A home fire is a devastating event that almost always leaves homeowners dealing with both physical damage to their property and the emotional turmoil of rebuilding their lives. An estimated 338,000 home fires occurred in 2021, nearly half attributed to a cooking mishap (Hall, 2023). In the aftermath of such a disaster, hiring Tiger Adjusters can be a smart approach that leads to better outcomes and a quicker return to normalcy for homeowners.
Rather than the alternative of relying on an insurance company’s claim adjuster, Public Adjusters are insurance professionals who work independently on behalf of policyholders. We have specialized knowledge and expertise in assessing property damage, reviewing insurance policies, and negotiating settlements with insurance companies. Public Adjusters bring invaluable advantages to the table when it comes specifically to fire damage.
Immediately following a house fire, your priority will be finding a safe place for you and your family to live. In many cases, returning to a fire-damaged home is impossible until repairs are made. Local disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army can help displaced homeowners access food, clothing, medicine and shelter when necessary. The former offers this guide to your first inspection of home after a fire.
Once local authorities allow you to inspect the damage to your home, you may want to open windows and doors to minimize smoke and water damage and begin making temporary repairs, such as covering holes or removing debris. It’s also essential to determine if you have lost any valuable documents or records to the fire, including titles and deeds, social security cards, or passports, so that you can begin the replacement process as soon as possible (U.S. Fire Administration, 2019). Remember to photograph any damage before starting any remediation and save your receipts for relevant costs.
Heat and flames caused more than $3.8 billion in residential building fire losses in 2021 (U.S. Fire Administration, 2022). It is one of the worst types of property damage that can occur to a property. Fire victims often lose all of their property and belongings and may even have to deal with injury or the death of a loved one.
During a fire, smoke can spread throughout the house, leaving residue on surfaces and belongings. It discolors walls, ceilings, and fabrics, leaves a strong odor, and affects the air quality in the house. Similarly, soot is a black, powdery substance produced when organic materials burn incompletely that can coat surfaces and objects in the house, leaving stains and causing discoloration. Some fires may also involve burning chemicals or hazardous materials, which can release toxic fumes and cause additional damage to the house and its contents.
One of the biggest property problems following a fire is water damage from the firefighters’ efforts to contain the blaze. Waterlogged walls, floors, and furniture can lead to mold growth and structural issues if not addressed promptly.
After a fire of any size or severity, insurance claims require extreme attention to detail during the claim process. When homeowners and business owners trust the insurance company’s claim adjuster, hoping they are in good hands, the claims process often results in delays, insufficient settlement payouts, or even denied claims.
However, property owners do have another option. They can turn to a Public Adjuster to evaluate the damage done by a home fire.
As industry experts, we understand the intricacies of insurance policies, including coverage limitations and exclusions. Tiger Adjusters can help to accurately assess the full extent of the losses and maximize insurance payouts related to fire damage. By thoroughly documenting visible and hidden damages, such as smoke damage and structural issues, we present compelling evidence to insurance companies, resulting in higher settlement offers that reflect the actual cost of repairs and replacements.
Tiger Adjusters are also experienced in coordinating with fire investigators, understanding the specific challenges associated with fire damage claims, and negotiating with insurance adjusters whose goal may be to minimize payouts rather than making the insured whole again. This support allows an insured homeowner to focus on rebuilding their lives and recovering from the fire instead of dealing with the complexities of the claim.
The team at Tiger Adjusters is ready to respond following a fire at your residential or commercial property. Contact us to learn how our experience can ensure you receive all the insurance benefits your policy provides.
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BIBLOGRAPHY
Hall, S. (2023, March 13). Home Structure Fires. National Fire Protection Association. Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/home-structure-fires
U.S. Fire Administration (2019, January). After the Fire. Retrieved from https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf
U.S. Fire Administration (2022, April). Residential Fire Estimate Summaries. Retrieved from https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/residential-fires/
