Everything You Should Know About Smoke Damage Claims
Smoke is an incredibly destructive and annoying thing to deal with, whether it’s in your home or business, but you don’t have to let the smoke hurt you. You should combat smoke and stop it in your home or business, then file an insurance claim to receive compensation to counteract the damage from the smoke. However, smoke damage claims are different from other claims, which is why you should learn everything there is to know about smoke damage claims. Learning about this process is the first and most important step in getting the compensation you’re entitled to.
Determine Source
The first thing you should investigate if you plan to file a smoke damage insurance claim is where the smoke is coming from. It’s a critical step to stopping the smoke from continuing, but knowing the source is also a crucial part of the claims process. When you find where the smoke is coming from and who or what is responsible, your claim will be stronger.
Additionally, depending on where the smoke is coming from, the claim could go in a few different directions. The insurance company will, depending on how extensive your insurance policy is, handle the damage and harmful health effects you experience. However, if the damage came from a fire from a faulty appliance, the insurance company could go in a new direction, seeking recompense from the appliance manufacturer. Alternatively, if the smoke came from a fire created by humans, the way you file the claim may need to change.
Documentation Is Necessary
In addition to determining the source of the smoke on your property, you need to extensively document the extent of the damage. Smoke generally comes as a result of a fire, but not everyone is going to have the fire hurt their property. Instead, they’re more likely to just face damage in the form of smoke. In addition to damaging your property, smoke can also dramatically hurt your health.
If you’re interested in filing an insurance claim for smoke damage, you must start documenting the extent of the damage. It’s a necessary part of getting the compensation you deserve. You need to take pictures and notes whenever you find something the smoke damaged or destroyed, and you should also keep medical records about how the smoke has affected you. Smoke can affect numerous parts of your body, including your:
- Lungs
- Heart
- Skin
- Eyes
Even if you think you’re OK, you should still go see a doctor to see if the smoke has affected you in any way. You can collect information for whatever ways the smoke damages you and your property and present it in your insurance claim.
Everything You Can Document
Documentation is one of the most important parts of the claims process for whatever you’re filing a claim for. It’s crucial, and if you want the insurance company to properly see the extent of the damage, you need to be precise with how you document any issues. You need to detail:
- Date of loss
- Type of damage
- Damage location
- Body injuries
- Home condition
- Damaged content description
- Whether you need repairs or replacements
- Involved individuals
- Fire department report
This information can seem extensive at first glance, but it is vital for your insurance claim. The more detailed you are, the better the insurance company can understand the incident and how they need to compensate you for your claim.
Filing Your Claim
After assessing the source of the smoke and documenting all the smoke damage, it may be time to file your claim. Depending on your insurance company and policy, there may be some different ways that you can file. Whatever the rules are with your insurance company, you must follow them when beginning your insurance filing process. Look through your insurance policy, see what you need to do, and get your claim together. Remember that you should file your claim sooner rather than later because the longer you wait, the harder it may be to get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Get Professional Help
Another important thing to know about the insurance claim process when you have smoke damage is that filing your claim and coordinating with your insurance company can be tricky. It’s a complex process, and depending on the extent of the smoke damage, getting the compensation you’re entitled to may be even more difficult. Insurance companies do their best to validate your claims to ensure you’re not committing any kind of insurance fraud.
It’s a scary process to navigate, and thankfully, you don’t need to do it alone. You can contact professional claims adjusters who have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of insurance claims to help you. The process is overwhelming, and these adjusters can guide you through that process and help you get full coverage for the smoke damage. With a professional’s expertise on your side, you can rest easy knowing that they’ll help you get the compensation you deserve.
Get a Professional Cleaning
Another part of the insurance claims process you need to handle quickly is professional cleaning. You can clean your property yourself, but depending on how much smoke damage there is, it may be unsafe to do so. Professionals have the necessary tools and solutions to make your property safe again, and you can include the details of the cleaning in your insurance claim. Your insurance company should handle the costs for the cleaners, but the company’s help may vary depending on the nature of your policy.
Professional remediation teams can even deodorize the property or change damaged insulation so that your property is safe for you to work and live in again. It can be an extensive process that may further disrupt your life, but it is a necessary step you should handle sooner rather than later. The earlier you clean your property, the sooner you can file a complete and comprehensive claim for your insurance company.
There’s a lot you should know about smoke damage claims before you can properly file the right claims and get the compensation you’re entitled to. If you are unsure of how to file your claim or the process is bringing you down, let the professionals at AmeriClaims help. We can help you structure and send out your fire damage insurance claims in NC, along with SC, VA, and GA. Instead of letting smoke damage bring you and your property down, file the necessary claim, and get back to living the life you want to live.
