Damage by Smoke: Tips for Filing a Claim

8/29/2018 (Permalink)

Chimney fire damage in an Oak Grove, KY home

When fire ravages your commercial property in Oak Grove, KY, you probably know you must document all the areas that were burned by the fire to file an insurance claim correctly. What may surprise you is all the smoke damage you’ll find after a fire. Even if the fire occurs in the building next door, your building could take on damage from the smoke that wafts over. Just like structural issues, smoke and soot damage must be carefully documented in order for your claim to have a better chance of getting accepted by the insurance company. Here are some tips on how to do so.

Necessary Information

Your insurance company will probably send an insurance adjuster to assess your property after you contact them, but you can help clarify the issues that need resolution by documenting all the necessary information. There are several things the documentation of your smoke damage should include:

• Date of fire loss
• Description of structures or damaged items
• Location of damage
• Police and fire department reports
• Smoke cleaning bid from remediation experts

It is also a good idea to include pictures or video proof of the things on your list. The more relevant the information you can provide, the stronger your claim will be.

Objective Assessment

The insurance company may send out its own adjuster, but keep in mind the entity for whom he or she works. The company's adjuster may have a vested interest in underestimating damage. To ensure objectivity, it may be prudent to hire a public adjuster who has no reason to have an agenda to save the insurance company money. The public adjuster's assessment, along with the detailed bid from the company performing smoke cleaning services, can serve as advocates for getting you the amount required to fix your building.

Whether you are dealing with smoke damage from a fire in your building or the one next door, it is important to know how to get the most out of your insurance policy. By providing detailed descriptions of the damage and filing in a timely manner, you increase your chances of a fair payout.