Your homeowners or rental insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurer. The insurer promises to do certain things for you. In turn, you have certain obligations to them.
Your duties after a fire loss include:
- Giving immediate notice of the loss to the insurance company or your agent.
Besides your obligations to the insurer, you may have a responsibility to your mortgage company. They "own" a portion of your dwelling and are interested in seeing that the investment is handled properly. You may need to fill out forms for them and mail them back. It will be to your mutual advantage to work together at this time.
- Protecting the property from further damage by making reasonable repairs, such as covering holes in the roof or wall.
- Taking reasonable precautions against loss, such as draining water lines in winter if the house will be unheated for some time. (The insurer can refuse to pay losses which occur from not taking such reasonable care.) If conditions permitted, we made some of those accommodations prior to releasing the structure back to you. If more work is needed, seek help from a licensed contractor.
- Making an inventory of damaged personal property showing in detail the quality, description, what you paid for the items when purchased, how long you had the items, the amount of damage sustained, and a replacement price. Include with the inventory any bills or documents which can help to establish the items' value.
- Cooperating with the insurer or adjuster by exhibiting the damaged property.
- Submitting within a stated time period a formal statement of loss.