TL;DR: If your home suffers fire damage, acting fast and documenting everything is critical. Secure your property, avoid premature cleanup, thoroughly document all damage (including soot, smoke, and water), and file your claim with expert help. Insurance companies often underpay â hiring a public adjuster like Panther Public Adjusting ensures you get the maximum payout you deserve. Call 833-726-8437 or email Claims@PantherPA.com for expert support.
When a fire damages your home, the emotional toll is already overwhelming. But what many homeowners across Florida don’t realize is that the stress doesnât stop there. Filing a fire damage insurance claim can quickly become a battle â and without the right help, itâs easy to get shortchanged by your insurance company.
At Panther Public Adjusting, weâve seen countless families from Tampa to Sarasota and Miami to Venice struggle with underpaid or denied fire claims. Thatâs why weâve created this essential guide, based on insights from Mendy with My Insurance Claim Expert, to help you navigate the process and secure the payout you deserve.
Step 1: Secure the Property Immediately
Once the fire is extinguished and emergency services have cleared the scene, your next priority is securing the property. Most insurance policies require homeowners to prevent further damage. Failing to do so can actually hurt your claim.
Actions to take:
- Board up windows and tarp the roof
- Lock all entry points
- Avoid beginning any major cleanup or demolition until your insurance company releases the scene
Your insurer will likely send out investigators to determine the fireâs cause. Any premature activity could compromise that process. Save all receipts for any mitigation work you do â these could be reimbursable.
Step 2: Document EVERYTHING
Your best weapon in this process is your phone. Use it to take clear, detailed photos and videos before any cleanup begins.
Document:
- Burned walls, ceilings, and floors
- Soot damage (which can look like spider webs in corners)
- Smoke-damaged rooms, even if they weren’t directly burned
- Water damage from firefighting efforts
- Damaged or destroyed personal belongings
Pro Tip:
Create a thorough inventory list that includes item names, brands, descriptions, estimated values, and images. The more detailed your documentation, the harder it is for the insurance company to lowball you.
Step 3: Be Thorough When Filing Your Claim
When submitting your claim, report all damages, including minor ones. Tell your insurer there may be additional damage you havenât discovered yet. This preserves your right to supplement the claim later.
Be sure to include:
- Smoke and water damage
- Structural concerns
- Temporary living expenses (e.g., hotel stays, meals)
- A carefully completed proof of loss form (a legally binding document)
Insurers often pressure homeowners to settle quickly. Donât accept a lowball offer before the full scope of your damage is known.
Step 4: Watch Out for These Insurance Company Tactics
Many homeowners in Englewood, Palmetto, and other Florida cities fall victim to common insurance traps, such as:
- Downplaying smoke or odor damage
- Recommending surface fixes (like painting over smoke-stained drywall)
- Ignoring structural issues
- Over-depreciating personal property
- Steering you to preferred vendors who may cut corners
Instead, hire your own experts to inspect the damage and provide estimates. At Panther Public Adjusting, our professionals know exactly what to look for and how to push back against unfair assessments.
Why You Need a Public Adjuster From the Start
Trying to handle a fire claim on your own is like going to court without a lawyer. Insurers have adjusters working to protect their bottom line â shouldnât you have one too?
Hiring a public adjuster ensures:
- Accurate documentation of all losses
- Maximum valuation of damages
- Expert negotiation with your insurer
- Less stress and better results for you
We recently helped a Florida business owner turn a $40,000 initial offer into a $400,000 settlement. Read the full story here.
Florida Cities We Proudly Serve
Whether youâre in Englewood, Palmetto, Miami, Saint Petersburg, or Sarasota, Panther Public Adjusting is here to fight for your full recovery.
Donât Wait â Get Help Now
đ Call us today at 833-726-8437 to speak with an expert about your fire claim.
đ© Email your policy to Claims@PantherPA.com for a free review.
đ Contact us anytime through our websiteâs contact page to get started.
More Resources You Can Trust
For more in-depth property insurance tips, visit:
- My Insurance Company Says My Damage Is Old â Are They Right?
- Replacement Cost Value vs. Actual Cost Value: What It Means
- Facing an Examination Under Oath? Donât Go Alone
Join Our Community & Learn More
đș Check out our YouTube channel, My Insurance Claim Expert, for more insider claim tips.
đŹ Join our Facebook Group, Anything About Property Insurance Claims 101, to connect with other homeowners and experts.
Your home deserves to be restored the right way â and you deserve to be paid every dollar youâre owed. Let Panther Public Adjusting guide you through the fire claim process and fight for the results you need to rebuild and recover.
đ Call 833-726-8437 | đ© Email Claims@PantherPA.com | đ Contact Us Online
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Should I start cleaning up my home after a fire before filing a claim? No. You should wait until your insurance company has released the scene. Premature cleanup or demolition can interfere with the investigation and reduce your claim.
2. Can I still file a fire damage claim if only smoke and water damaged parts of my home? Absolutely. Smoke and water damage are valid claim elements and should be documented thoroughly. These often carry significant restoration costs.
3. Why should I hire a public adjuster instead of relying on the insurance company’s adjuster? A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. We ensure every dollar of damage is identified, accurately valued, and negotiated fairly â leading to larger, faster settlements.