Understanding Fire Damage After a Hurricane
Apart from wind and water damage, hurricanes can inflict a broad spectrum of destruction, including fire damage. Through electrical failures, gas leaks, and other hazards brought on by the storm's damage, hurricanes can create fires. Still, even if a hurricane causes fire damage, your insurance claim won't necessarily be approved instantly.
Policy Exclusions and Clause References
Policy exclusions help explain why fire damage claims could be denied after a disaster. Usually covering fire damage, standard homeowner's insurance also has specified exclusions—particularly with regard to natural disasters. Certain policies exclude damage resulting from floods or windstorms, therefore complicating the claim. The claim can be refused if it is decided that flooding or another excluded risk indirectly started the fire.
Should a hurricane generate flooding that results in an electrical fire and your policy excludes flood-related damage, the insurer could contend that the fire resulted from an uncovered risk and refuse the claim.
Deductibles from Hurricanes
The use of a hurricane deductible raises still another possible problem. Many insurance policies include bigger deductibles for damage brought on by hurricanes or named storms. These deductibles could influence your coverage for fire damage during a hurricane, as well as whether or not the insurance company pays any at all, should the expenses come under the deductible.
Inaccuracy in Risk Reduction
Should it be shown that the policyholder neglected sufficient precautions to reduce risks prior to the hurricane, insurers could reject claims for fire damage. For example, failing to cut off the gas or electrical supply before evacuation could be seen as carelessness, thereby perhaps negating the claim. Anticipating a hurricane, insurance companies want policyholders to act reasonably to safeguard their property.
Contesting Denied Claims
Should your fire damage claim be refused following a hurricane, you could be able to challenge the ruling. Carefully go over the text of your policy to find out why the claim was refused; next, compile any data, including expert reports or pictures of the damage, to bolster your case. Legal help or public adjusters can assist you in appealing the refusal or negotiating with your insurance carrier if needed.