Damage guide
Fire damage
After a fire, safety and shelter come first. Fire damage often involves structural, contents, smoke and water damage from firefighting at the same time.
Immediate safety considerations
- • Do not re-enter the property until the fire department says it is safe.
- • Ask the fire department for a copy or number of the fire report.
- • Utilities may need to be inspected before being reconnected.
- • Wear protective equipment — ash and soot can be hazardous.
If anyone is in danger, call 911.
How to document the damage
- Only document damage once it is safe to be in the area.
- Take wide photos of each room, then close-ups of specific damage.
- Record a short video walkthrough narrating what you see.
- Write down the date and time you discovered the damage.
- Keep damaged items until your insurer says you can discard them, when it is safe and sanitary to do so.
- Save receipts for emergency supplies, temporary repairs and lodging.
When to contact your insurer
Contact your insurer promptly. Ask whether your policy includes additional living expenses (sometimes called loss of use) and what documentation they need.
We can't tell you whether a loss is covered — only your policy and insurer can.
Professionals who may help
Common terms
- Additional living expenses (ALE)
- Coverage some policies provide for extra costs of living elsewhere while repairs happen.
- Contents inventory
- A list of damaged personal property, often with descriptions, ages and values.
Questions to ask potential contractors
- • Are you licensed for this work in my state or city? Can I see the license number?
- • Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance? Can you provide certificates?
- • Will you provide a written, itemized estimate before starting?
- • Who will be doing the work — your employees or subcontractors?
- • What are your payment terms? (Be cautious of large upfront payments.)
- • Will you obtain any required permits?
- • Can you provide references from recent, similar jobs?
- • What will you need from me to support documentation for my insurer?