The Three Things You Must Do Immediately If You Have A Fire or Flood
3 Tips For Navigating An Insurance Claim
If your home has been damaged by fire, water, or smoke, there are a few things you must do quickly. Being prepared can make the difference between getting repairs started right away or waiting for 2-3 months with no home until your insurance company and contractor can fit you in.
Navigating an insurance claim while grieving the loss of your memories and possessions can be painful. Following these steps will make things easier.
Call a contractor qualified to help you re-build. Getting this piece of the puzzle locked in first is important in a wild-fire situation because everyone is on a first come first served basis. – The last thing you want is to be stuck with who ever your insurance company gets the best deal from.
Your Contractor should be
- Licensed with the CCB. Insured, and Bonded
- Your Contractor should have experience with Fire Damage and Water Damage.
- Be sure you have a signed contract for mitigation and another one for Restoration.
- You are going to need to be able to trust who ever you hire… pay attention to your gut instincts
Call your insurance company, It’s important to give them clear information
- Your home was involved in a fire
- Policy Number and contact information
- The name of your contractor
They will provide you with a check for food and lodging while the details get sorted out.
Take a video of the entire contents of your home. You will be able to compare it with the video you took earlier to determine what needs to be replaced.
If you follow these steps you will have the best odds of a good outcome.
All of us at 3Rs Construction & Remodeling earnestly hope you do not need any of this advice, but having helped many of our neighbors rebuild after a fire or flood we know what will help for restoration. If you need help, we are only a call away.
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