A Loss Due to Fire

The first 24 hours

 

After a medium to heavy fire where repairs are required, contents are usually prioritized based on their fragility and your needs. Emphasis is placed, however, on taking care of short-term clothing, medical needs and other priorities.

Every attempt is made to return these to you within 24 hours of your loss or sooner if possible. If your home is uninhabitable, your insurance representative will advise you on whether your policy includes coverage for increased costs of temporary lodging until you are able to return.

Loss Due To Fire

Tip:

If you must relocate, remove valuable papers, bank documents, insurance policies and identify clothing and personal items needed for immediate use.

Superior Restoration – DKI understands that your home is your own private haven and that the necessity of having strangers in your home at this time can be stressful. We want you to be comfortable with those who will be working with your belongings. As work commences, we make it a priority to introduce our professionals to you.

The Paperwork

As you might expect, there are a number of forms, which your insurance and restoration experts will discuss with you to manage the work process

Paperwork Checklist:

  • Work Authorization
  • Deductible
  • Inventory
  • Schedule of Loss
  • Scope of Repair
  • Completion of Certificate
  • Warranty
  • Proof of Loss

This ensures that both you and they are fully aware of the amount and scope of work to be done, timelines, and the outcomes expected.

Your insurance representative will meet with you to assess damages, discuss your policy particulars and take a statement from you as to what occurred. A ‘Work Authorization’ is required to allow a restoration company to begin immediate emergency clean up and stabilization of your property. This may involve extraction of water, drying of the building using specialized dehumidification equipment, air scrubbing and cleaning of affected items and areas.

This authorization is an agreement between you and the service provider (Superior) to carry out emergency services to stabilize the situation. In a situation where no insurance funds are forthcoming, you will be responsible for payment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your insurance and restoration representatives. They are there to help you make the best possible decisions for your long-term well being.

When you buy an insurance policy you agree to pay the first portion of any loss. The amount of the ‘Deductible’ you choose often affects the amount of the premium you pay. This deductible applies only once per occurrence regardless of how many items are claimed. Example: if your deductible is $500 and the total covered claim is $2000 the insurance company would pay $1500. In most cases, your insurance adjuster will give you specific direction as to how and when you pay your deductible.

Some restoration companies such as Superior Restoration – DKI are members of Disaster Kleenup International (DKI), a national network of industry leading restoration professionals. When you contract DKI companies for your restoration, the authorization is followed by a ‘Completion Certificate’ that provides you with a ‘Warranty’ and assures your complete satisfaction.