Fire Insurance Claims: What Homeowners Need to Know

Standard homeowners insurance covers fire damage to structure and personal belongings. Coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions vary significantly. Reviewing your policy annually ensures adequate coverage as the value of your home and possessions changes.

Documenting possessions with photographs or video, stored in the cloud or a safe deposit box, dramatically simplifies the claims process. Without documentation, insurers may dispute the value of damaged belongings.

After a fire, do not make extensive repairs before an insurance adjuster inspects. Photograph all damage before cleanup. Keep receipts for emergency repairs, temporary lodging, and debris removal—these are typically covered under loss-of-use provisions.