Advice centre

What to do after a fire

The first few days after a fire are overwhelming. These steps protect you, your property and your insurance claim.

Checklist

The first steps after a fire

After a fire, safety comes first. Once everyone is safe, the decisions you make in the first few days can have a direct impact on the outcome of your insurance claim.

Work through this checklist, keep a note of everything you do and spend, and get advice before agreeing anything with your insurer.

Firefighters directing a hose at a fire
  1. Make sure everyone is safeDon't go back inside until the fire service tells you it's safe.
  2. Tell your insurerReport the fire as soon as you can and note your claim reference.
  3. Secure the propertyBoard up doors and windows to prevent further damage or theft. Keep receipts for any emergency costs.
  4. Photograph everythingTake photos and videos of all the damage before anything is moved or cleaned.
  5. Keep damaged itemsDon't throw anything away until your insurer has agreed. Damaged items are evidence.
  6. Don't rush into an offerDon't accept a settlement or sign anything until you understand your full entitlement.
  7. Speak to a loss assessor earlyIdeally before the loss adjuster visits, so you're represented from the start.
Avoid these

Common mistakes after a fire

These are the mistakes we see most often, and each one can reduce what you receive.

Fire damage claims

  • Throwing damaged items awayWithout the items, or at least clear photos, it's much harder to prove what was lost.
  • Underestimating smoke damageSmoke and soot spread well beyond the fire itself and can affect rooms that look untouched.
  • Starting permanent repairs too soonEmergency work is fine, but get permanent repairs agreed before they start.
  • Accepting the first offerAn early offer may not reflect everything your policy covers.
  • Waiting to get adviceOnce the loss adjuster has reported, it can be much harder to challenge their findings.
Keep reading

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