When filing a fire damage claim in Tampa, it’s worth taking a second look to ensure that you’re getting a fair settlement. While not always the case, there’s always a chance that your insurance company may undervalue the cost and scope of certain damages. This guide will introduce some of the most commonly underestimated fire-related losses that property owners might experience in Florida.
Make sure you’re getting what you are owed when you hire Altieri Insurance Consultants Tampa for a trusted team of public adjusters near you. We’re the partner property owners rely on!
Reconstruction Costs
The costs associated with materials and physical labor when rebuilding in Tampa are always increasing. Insurance policies don’t always reflect this inflation in expenses. This can lead to policyholders receiving an offer that underestimates fire-related losses, especially in cases of widespread disaster. Additionally, with the way building codes change, older properties will be subject to the increased costs imposed by municipalities to bring the property up to current codes. If your policy does not cover these expenses, you could be prevented from making a full recovery.
Did you know? Public adjusters are able to perform their own property assessments for an accurate estimate of your fire-related losses.
Hidden Fire Damages
Hidden damage left unaddressed by an insurer’s estimate is a major contributor to not recovering properly from your insurance policy. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to assess only what is visible on the surface following a fire. It’s worth getting an independent damage estimate from a reputable Public Adjuster to ensure that your settlement offer accounts for a complete assessment of fire-related losses, such as concealed structural damage, water migration, smoke and soot accessing building partitions, or electronic components that will compromise your Tampa property.
Learn more > How Important Is an Independent Damage Estimate?
Smoke and Soot Damage
When a property is still standing, and only partially destroyed, it is incumbent that you find and document every square inch of damage caused by the fire to the insurance company or else you will be stuck living with it after the claim is settled. You must take a detailed approach to identifying your damage to not receive a lower settlement offer compared to a building that has completely collapsed in a fire. Buildings and homes that suffer partial losses by fire will contain noxious contaminants and toxic airborne particulates which must be removed before they can be inhabited again. Hiring professional help from a fire claims adjuster in Tampa can ensure that your insurance settlement includes the cost of replacing damage caused by soot, smoke, water, heat, and fire to not just your building, but to your personal belongings, as well.
| Hire a public adjuster before attempting repairs for an accurate fire damage assessment and adequate proof of the property’s condition. |
Cost of Long-Term Impacts
Once the toxic particles of a fire have contaminated a building and permeated personal contents, there comes a higher risk of health issues and other long-term effects that follow a fire-related disaster. Dealing with these long-term impacts comes at a price, and you need to make sure that price is reflected in your fire claim settlement offer.
Business Interruption Income Loss
Tampa’s business owners often face additional losses after fire damage to their property known as Business Interruption. Business Insurance policies typically cover the loss of income sustained when a fire shuts down or even partially impairs your operations. These claims are complicated and can be underestimated without specialized personnel interceding on your behalf. Bring in your own accounting advocates who are licensed public adjusters from Altieri to analyze your business financial trends and projections, to negotiate with the forensic accountants the insurer will surely assign to your claim.
| Preparing for the worst-case scenario is key to managing fire-related disasters. Altieri Insurance Consultants offers a pre-loss program for business owners. |
Altieri Insurance Consultants Will Get You a Fair Fire Damage Assessment In Tampa. Schedule a Meeting With Trusted Public Adjusters Today!
Hire a team of public adjusters you can rely on for fire damage claims near you. We’re here to look over your claim and help you receive a fair settlement offer. Get your life back when you call Altieri Insurance Consultants Tampa at (813) 247-4757!
