1. Ensure Safety and Document the Damage

Your safety and that of your family should always come first. Once everyone is safe and emergency responders have extinguished the fire, take the following steps:

• Avoid entering the property until it’s deemed safe by officials.
• Take detailed photos and videos of the damage, including the interior, exterior, and any personal belongings affected by the fire.
• Create an inventory of lost or damaged items. Include descriptions, purchase dates, and approximate values for each.

Pro Tip: The more documentation you have, the stronger your fire damage insurance claim will be.

2. Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the fire. Be ready to provide:

• Your policy number.
• A brief description of the incident.
• An initial estimate of the damage (based on your observations).

Most policies have specific timelines for reporting claims, so acting quickly is critical to avoid delays or denials.

3. Mitigate Further Damage

Your policy likely requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage to your property after the fire. This includes:

• Covering holes in the roof or broken windows with tarps or plywood.
• Securing the property against unauthorized access.
• Working with a professional board-up company if necessary.

Pro Tip: Keep all receipts for temporary repairs, as these expenses may be reimbursable under your policy.

4. Understand Your Policy and Coverage

Before accepting any offers, take time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Key areas to focus on include:

• Dwelling Coverage: How much will your policy cover for rebuilding or repairing your home?
• Personal Property Coverage: What’s the limit for replacing damaged belongings?
• Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Will your policy cover temporary housing if you can’t live in your home?

Understanding your policy helps you avoid being underpaid or denied for valid claims.

5. Work with a Public Adjuster

Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line, which can result in denied or underpaid claims. Hiring a public adjuster, like M&M Adjusting, ensures you have an advocate who works for YOU. A public adjuster will:

• Assess your fire damage independently.
• Handle all communication with your insurance company.
• Fight to maximize your fire damage claim payout.

Pro Tip: Even if you’ve already started your claim, a public adjuster can step in to help at any stage of the process.

Need Help With Your Fire Damage Claim?

Filing a fire damage claim doesn’t have to be a battle. At M&M Adjusting, we specialize in helping homeowners in Cook County and DuPage County get the settlements they deserve. Don’t let the insurance company shortchange you – let us handle the claim while you focus on rebuilding your life.

📞 Call us today at 708-888-4541 or visit ClaimsApproved.com for a FREE claim review and consultation.

M&M Adjusting – Your Advocate, Your Ally, Your Solution.