Is Your Home at Risk? Addressing Household Fire Hazards
As Missouri public adjusters, our team members at Edwin Claude see many devastating fires. When a fire occurs inside or outside a home, the damage goes far beyond what is immediately visible. Unfortunately, many homeowners are offered lowball payouts or are denied coverage entirely by their insurance companies. In this article, we will explore ways you can prevent fires and protect your claim in the event of a fire.
Preventing Common Types of Fires
Kitchen Fires
Many house fires begin in the kitchen. While most cooking is covered in the event of an insurance claim, you must be careful. If you leave your cooking unattended, you may face additional scrutiny from your insurance provider.
Handy kitchen fire prevention steps include:
Ensure you have a working smoke detector nearby
Keep a fire extinguisher on hand, checking its pressure levels monthly
Clean your oven regularly
Follow maintenance instructions on all cooking appliances
Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are particularly devastating due to their sudden onset, rapid nature, and difficulty in extinguishing. Many insurance policies also contain specific language regarding who is allowed to do certain work, or the regularity of which you must have maintenance done.
To prevent electrical mishaps in your home:
Unplug lithium batteries when done charging
Maintain a regular maintenance schedule for all electrical equipment
Do not overload outlets or double up on extension cords
Throw away any cords with exposed wires or damaged exterior
Have a licensed electrician check your home electrical system every ten years
Heating Equipment Fires
Missouri winter cold snaps can be brutal and sudden. The heating equipment that you rely on to keep you warm can also be a large liability. Space heaters in particular can be reasons that your insurance claim might be looked at more carefully if safety precautions are not followed.
This winter, remember these safety measures:
Follow all manufacturer guidelines for space heaters
Have your chimney cleaned before the first use every year
Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home
Have your heating system inspected by a professional before the cold season each year
How to Protect Your Claims
Knowledge and proper planning are key to navigating the insurance process. First, it is essential to thoroughly review your coverage. This means understanding your policy limits and considering whether they would be sufficient to replace everything in your home if needed. You should examine your policy for any language that might exclude specific events from coverage, and consider increasing your limits if they haven't been adjusted in some time.
Documentation is another crucial aspect of preparation. You should maintain well-documented proof of any high-value items in your home that could potentially be destroyed in a loss. It's also important to save all maintenance and inspection documents. Consider conducting a video walkthrough of each room in your home once per year.
Finally, understanding your rights as a policyholder is vital to getting the payout you deserve. You should be aware that you have the right to choose your own public adjuster and familiarize yourself with any relevant timelines for filing claims. It's also important to understand the various options available to you for disputing claim decisions or denials should they arise.
How Edwin-Claude Can Help
If you’d like help navigating your insurance policy or claim, our experts are always ready to lend a hand. For a free, no-obligation consultation regarding your insurance policy, or assistance with a claim–fire-related or otherwise–reach out to us at Edwin-Claude by phone at (314) 503-0540!
