- Due to the mandatory evacuation, you all are entitled to reimbursement of “extra” expenses incurred as a result of the evacuation (e.g. hotel charges, meals out, clothes, toiletries etc.). Each policy differs but in most cases, these expenses are not subject to your deductible. You would need receipts to have them reimbursed.
- If you have damage caused by smoke, that is a covered loss so report it so it can be addressed.
- Some policies include loss or spoilage to perishable food caused by power interruption. In most cases however, there is a $250 deductible.
- If you do have a claim, the section of your policy titled “Duties After Loss” places conditions on the insured (you) with respect to your obligations.
“There are some critical steps to take now to ensure that your damage is properly documented and covered as part of your fire damage claim,” said Scott Friedson a Texas licensed Public Insurance Adjuster, owner of Insurance Claim Recovery Support and resident of Lakeway, Texas.. “Not taking the proper steps to protect key information could result in a lower, or even a rejected, insurance claim.”
A public adjuster is an insurance claims adjuster who solely represents the rights of the insured as an advocate for the policyholder in appraising and negotiating a first party insurance claim… NOT the insurance company.
Here are 10 key tips Fire Insurance Claim victims can use as a checklist…
- Contact your insurance company to report your fire loss and open the claim as soon as possible
- Make a written request to your insurance carrier for an advance on your fire insurance claim to get living essentials you need for shelter, clothing, food, travel, etc
- Secure your property – if only a part of your property was damaged then you need to mitigate damages.
- Review your policy for coverage to determine how much and what type of coverage you have
- Photograph and/or video damage
- Make a list of all the items you lost
- Gather and keep all receipts for your temporary living expenses
- Continue paying your insurance premiums and mortgages
- Businesses that have business interruption coverage should prepare books and records.
- Consider hiring a public adjuster – This is a licensed insurance claims adjuster who exclusively to represents YOU, the policyholder’s interests…NOT the insurance company.
Frequently asked questions….
- What is a Public Adjuster?
- A public adjuster is a licensed insurance claims adjuster who is an advocate for the policyholder in appraising & negotiating an insurance claim on the behalf of the insured, NOT the insurance company.
- What does a Public Adjuster do?
- Evaluate existing insurance policies, document damage, evaluate business interruption losses, determine values for settling covered damages, prepare, interpret policy, document and support the claim on behalf of insured.
- How Do I Benefit by Using a Public Insurance Adjuster?
- Maximum Settlement, Minimum Time—Licensed public insurance adjusters can interpret policy and negotiate insurance settlements. (TDI Code Chapter 4102)
- Legal—Licensed public adjusters can legally represent the rights of an insured.
Scott Friedson, I am a Texas licensed Public Insurance Adjuster, owner of Insurance Claim Recovery Support and resident of Lakeway, Texas. His daughter goes to Steiner Ranch Children’s Center. If you or anyone you know who has been impacted would like to meet he’s offering a Free, no obligation opinion of claim recovery in 48 hours or less. Service costs nothing out of pocket. Get in touch with Scott at 512-904-9900 or scott@insuranceclaimrecoverysupport.com
Marie McGrath, a Steiner resident and a practicing attorney (in the areas of personal injury, family and immigration law) is offering a free review of insurance policies to those that have been affected and anticipate filing a claim. She’s available to answer any questions that you may have regarding your insurance and will post questions and answers to this site. Marie is the Treasurer of the Four Points Chamber of Commerce as well as the Treasurer of Laura Welch Bush Elementary PTA. Get in touch with her through mcgrathaustinlawyer.com
Leander Lowe’s is offering a FREE consultation with a Certified Representative; an evaluation of your home’s needs to include fencing, decks, windows, gutters, siding. Contact Leander Lowe’s at 512-260-5670….ext.222.
I am a Steiner resident and a practicing attorney. I practice in the areas of personal injury, family and immigration law. I am the Treasurer of the Four Points Chamber of Commerce as well as the Treasurer of Laura Welch Bush Elementary PTA. I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to those who have been devastated by this fire. To that end, I am offering a free review of insurance policies to those that have been affected and anticipate filing a claim. I will also be happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding your insurance and will post questions and answers to this site.
Hello,
I was evacuated, but my house is not damaged. I kept all my receipts from the hotel, meals out, etc. My insurance company (State Farm) said I must meet a high deductible before any items are covered even though it was a mandatory evacuation. Any advice?
We were told the same thing. We actually came close to the deductible. We submitted the claim even though we don’t get any $ for this. But it will reduce thr deductible if something else happens this year.
Anyone who has not heard yet – if you have USAA they pay out quickly with no fuss for things like loss of refrigerated items and hotel expenses. I didn’t even know my renter’s policy covered such things. One quick phone call to USAA and I had $500 transferred to my checking account for the contents of my fridge and freezer. No deductible, no itemizing, not pics to take. I stayed with family so I didn’t have hotel expenses, but I’ve heard they paid out quickly for that as well.