With its hot climate, it is no surprise that Florida is known to be a fire-prone state. In 2019, the NFIRS reported a total of 66.7% deaths and billions of dollars worth of properties lost due to residential fires. 

The only silver lining in these drastic times may come from your homeowners or fire insurance policy. But if the insurance company delays, denies, or undervalues your claim, then it can easily become a massive nightmare on top of your burned-down property.

We at AskMyAttorneys know how difficult it is to get a claim approved or get compensated so you can recover your losses. Fortunately, our experienced fire insurance lawyer, Atty. Rafael Gonzalez can help you file a claim and pursue the maximum financial amount indicated on your policy. 

What damages are covered by a fire insurance policy?

Standard homeowners insurance policies usually include fire insurance coverage. This covers all the damages to your home, including those sustained by other structures within the property, such as a shed or garage. 

Moreover, fire insurance policies cover damages inflicted by smoke, which can wreak havoc on your walls, ceilings, and furniture. Additionally, your fire policy also covers smoke damages from a neighbor's burning home. 

If you’re unsure of the terms written on your policy, you can contact a fire damage attorney near me to review your policy and determine its coverages.

How do I get the most out of my fire insurance claim?

A fire that destroys your home and property can cause serious trauma to you and your family. But once you ensure that everyone’s safe, it’s essential to process and work on your fire claim immediately. Here are some of the essential things you need to do to file a claim and recover your losses successfully:

• Call your insurance company right away. Notify them of what happened and the damages your property sustained. File a claim to their claims department promptly.
• Document everything. Take a photo of your damaged property from every angle. Take note of everything that has been damaged, such as furniture, appliance, and other personal items. 
• Secure your property. Your insurance policy requires you to take steps to minimize or prevent further damage to your property. This includes calling the fire department to check the property or boarding up the windows or broken doors to keep vandals out. You can then take a photo after you have mitigated the damages.
• File your receipts and keep track of expenses. The “loss of use” in your insurance policy allows you to get reimbursed for all your additional living expenses while you’re out of your home.
• Seek the best lawyers for fire damage. A fire insurance lawyer can help represent your best interest in dealing with your adjuster and insurance company.

How can lawyers for fire damage help me?  

Insurance companies are known to act in bad faith to delay or avoid paying the right amount of compensation to their policyholders. They may purposefully delay the valuation, deny the total loss, or even threaten to prosecute in the hopes of intimidating you to accept their lowball offer.

But with a fire damage attorney at your side, you can rest easy knowing that your fire and smoke damage insurance claim is being processed properly. Your lawyer can assist you in navigating the legal matters of your fire insurance claim by reviewing your policy and your rights, gathering evidence, or stepping in when an adjuster overlooked something.

Frequently asked questions about fire claims:

How do you prove smoke damage?

Thoroughly document smoke damages to or within your home. Take note of the date, time, and description of the damage, and take a photo of it from every angle. Then contact your insurance company and file your smoke damage claim right away.

Is soot damage covered by insurance?

Yes. A standard homeowner’s insurance covers fire, smoke, soot, and ash damages. So if a fire accident in your home or a nearby property left soot damages to your carpeting or floor, document it right away, then file a claim.

How do you deal with insurance companies after a fire?

Insurance companies require policyholders to report a fire loss or damage as soon as possible. As you do this, remember to document in writing all your communications with your adjuster or agent. 

You should also remember NOT to start any work on your damaged property until you and your insurer come to an agreement on your scope of loss.

Lastly, don’t feel pressured to automatically agree to what your insurer says or “recommends.” You can take your time and do your own research before settling on anything. Better yet, you may contact a fire damage attorney to ensure that your insurer pays the compensation you deserve.

Where to find the best fire damage attorney near me?

If your fire and smoke damage insurance claim has been wrongfully denied or delayed, we are more than willing to help you. 

Atty. Rafael A. Gonzalez of AskMyAttorneys is a skilled fire insurance lawyer who can help you recover the financial amount covering all your losses and damages. He can assist you in all legal matters and aid you every step of the way一from filing your claim and negotiations to representing your cause in court if necessary.

Besides fire claims, Atty Gonzalez is also an experienced property insurance attorney and hurricane damage attorney, and more!

Request a free consultation or ask the attorney about your rights by calling at 954-961-5100. 

You NEVER PAY unless YOU GET PAID. When you work with our fire insurance lawyers, you will not pay anything until your insurance company pays you.
Get access to the best lawyers for fire damage by contacting us now! Our team speaks in both Spanish and English.