Over the years, fire claims have never been more straightforward. Insurance companies, through their experts, work hard to deny claims to the policyholders. Therefore, every claim process is treated uniquely and has a distinct outcome. Consequently, you need to be prepared before filing your fire claim. Below, you’ll learn some critical concepts that will predict how your fire claim will go.

Filing Claim Immediately

Florida fire claims need to be filed as soon as possible. This is because many policies have a “timely filing” clause. You could lose your benefits if you don’t file your claim within a specific time window. This timeframe is between 30 and 60 days after the fire occurred for most companies. Therefore, you need to take action as soon as possible. To give yourself the best chance, start working on your claim on the day of the fire.

Get a Public Adjuster

Working with a fire claims adjuster is critical if you want to have a successful claim. They will be able to negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf and help get you the coverage you deserve. In most cases, it’s best to hire a public fire claims adjuster. While there are plenty of good insurance adjusters, public adjusters work for you instead of the insurance company. This gives you more leeway to help you get the best possible outcome for your claim.

Keep Detailed Records

Florida fire claims are generally very document-intensive. You will need to provide a lot of evidence to prove your losses. This includes receipts, bank statements, tax returns, and more. The more documentation you’ll have, the easier it will be to get the total value of your claim. Therefore, it’s essential to keep detailed records of everything related to the fire. This includes the date of the fire, the damages caused, and anything you’ve done to try to repair the damage.

Ascertain the Extent of Damage

You need to know how much damage was caused by the fire. This will help you determine the value of your claim. To do this, you will need to get a professional assessment of the damage. An experienced restoration company can provide you with an estimate of the cost to repair or replace your damaged belongings. Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate, and the actual cost could be more or less. However, it will give you a good starting point for negotiating with your insurance company.

Get Several Estimates

Once you estimate the damage, you need to get several estimates from different contractors. This is important because insurance companies often lowball policyholders on their initial offer. By getting multiple estimates, you can show the insurance company that you are serious about getting the full value of your claim.

Hire an Attorney

In some instances, fire claims can be very complex. If you feel like you’re not getting anywhere with your insurance company, you may need to hire an attorney. An experienced fire claim lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and get the best possible outcome for your claim. In addition, an attorney will assist you in gathering evidence, filing the necessary paperwork, and representing you in court if necessary.

Conclusion

Filing a Florida fire claim can be a complex and confusing process. However, by paying attention to the essential tips discussed above, you can give yourself the best chance at a successful outcome. If you have queries about your fire claim, speak with a qualified public adjuster or attorney. Contact Florida Fire Claims today for a free fire claim evaluation.