What is Covered by Insurance When You Have Had Fire, Smoke or Odor Damage?
If you own the home your insurance policy typically will cover all of the following in order to get you back to “pre-loss” condition.
- Board up and tarping
- Temporary power
- Temporary heat
- Winterizing the property
- Water removal and dry out
- Cleaning for all contents
- Cleaning the affected parts of your home
- Cleaning and sanitizing your HVAC
- Odor removal
Items that should be replaced if affected by your loss and cannot be cleaned or deodorized:
- Kitchen cabinets and countertops
- Appliances
- Personal contents
- Mattresses
- Furniture
- Clothing
Items that should be replaced due to health concerns:
Medicine
We strongly suggest contacting your pharmacy and alert them of your situation. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action. Please all of your medicine in a Ziplock bag if they smell so you don’t bring the odor with you.
Food
Any opened food should be discarded. If other items have soot residue on them you should also consider discarding those items as well. If you have any concern, discard it! Before you discard any items line up like items and take pictures. Most insurance policies will reimburse you for the food. It is better to be safe then try to save a few dollars.
Rebuilding
- Repairing damage building materials.
- Sealing, caulking and repainting all affected areas.
- Replacement of affected flooring such as carpet and wood floors.