Does My Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Fire Damage for My Home?
Losing your home, car, or any other property after a wildfire can leave you feeling lost, helpless and confused on what to do next.Fire insurance exists for these cases, but many people don’t understand what fire insurance covers and how to obtain it after an emergency.
Fire insurance is a type of insurance coverage for your home that covers losses to your house, and any property within it, from fire damage. Many normal homeowners and renters insurance policies will include coverage for fire damage. However, if you live in a “high-risk” area where wildfires are common, you might consider buying separate fire insurance coverage to protect your home and property.
What Is Covered in the Event of a Fire?
It’s crucial that you completely understand what your normal insurance will cover before a wildfire can occur. Most coverage will include:
- Dwelling. Any costs of repairing or rebuilding your home will be included in typical coverage. This includes plumbing, wiring, and HVAC equipment. There is usually a limit to this coverage, so make sure that you have enough to help rebuild what you need.
- Liability. Liability coverage will protect your assets and any legal defense costs in case of a lawsuit if other people or other properties are involved in the fire.
- Additional structures. Your insurance will also cover damage to any other buildings or structures that you own, such as storage units, garages and fences.
- Personal property. Most insurance coverage will reimburse you and your family for any personal items that were lost in the fire, such as clothing, furniture, electronics or appliances. Coverage might be at a decreased cost, so check your policy.
- Loss of use. Many times, you won’t be able to live in your home for a temporary time while it’s being repaired. Loss of use coverage will pay for additional housing and living expenses during your temporary relocation.
Why Should I Get Separate Coverage?
In many cases, the replacement costs you calculated for your insurance policy will no longer reflect the current conditions of your property, which means you will have to pay out-of-pocket for additional expenses. Widespread fire damage will also raise prices of materials (wood and concrete) and increase labor costs for contractors working on your home.
To cover these extra costs, pay for an extended replacement cost endorsement. This will provide additional coverage that will help you out with any unexpected cost increases.
Call a Bay Area Fire Insurance Claim Lawyer
Our qualified fire claim attorneys at Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C. will help you figure out how to file an insurance claim and get the coverage you deserve. Contact us online for more information and a free case evaluation.
