A fire is one of the most traumatic events a homeowner can experience. Beyond the immediate shock, there’s the stress of figuring out how to recover and rebuild. Ronnie Gelfont, owner of 21st Century Public Adjusters in Newtown, Pennsylvania, shares his insights on the steps to take after a fire and how a public adjuster can make the process smoother and more effective.
The First Steps After a Fire
The most important thing is your safety. As Ronnie emphasizes, “Get out of your house. Stop taking things with you.” Your priority should be ensuring that everyone—pets included—gets out safely and contacting the fire department immediately. Once the fire department is on-site, they will assess and clear your home, which may take some time.
In the aftermath, many people feel overwhelmed, particularly if they’ve been displaced. This is when having a clear plan for filing an insurance claim becomes crucial.
Filing an Insurance Claim
The process starts with notifying your insurance company. Here’s what to do:
- Contact Your Claims Department: Provide them with details of the fire and a case number or incident report from the fire department.
- Temporary Living Arrangements: Most homeowner policies include additional living expenses (ALE), which cover temporary housing, like a hotel, while your home is assessed and repaired.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all conversations, receipts, and reports. This documentation will be vital for your claim.
Ronnie stresses the importance of understanding your policy’s coverage, including what is and isn’t covered under your additional living expenses, property damage, and contents coverage.
How a Public Adjuster Can Help
Public adjusters like Ronnie advocate for homeowners by ensuring every detail of the claim is handled properly. “Insurance companies use detailed software to calculate damages, but without proper guidance, you might not get the full value you’re entitled to,” he explains.
For example, a public adjuster will:
- Document every aspect of the damage, from smoke and fire to water damage caused by extinguishing the flames.
- Use industry-standard tools and techniques to create a comprehensive report for the insurance company.
- Maximize your claim by accounting for overlooked expenses, like moving and storage costs or specialized cleaning services to neutralize smoke odors.
Ronnie’s expertise lies in ensuring his clients get what’s rightfully theirs by detailing every necessary repair and expense.
Understanding Fire Insurance Coverage
Fire damage is typically covered under a basic homeowner’s policy, but the specifics depend on your coverage type:
- Schedule A to D: Policies often categorize coverage into property, additional structures, contents, and living expenses.
- Document Your Belongings: Ronnie recommends taking photos or videos of every room in your home before disaster strikes. This documentation will help prove the value of items lost in a fire.
- Policy Endorsements: Items like jewelry, art, or collectibles may require additional endorsements to ensure full coverage.
Handling Health-Related Issues Post-Fire
While fire insurance covers property damage and temporary housing, it doesn’t cover health-related issues, like asthma complications or medical needs resulting from smoke exposure. This can be a frustrating realization for many homeowners, but understanding your policy upfront can help set realistic expectations.
What About Arson or Suspicious Fires?
If arson is suspected, it can slow down the claim process. Insurance companies will conduct a thorough investigation to rule out any wrongdoing by the homeowner. However, as long as the fire wasn’t maliciously or intentionally caused by the property owner, the claim will proceed.
Why Hire a Public Adjuster?
Many homeowners assume they can navigate the insurance claim process alone, but having a public adjuster on your side ensures you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. Public adjusters:
- Detail every aspect of your claim, often finding additional areas of compensation you might overlook.
- Negotiate directly with the insurance company, saving you time and frustration.
- Provide expert guidance on the intricacies of your policy and how to maximize its benefits.
As Ronnie puts it, “Hiring me ensures things get done smoothly, without a bunch of hangups along the way.”
Unexpected Situations Covered by Insurance
Did you know even smoke damage from a neighbor’s fire or a malfunctioning boiler could be covered? Fires caused by tenants or even accidental puffbacks from your heating system are typically covered as well. Public adjusters understand these nuances and can help you navigate these claims effectively.
How to Prepare for the Worst
While no one wants to think about a fire, preparation can make all the difference:
- Take inventory of your belongings with photos or videos.
- Keep important documents, like your insurance policy, in a safe, easily accessible location.
- Review your policy regularly to ensure it covers your current needs, including any recent renovations or valuable purchases.
Get Expert Help When You Need It
Filing an insurance claim after a fire can be daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Ronnie Gelfont and the team at 21st Century Public Adjusters are here to help you navigate the process with expertise and care.
You can reach Ronnie at (215) 485-3107, via email at 21stclaims@gmail.com, or visit the office at 41 University Drive, Suite 400, Newtown, PA. For more information, visit www.21stcenturypublicadjusters.com.
When disaster strikes, don’t face it alone—partner with a public adjuster who will advocate for you every step of the way.