How to File a Fire Damage Insurance Claim
A practical sequence for filing a fire damage claim: reporting the loss, documenting damage, mitigating further loss and working with your adjuster.
Call toll free now
Tell the operator your city, what happened and whether the fire department has cleared the building. You will be connected with a local provider that covers your area.
(833) 917-4160Fire damage? Call toll free now
- Give your city and ZIP code
- Say what happened and whether the fire is out
- Ask the company about its license and insurance
Quick answer
Report the loss quickly, give the fire report number, document everything before cleanup, protect the property from more damage, keep receipts and keep a written log of every conversation with your insurer.
Step by step
- Report the loss. Call your insurer or agent as soon as you can and ask for a claim number.
- Get the fire report. Ask the fire department for a copy or the incident number.
- Document. Photograph and film each room and the exterior. Take close ups of damaged items and visible soot.
- Protect the property. Arrange board up, tarping and water removal and keep invoices.
- Build an inventory. List belongings with description, age, where bought and value. Receipts, photos and bank statements help.
- Meet the adjuster. Walk through the property and share your documentation.
- Review the estimate. Compare it against the restoration company's scope and ask about differences.
- Keep a log. Note dates, names and summaries of each call or email.
Tips that help
- Do not discard damaged items until the adjuster has seen or approved it, unless they are hazardous.
- Ask about advance payments for living expenses.
- Ask whether your insurer has preferred vendors, but you may still ask questions about the company that works on your property.
- Put disagreements in writing and ask for an explanation of any denied or reduced items.
If you disagree with the result
Ask for a written explanation, provide additional documentation and ask about your policy's appraisal or dispute process. Your state insurance department can explain how to file a complaint if you believe a claim is being handled improperly.
Sources and further reading
- American Red Cross: what to do after the fire department leaves
- NAIC: Find your state insurance department
Related services
Need help now?
Call toll free (833) 917-4160 to be connected with an independent local company. Browse fire damage services or find help in your state.