of faulty wiring in the garage, the insurance company may decide not to pay for the fire damage because you didn’t hire an electrician and likely caused the fire yourself.
The best thing to do is to know the coverage that you have, including anything that’s specifically excluded from your policy. There aren’t a lot of wildfires in Florida, so that’s not necessarily a huge concern, but house fires still happen all the time for any number of reasons.
What Should You Do After the Fire Is Out in Florida To Address Fire Damage?
Above all, extinguish the fire. Fire usually calls for one to call 911 to get the fire department to respond and put it out. Small fires, such as a stove fire or small trash fire, might have been successfully put out by the homeowner. Investing in one or two fire extinguishers in the house is another excellent reason to do so.
Having eliminated the fire, it’s time to call the insurance company and make that claim. This means that when you call the insurer, they will be able to look it up with your policy number or other identifying information for your insurance policy. After which, the caller would report the complete details of what transpired. You must also submit to the insurance company the police or fire marshal report.
Document the Fire Damages
You will need to have proof of fire damage if the claim is going to be paid. In addition to the insurance adjuster coming out to review the claim and survey the situation, you should complete your own documentation of any damaged property or belongings. This includes:
- Photos
- Videos
- Written descriptions
- Value statements
- Receipts for high-value items and more
Provide as much information as you can. If you have an existing inventory of your personal belongings, use that to document what’s been damaged or lost and update it accordingly.
Secure the Property in Florida
After a fire, if the house is damaged so severely that it needs to be secured, that is the next step in the process. Make sure that you board up any areas of the home that are exposed to the elements or that could invite thieves and vandals. If the home is burned to the ground, you may not be able to do much in the way of securing things besides having caution tape put around the property.
If the property is damaged after a fire, know how to secure it for security purposes after consultation with the authorities. You can also ask your insurance or the adjuster regarding their preference or expectations when it comes to securing the damaged house so as not to put your settlement offer at risk.
Install signs to inform visitors or people that they should maintain their distance, demonstrating to your insurance company that you have done your best to site prevent further fire damage or injuries concerning the fire incident. Relocate personal belongings if they are not safe from further damage, or contact a family member or friend to store them for you.
Determine If Habitability in Florida
Is the house livable after fire damage? It may be immediate or may not be very obtrusive. For instance, in a house fire that has suffered a total loss, you need to find alternative accommodation until the house is rebuilt. However, a small kitchen fire can allow someone to stay while repairs are done. You need to contact your insurance company about the loss-of-use coverage policy if you will need to vacate your property.
Some will ask you to pay hotel bills and food expenses for relocating after a fire, and then they will reimburse you later. Others will give you upfront payment or direct covering of expenses as part of the claims process (for example, booking you a hotel to stay in while a determination is made regarding how to proceed).
If you intend to stay in your house, make sure to check for smoke damage and other kinds of risks that could be caused by fire with the fire marshal. Only once the property is cleared for habitation should you start living in it again.
Final Thoughts
At Jenkins Law PL, we have insurance adjusters who thoroughly evaluate your claim and determine what you should actually be owed. We use our experience to advocate for you so that, whether now or in the future, you receive a fair settlement and can move forward after fire damage disrupts your life. To learn more about your fire insurance claim, get in touch with Jenkins Law PL today.
