After a House Fire: Insurance Claim Basics

After a fire, the insurance claim can feel like a second emergency. It does not have to be. The basics are straightforward: secure the property, document before you clean, file promptly, and do not throw anything away until the adjuster has seen it.

Secure the property first

Board up broken windows and doors, tarp roof damage, and make sure the property is locked. This is not just common sense — most policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and failing to do so can complicate your claim. Keep receipts for any emergency work; it is usually reimbursable. Need board-up fast? Call (555) 010-2277 any time — we connect you with an independent local fire-damage contractor, and the matching service is free.

Document before cleanup

Photograph and video every room before anything is moved, cleaned, or thrown away — closets and drawers open, close-ups of damaged items, structural damage, the exterior. Start an inventory list: item, approximate age, what you paid or what it is worth. Do not discard damaged items before the adjuster sees them — once they are gone, they are hard to claim.

File promptly

Call your insurer as soon as you can and open a claim — you will get a claim number and an adjuster assigned. Ask about emergency advances (many insurers will front money for immediate needs) and confirm what is covered for temporary repairs. Keep a log of every call: date, who you spoke with, what was said.

Additional living expenses (ALE)

Most homeowner policies include ALE coverage — hotel bills, meals out, laundry, and other extra costs while your home is unlivable. There are limits, so ask your adjuster what yours are, and save every receipt. Without receipts, reimbursement gets difficult.

Getting contractor estimates

Get written estimates from independent restoration contractors — the adjuster’s scope and the contractor’s scope should roughly agree, and if they do not, the contractor’s documentation is your evidence. Do not sign any repair contract under pressure in the first days after a fire, and verify license and insurance before anyone starts work. See our guide on how to vet a restoration contractor.

The adjuster’s visit

Walk the property with the adjuster, point out damage they might miss (attic, basement, HVAC), and share your photos and inventory. If the settlement seems light, you can ask for a re-inspection or hire a public adjuster — you do not have to accept the first number.

Frequently asked questions

How soon after a fire should I file a claim?

As soon as you can — the same day if possible. Early filing gets an adjuster assigned faster and starts the clock on emergency advances and ALE coverage.

Can I start cleaning up before the adjuster comes?

Do emergency mitigation only — board-up, tarping, stopping active damage. Do not do general cleanup or throw anything away before the adjuster documents it. Photograph everything first either way.

What is ALE coverage?

Additional living expenses: the part of your homeowner policy that pays for hotel, meals, and other extra living costs while your home is unlivable. Ask your adjuster about your limits and save every receipt.

Should I accept the insurance company’s preferred contractor?

You can, but you do not have to — the choice of contractor is yours. Get your own written estimates too, and compare scopes before signing anything.

What if the settlement offer seems too low?

You can dispute it: ask for a re-inspection, provide your contractor’s documentation and your inventory, or hire a public adjuster to negotiate on your behalf. You do not have to accept the first number.

Does filing a fire claim raise my rates?

It can, depending on your insurer, your state, and your claim history. That said, a fire claim is exactly what the policy is for — talk to your agent about the likely impact, but do not skip filing a legitimate major claim over rate anxiety alone.