How to Fill Out Insurance Forms After a Fire
If your home or office was recently damaged in a fire, you are undoubtedly feeling a bit of worry and anguish. How will you repair the damages? Will your insurance company provide fair reimbursement? Instead of panicking, your time should be spent evaluating the damage and documenting it for your insurance claim. Although completing all those forms may seem confusing at first, with a little time and research, filling out insurance forms after a fire is a relatively simple process.
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Things You'll Need
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
- Receipts for any damaged or destroyed products
- Photographs
- Police report detailing the incident
- Repair estimates
Instructions
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How to Fill Out Insurance Forms After a Fire
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1
Obtain the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the fire. Although this information is not required---and there may not have been witnesses---it is always good to provide it if it's available.
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2
List all structural damage to your home and describe any injuries that occurred as a result of the fire. Be thorough and honest in your explanation.
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3
Include the names and models of any damaged appliances and electronics. This information is very important, as it helps your insurance company determine an appropriate reimbursement amount.
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4
Make copies of any receipts you still have for damaged or destroyed products and include them with your forms. If you didn't keep your receipts, research your products online and print out two to three ads showing the price of the product.
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5
Photograph the damage and include copies of the pictures with your forms. Although your building contractor will probably do this as well, it's always a good idea to take your own photos in case the contractor misses something or loses an important picture.
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Include a copy of the police report. If you don't have one, contact the law enforcement agency that responded to the incident.
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7
Provide multiple estimates. Make sure you get full estimates from two to three contractors, as this information helps your insurance company better estimate repair costs.
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Tips & Warnings
Make copies of all documentation you provide to the insurance company. Keep any original photos, receipts, or police documentation that you provide.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Paul Brentnall
