Are You Covered After a Fire?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Consider this information as regards your Coverage for better protect your White Bear Lake, MN house.

A home fire can be a devastating experience. To watch something you have nurtured go up in flames is difficult, but as long as you and your family are safe, you can still recover from it, especially if you have a solid home insurance policy. Your coverage should help you pay for fire mitigation services as well as what you lose. There are a few things that aren't covered by a standard policy, though.

Important information to consider as regards your Coverage.

Loss

A loss from a fire is one of the many reasons it's important to keep your home insurance policy current. Rather than have to pay out of pocket for all the things that are destroyed or damaged in the fire, you can likely file a successful claim for several expenses:

• Damage mitigation
• Structure restoration
• Item replacement
• Short-term relocation
• Liability coverage for damage to adjacent properties

It's important to know which expenses your policy will cover if your home in White Bear Lake, MN catches fire. You don't want to be caught in the surprise of unexpected out-of-pocket costs after the fact. Review your policy with your agent and add any additional coverage you need.

Arson

The vital component in an insurance claim is that the triggering event has to be an accident. Fires that occur as a result of a fallen candle, a kitchen grease fire or a short in electrical wiring are likely to be covered. Fires that homeowners set on purpose are not. You cannot intentionally set a home fire and collect money on the damages from your policy. This is arson fraud, and it is a crime. Not only will your claim be denied but you will also probably face charges.

Wildfire

Natural disasters are often excluded from basic coverage. Some policies may cover damage from wildfires while others may not. Insurance companies assess not only your needs but their risks before developing a policy to offer you. Wildfires leave behind such widespread devastation that it would not be feasible for providers to automatically include such damage in a standard property policy. If your home is located in an area that is prone to wildfires, you may need an additional policy to cover that specific circumstance.

Vacant Home

Another occurrence that is not likely to be covered under your home insurance policy is a vacant home fire. If, for example, your vacation home catches fire while you are away, the basic policy may not cover the cost of mitigation or help you recoup any of the cost of replacing lost items. To make sure your valuable property is covered even when you're not living there, inquire about a vacant home policy through your provider.

The aftermath of a home fire can be very expensive, especially if your insurance policy doesn't cover every issue that you encounter after the disaster. Understanding the terms of your coverage is essential. Once you know what your policy does and does not cover, you can supplement it with other policies that match your needs more thoroughly.

It's better to have more coverage than you need than wind up in a situation where you don't have enough to compensate for your losses.