Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fire and Smoke Damage?

Homeowners’ insurance policies typically do cover fire damage caused by unexpected and accidental events, such as electrical malfunctions, lightning strikes, or kitchen accidents. Most even cover additional things like candle fires or grease fires. Standard policies also usually include smoke damage cleanup and repairs. 

Having fire or smoke in your home can be a terrifying experience. Unfortunately, the problem doesn’t stop once the fire is out.

Cleanup and restoration can be a long process, especially if the fire spread to multiple rooms or caused structural damage. Paying for the necessary repairs may feel like an extremely overwhelming situation. In these situations, having seasoned professionals, like BCC Restoration, can help immensely and take some stress off your shoulders.

However, it’s important to note that the fires must be accidental; insurance policies do not cover fires that you have intentionally set in your home, even if you did not originally intend for them to cause damage.

What damage does insurance cover?

Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover your property itself, as well as other structures on your property, such as garages or sheds, in the event of fire damage. Additionally, your policy may include coverage for personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, and electronics that are damaged or destroyed by fire. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain an up-to-date inventory of your possessions and their estimated value to ensure a smooth claims process.

In some cases, homeowner’s insurance may also provide coverage for additional expenses you incur as a result of fire damage. This can include temporary accommodations if your home becomes uninhabitable, as well as costs associated with debris removal, cleaning, and rebuilding.

Does homeowners’ insurance cover wildfires?

In most cases, standard homeowners’ insurance policies do cover damage caused by forest and wildfires, treating them similarly to other fire-related incidents. This includes damage to your home’s structure, personal belongings, and additional living expenses if you need to evacuate or your home becomes uninhabitable.
However, if you live in a high-risk wildfire area, insurance companies may impose special conditions, higher deductibles, or even refuse coverage altogether.

What does insurance not cover?

It’s important to note that homeowner’s insurance policies may have limitations and exclusions, such as coverage caps, deductibles, or specific requirements for fire prevention measures. 

Intentional fires or arson committed by the policyholder are almost never covered, even if the damage exceeds what was intended. Insurance companies will thoroughly investigate suspicious fires, and insurance fraud can result in criminal charges. Additionally, fires resulting from illegal activities will result in claim denials.

Neglect and lack of maintenance can also lead to coverage issues. If a fire results from long-ignored electrical problems, failure to clean chimney flues, or other maintenance issues you’ve been aware of but failed to address, your insurer may deny or reduce your claim. Similarly, vacant homes often have limited or no fire coverage after a certain period, typically 30-60 days.

Some policies may also exclude or limit coverage for certain high-value items like jewelry, art, or collectibles beyond specific dollar amounts. If you own valuable items, you may need to purchase additional riders or scheduled personal property coverage.

Also, if you operate a business from your home, damage to business equipment or inventory may not be covered under a standard homeowners’ policy. Get separate business insurance instead.

We recommend consulting with your insurance provider or reviewing your policy documents to determine exactly what is or isn’t included in your plan.

How do I submit a claim?

If you’ve experienced fire damage, it’s important to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. Document the damage thoroughly by taking photographs and making a detailed list of affected items. If possible, gather a firefighter’s report about the incident. Additionally, keep records of any expenses you incur related to fire damage and maintain open communication with your insurance company throughout the restoration process.

If you don’t feel comfortable or confident with initiating the claims process, give BCC Restoration a call! We have over 18 years of experience serving the Vancouver WA and Portland OR areas, and we know how to get the best outcomes when working with insurance companies. Our team will walk you through the process and ensure you are set up for success. 

Get Fire Damage Repairs and Insurance Assistance From BCC Restoration

At BCC Restoration, we understand the complexities of dealing with fire damage and insurance claims. Our experienced team can work closely with you and your insurance provider to ensure a smooth and efficient restoration process. 

We are here to guide you every step of the way, from helping you navigate your homeowner’s insurance policy to fully restoring your property. To learn more or get started, give us a call today!