We have been asked many times, "What should I do right after the fire"?
Each claim is different, when a home is on fire the damage depends on many factors.
After everyone leaves and it finally settles down you have a responsibility written within the policy. This is your duty after the loss. You must file a claim. It is your duty after a loss to protect the structure and contents from further damage. This simply means placing a tarp over any areas to prevent water damage from pending thunderstorms. The structure may need the windows boarded up to prevent theft. This is all you need to do.
Please do not confuse this with signing a contract with the first restoration company that shows up. It is OK if they are simply providing a service to board up the windows or place a tarp over exposed areas. Our advice, read everything and get a copy of what you have signed. Many times we have had fire or storm victims tell us they only signed a contract to have their home boarded up or a tarp placed over the damaged area when in fact they actually signed a contract allowing the restoration company to do all repairs to the home.
You need to know, if you hire a restoration company you just ruined your settlement. We have nothing against hiring anyone, but let us settle the claim first so that you know your budget, can obtain bids and then choose your contractor.
The next step is simple, stop. Leave everything where it is. You will have the desire to start removing your contents, don't. As a fire or storm victim your desire to hurry is almost uncontrollable. The damage is done and you have to realize settling a claim is not a fast process.
The last step may be the most difficult for some reason… We would like for you to simply talk to us. The most common reason people will not talk to us is simple…You were told many times you have nothing to worry about…You bought the best policy and in that policy you have "replacement coverage". This statement alone will make you feel as though you cannot lose but unfortunately you can lose.