Fires in the home are unfortunately all too common. That’s why it’s important to understand what causes them, and what you can do regarding the damage. Some common causes of home fires include faulty electrical wiring, cooking (leaving the stove on or an unattended candle lit), Christmas trees that are dehydrated, heating, and smoking.
1. How much damage will a fire cause?
The amount of damage each fire causes to the home is based on many different factors. It can range from smoke damage to complete destruction. It’s imperative that you have home insurance to protect you in such an event. While some causes of fires are covered under insurance, not all will be. You must ensure that the policy covers what you want prior to purchasing it.
2. Do you need to provide the insurance company with evidence?
Even if your insurance policy will cover the cause of your fire, you must provide evidence to the company in order to receive compensation for the damages. If you fail to do so, you could fail to receive any compensation. Be sure to take pictures and label them with the date taken. Consulting with an attorney can help you to know what steps to take next and how to best prepare for them.
3. How long will it take for your insurance claim to be completed?
You may be wondering how long it takes for a claim to be completed after submission. The answer: it depends. There are multiple factors that can impact when your claim will be completed. How you file your claim can affect how fast (or slow) it’s processed. Working with a fire damage adjuster and an attorney can help to speed up the time it takes for your claim to be processed. If you include all of the necessary details in your claim, it can take less than 90 days from the date that the claim is filed.
4. Do you have the right to be involved in the restoration process?
If your claim is successful, the insurance company can choose to restore your home. The good news is that you will be fully in control of how your home is restored. Your insurance company will hire experts who will do their best to restore your home to its previous state. However, it’s in your best interest to be present and pay close attention to make sure they do so.
5. Who can help you the most to recover compensation?
Hiring your own insurance adjuster can be extremely helpful in that they can provide you with an accurate assessment of the damage. Hiring an attorney can be helpful because they can then see what, if anything, the insurance adjuster failed to recognize. An attorney can also provide you with an estimate of how much it would cost to make necessary repairs.
PALUMBO LAW Helps Those in Rhode Island with Their Property Insurance Claims
At PALUMBO LAW, our experienced Rhode Island Law property insurance attorneys understand Rhode Island property damage and fire laws and will work strategically to help our clients maintain their rights. If you believe that you have a claim for fire damage, we can help. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, call us today!
