24 March

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How to Prepare for Storm Season in Colorado

Colorado's Hail Season Begins in April Storm season in Colorado is one of the longest and most severe in the country. From about mid-April to mid-August, we are wracked by thunderstorms that can bring damaging winds, lightning, and hail. Hailstones, in particular, can cause significant damage to your property. Colorado's Front Range forms the heart of what is known to meteorologists as "Hail Alley." Along with Wyoming and Nebraska, we see an average of 7-9 days of hail per season. That may not seem like a lot, but it is significantly higher than the rest of the nation. In addition to having more...

15 March

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What To Do if You Have Fire Damage to Your Car

Posted by Lindsay

in Fire Damage, Insurance

car on fire in parking lot in front of brick house

Does Car Insurance Cover Fire Damage? There are many scenarios in which your vehicle might catch fire, resulting in significant damage to your car.. You may be wondering if any of these is covered by your auto insurance. Whether or not your vehicle is covered will depend predominantly on the type of insurance you have: comprehensive, collision, or liability insurance. What is Covered by Comprehensive Auto Insurance? If you have a comprehensive auto insurance policy, fire damage is generally covered. Comprehensive coverage pays for non-accident related repairs, including engine fires, wildfires, arson, or fires in the garage. Keep in mind that comprehensive coverage does...

09 March

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Best Ways to Prevent House Fires

Posted by Lindsay

in Fire Damage, Insurance Claim

If you have suffered a house fire in the past, your first thoughts as you rebuild or restore your home may be on how to keep it from happening again. While not all circumstances that cause fires are preventable, you can certainly take steps to ensure your home is as protected as possible. Identify Potential Fire Hazards in Your Home Aside from obvious dangers, like unattended candles, cigarettes, and cooking, there are other potential fire hazards in your home that you may not have considered: Unattended hair styling devices, like curling irons and flatirons Teach all members of the household to triple check that...

04 March

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How Does Smoke Restoration Work?

Posted by Lindsay

in Fire Damage, Insurance Claim

Much of the attention after a fire is given to structural damage from burning within the home. Smoke damage, however, can be just as devastating. In addition to cosmetic issues, such as yellowing, tarnish, and etching, smoke damage can pose a significant health risk. What Is Smoke Damage? Smoke damage includes any physical damage to the home that was not caused by the fire itself. It can be broken up into five categories, based on the type and source of the smoke. Complex Smoke Damage This type of damage results in a greasy yellow residue that results from the corrosion of natural and synthetic...

24 February

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How to Clear Debris After a Fire

Posted by Lindsay

in Fire Damage, Insurance Claim

soot and charred debris following a house fire

One of the tasks that falls on property owners after a fire is the clearing of debris from the site. This is part of the process of returning the home to its pre-loss condition for insurance purposes. You will want to be sure you go about clearing debris in the right way to avoid any hiccups in the claims process. Who Pays to Clear Debris from a Home Fire? This expense is covered under your homeowners insurance. The exact amount available to pay for clearing debris will depend on your specific policy. You will either need to use part of your Coverage...

18 February

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What Does a Homeowners Fire Policy Cover?

Posted by Lindsay

in Fire Damage, Insurance Claim

insurance policy forms on laptop with coffee

Whether you are recovering from a recent fire or looking to insure your next home, it is imperative to understand the details of a homeowners insurance fire policy. Knowing what is and is not covered can help you prepare and decide what additional coverage you may need to purchase. Being familiar with your policy will also help you file the most accurate claim possible, and will serve you well in the event that you need to appeal a decision. What is Covered for Fire Damage? Standard homeowners fire policies typically cover three areas 1. Dwelling Smoke...

09 February

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What Should You Do If Your Fire Claim Was Denied?

Posted by Lindsay

in Claims, Fire Damage, Insurance Claim

insurance form with red stamped letters saying "rejected"

The insurance claims process can be complicated and frustrating. Fire claims are especially daunting, since you are dealing with a significant emotional toll while trying to objectively document physical losses. When dealing with such a situation, the last thing you need is to have your claim denied. While there are certain instances when a fire claim can be legitimately denied, there are plenty of times when a claim was mishandled or unfairly rejected. If you feel your claim denial was unjustified, there are several steps you can take. Read the Denial Letter The first thing you will want to do is review the formal...

02 February

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What is Proof of Loss in a Fire Damage Claim?

Posted by Lindsay

in Fire Damage, Insurance

paper house on fire exchange for paper money

If you have recently submitted a fire damage claim to your insurance company, your adjuster will likely require you to fill out a Proof of Loss form. This is a legal document that specifies the amount of monetary damage to property and belongings. When Should You Submit Proof of Loss? Your insurance adjuster will provide a deadline for the form. This date is important. If you miss your deadline, it can cause delays in your settlement or even be reason enough to deny the claim all together. Generally, you will have 60 days to submit your Proof of Loss Form, but this can...

24 January

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Filing a Fire Damage Insurance Claim

Posted by Lindsay

in Fire Damage, Insurance, Insurance Claim

If you have been the victim of a home fire, such as the devastation that occurred recently after the Marshall Fire in Boulder county, filing an insurance claim may be the last thing on your mind. However, once you and your loved ones have reached a safe location, it is imperative that you contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can receive much-needed settlement money and begin the recovery process. Contacting Your Insurance Company For starters, you will want to contact your homeowners insurance carrier. This is the particular type of insurance under...

12 January

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What Should You Do After a House Fire?

Posted by Lindsay

in Fire Damage, Insurance Claim

image of wooden home burning with flames and smoke

The destruction of your home after a fire can be a devastating experience. Loss of precious objects, memories, and, in the worst cases, loss of life can leave those affected wondering which direction to turn. If you have been the victim of a home fire, keep these steps in mind as you recover from the event. 1. Get to Safety The first thing you need to prioritize is your safety and that of your loved ones. Never assume your home is safe to enter after a fire, even if the damage seems minimal. Stay with friends or family until other arrangements can be...