A guide to fire, smoke and soot claims: what to expect after a fire, what policies typically cover, and how to document structural damage, belongings and living expenses.
A fire is one of the most disruptive losses a property owner can face. Even a small kitchen fire can spread smoke and soot through an entire home, and the water used to put out the fire often causes damage of its own.
Fire is a covered peril under nearly all homeowners and commercial property policies, but fire claims are complex. They often involve three parts at once: the building, your personal property, and the extra costs of living or operating elsewhere during repairs. This guide explains how those parts typically work.
Visible damage includes charred framing, burned contents, melted fixtures and stained walls and ceilings.
Hidden damage often goes unclaimed:
Depending on your policy, fire coverage typically includes:
Commercial policies may also include business income coverage. See our business interruption guide.
Our article on the first 48 hours after a house fire goes through these steps in more detail.
Fire claims often take longer than other claims because of investigations, contents inventories and rebuilding. Policies typically require prompt notice, may require a sworn proof of loss within a set time after the insurer requests it, and often limit how long you have to complete repairs to collect replacement cost holdback. Many policies also limit how long you have to file a lawsuit. Check your policy and ask your insurer to confirm deadlines in writing.
As licensed public adjusters, we work for you. On a fire claim we typically document structural, smoke and hidden damage, help prepare the contents inventory, track Loss of Use expenses, prepare a detailed estimate and negotiate with the insurer, so you can focus on your family or business.
Learn more about our public adjusting services.
Texas: Texas law sets timeframes for insurers to acknowledge, investigate and pay claims, and Texas public adjusters are licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance.
Louisiana: Louisiana law sets timeframes for insurers to begin adjusting and to pay claims after proof of loss, and public adjusters are licensed by the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
Mississippi: Public adjusters must be licensed by the Mississippi Insurance Department.
These notes are general. Your policy and current state law control.
Most policies cover sudden smoke damage from a hostile fire, including cleaning and, where needed, replacing affected materials and belongings. Smoke from ongoing sources such as fireplaces or smoking is usually not covered.
ALE, part of Loss of Use coverage, pays reasonable extra costs when your home is unlivable after a covered loss, such as temporary housing and meals beyond your normal budget. It is usually capped by a dollar amount, a time period, or both.
Not until they are documented. Photograph each item and list it on your inventory, and give the insurer a chance to inspect before disposal unless the items pose a health or safety hazard.
Insurers often start by cleaning smoke-damaged items. If cleaning does not restore an item to its pre-loss condition, including odor removal, replacement may be appropriate. Keep notes on items that still smell or are stained after cleaning.
It varies with the size of the loss, investigations and contents inventories. Large fire claims can take months. Keeping organized records and responding promptly to insurer requests helps keep the claim moving.
A simple, step-by-step way to create and update a home inventory now, so documenting your belongings is easier if a fire, storm, or leak happens.
Read articleNot every claim needs full public adjusting. Here's when a claim consultation can help you understand your policy, estimate, and next steps.
Read articleA plain-language guide to the declarations page of your homeowners policy: coverages, limits, deductibles, endorsements, and what to check each year.
Read articleTalk with a licensed public adjuster about your fire, smoke or soot damage when you are ready. We can review your policy and the insurer's estimate with you.
We work for policyholders, not insurance companies. Contact us to talk through your claim and your policy. Call 877-5APC-247 (877-527-2247) or email claims@allperils.com.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every claim is different, and coverage depends on your policy language, the facts of your loss and current state law. All Perils Consulting is a public adjusting firm licensed in Texas (#3296354) and Louisiana (#1207216); Mississippi claims are handled under Barry Van Shoubrouek's individual public adjuster license (#10768959). We are public adjusters, not attorneys. For legal questions, consult a licensed attorney.