Fire Claim Checklist for Tenants

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 Property Solutions is here to guide you through your personal property loss!

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/renter’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 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 Property Solutions: What We Do

  • Contact Us: We will review everything and provide you with our advice on how we can help..

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

  • Schedule An Appointment: Coordinate with us for thorough personal property assessment of damages.

  • Our Services:

    • Claim Assessment: We’ll evaluate the personal property aspects of your claim to maximize your settlement.

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

    • Personal Property List: We’ll handle the stressful, time consuming, and daunting task of creating and pricing your lost property while you focus on rebuilding. We will:

      • Help you remember and document everything you lost

      • Research and assign appropriate replacement values for your items

      • Format/Input the inventory to meet your insurance company’s specific requirements

    • Ongoing Support: From compiling the comprehensive list to final payout of recoverable depreciation (when applicable), we’ll provide expert guidance, answer your questions, and reduce the stress of the personal property claims process.