This checklist is designed to help you navigate your fire or large loss insurance claim efficiently.  Gather these items and take these steps to ensure a smoother process with your insurance company. Infinity Adjusting is here to guide you every step of the way!

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS: Don’t Wait - Start Now!

• Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the claim as soon as possible to start the process and get a claim number.

• Secure the Property: Board up windows, cover damaged roofs, or take other steps to prevent further damage (keep receipts for reimbursement).

• Mitigation Efforts: Arrange for professional cleanup (e.g., water extraction, soot removal) to prevent issues like mold; confirm with your insurer first and know that this should be YOUR choice!

DOCUMENTATION: When Possible

• Insurance Policy: Locate your homeowner’s insurance policy (digital or physical copy) to review coverage details.

• Photos/Videos of Damage: Take clear photos or videos of all damaged areas and items before any cleanup or repairs.

• Pre-Fire Photos: Collect any photos or videos of your home and belongings before the fire to show their condition.

• Receipts or Proof of Ownership: Gather receipts, credit card statements, or manuals for damaged items (e.g., appliances, electronics, furniture).

• Inventory List: Create a detailed list of damaged or lost items, including descriptions, approximate age, and estimated value.

FINANCIAL RECORDS: Save Everything

• Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Save receipts for temporary housing, meals, or other costs if you’re displaced due to the fire.

• Repair Estimates: Obtain written estimates from licensed contractors for structural repairs or restoration work.

• Temporary Housing Plans: Document any rental agreements or hotel stays if you need to relocate during repairs

COMMUNICATION: Make A Record of It All!

• Claim Adjuster Contact/Claim Information: Record the name, phone number, and email of your assigned insurance adjuster, along with your assigned claim number.

• Log Communications - CRITICAL!: Keep a notebook or digital file of all calls, emails, and meetings with your insurer, including dates and key points. After all phone conversations, send your adjuster an email detailing the conversation that just occurred.

• Policy Questions: Write down any questions about your coverage (e.g., limits, deductibles, or exclusions) to discuss with your adjuster or public adjuster.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS: Always Keep In Mind

• Act quickly to prevent further damage, but don’t discard damaged items until approved by your insurer - this can potentially lead to a denial of all or part of the claim.

• Keep copies of all documents and correspondence for your records.

• Consider professional help to navigate complex claims and maximize your settlement.

• What year was the home built? 

• Do you have asbestos containing materials in your home? All contractors are required to know this information and asbestos can potentially be on all of your personal belongings. 

• Is the home being properly mitigated to remove water and soot and to prevent mold?

• Does the home need to be tarped and/or to be boarded up?

•  PLEASE NOTE: You have a policy obligation to prevent further damages!

PARTNERING WITH INFINITY ADJUSTING: What We Do

• Contact Us: Review and sign our contract outlining our services and contingency-based fees.

• Share Documentation: Provide us with all collected documents, photos, and receipts to support your claim.

• Schedule Inspections: Coordinate with us for thorough property inspections to assess damage.

• Our Services:

• Comprehensive Claim Assessment: We’ll evaluate all aspects of your claim, including structural damage, personal property, mitigation efforts, and additional living expenses, to maximize your settlement.

• Comprehensive Home Assessment: We will review the home of the age to determine if asbestos/lead paint testing is required for repairs. Asbestos during a fire can potentially contaminate everything in your home - even if the fire didn’t.

• Professional Documentation: Our team will compile detailed reports, photos, and inventories using tools like Xactimate to ensure your claim is accurately presented.

• Mitigation Oversight: We’ll coordinate with trusted contractors to secure your property and prevent secondary damage, such as mold from improper cleanup.

• Negotiation with Insurers: We’ll handle all communications and negotiations with your insurance company to secure a fair settlement.

• Personal Property Documentation List: We’ll handle the stressful, time consuming, and daunting task of creating and pricing your lost property.

• Ongoing Support: From initial filing to final payout, we’ll provide expert guidance, answer your questions, and reduce the stress of the claims process.