What Should Be Included in a Fire Claim

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

What Should Be Included in a Fire Claim

While a fire disaster can be unpredictable, the process for mitigation and restoration is the opposite. As a commercial property owner, you are likely already preparing for the visit from the insurance adjuster. However, while the claims process is necessary for a full recovery, you may struggle with what items to report as having fire damage. Fortunately, a Valley Brook, OK, disaster restoration company can help you sort through the aftermath. In most cases, you can break your losses down into three categories.

• Merchandise
  
• Equipment
  
• Structure
  
  

Merchandise

The first thing most business owners are concerned about is their merchandise. Was there any damage to your goods, or did the fire occur in another area of the building? For product losses, you will want to gather any merchandising records you have to help prove the contents of the building at the time of the fire.

Equipment

Next, fire damage can lead to significant equipment losses. Be sure to itemize computers, appliances, machinery and anything else that is vital to your operations. Again, be sure to find any receipts or maintenance records about the equipment to prove its existence. If you happen to have any photos of the equipment, that can be helpful for the adjuster when they are doing their investigation.

Structure

Last, document any structural damage. Also, it is imperative that you take note of any fire mitigation efforts you have taken, as well as when you completed it. A significant part of your claim will depend on your efforts to minimize any further property loss following the initial devastation.
The fire damage claims process is reminiscent of any other disaster claim. The critical thing to keep in mind is that documentation is the key to a successful claims process. Therefore, instead of trying to go it alone, consider hiring a restoration company to help ensure that all recovery and compliance efforts become part of the record of the event.