Fire damage claims

Fire damage insurance claims

A fire at your home or business is devastating. Our loss assessors take over your fire insurance claim, so you can focus on your family or your business while we fight for your full entitlement.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus tackling a large fire
  • Free assessmentNo obligation, no upfront cost
  • No win, no feeWe don't get paid until you do
  • Your own loss assessorFrom first call to final settlement
Independent loss assessors

Every decision after a fire affects your claim

Following a fire you will have to make a number of critical decisions, and each one has a direct impact on the outcome of your insurance claim. What can be saved, who carries out the work, where you stay in the meantime and what you sign all matter.

Your insurer will appoint a loss adjuster to assess the claim on its behalf. With Independent Claims Consultants on your side, you have your own expert too: a dedicated loss assessor who guides you through the entire fire claims process and makes sure you understand your options at every stage.

Fire damage is rarely limited to what burned. Smoke and soot travel through a building, and the water used to put the fire out can cause damage of its own. We make sure all of it is found, documented and included in your claim.

How we help

How we help with your fire claim

Make the property safe

We organise emergency works such as boarding up and securing the building.

Somewhere to stay

We arrange alternative accommodation while your home is put right, where your policy covers it.

The full extent of the damage

Fire, smoke, soot and firefighting water damage to both buildings and contents.

Deal with the insurer

We handle the loss adjuster and any investigators, and negotiate your settlement.

Oversee the repairs

We help appoint specialist contractors and supervise the work through to completion.

Business fires

For businesses, we claim your business interruption loss as well.

Need help right now? What to do after a fire: our step-by-step checklist.

Your claim

What a fire claim can include

Depending on your policy, a fire claim can cover far more than people expect. These are the areas we check for every client.

Start your claim
  • Rebuilding and repairsRestoring the structure, roof, walls, floors, kitchen and bathrooms to their condition before the fire.
  • Smoke and soot damageSpecialist cleaning of surfaces, soft furnishings and ventilation. Soot can damage surfaces if it isn't dealt with properly.
  • Water damage from firefightingDrying out and repairing damage caused by the water used to put the fire out.
  • ContentsReplacing or restoring furniture, clothing, electrical items and personal belongings.
  • Alternative accommodationSomewhere for you and your family to live while your home can't be lived in.
  • Business lossesFor commercial claims, stock, equipment and loss of income through business interruption cover.
Recent cases

How we've helped clients

Domestic fire · Manchester

House fire

Insurers had asked the homeowners to start clearing up and make a contents list. Once appointed, we moved the family to a hotel while our teams reinstated the property. They were delighted with the results.

Commercial fire · Wales

Food factory fire

The claim was refused by insurers. We were instructed and obtained an excellent settlement, which enabled the business to continue trading.

FAQs

Common questions

See all FAQs
Can I go back into my home after a fire?

Only when the fire service tells you it's safe. Even then, take care: there may be structural damage, and smoke and soot can be hazardous. If you need to collect essentials, ask the fire service or your loss assessor first.

Will my insurer pay for somewhere to stay?

Many home insurance policies include alternative accommodation if your home can't be lived in. We check what your policy covers and arrange suitable accommodation for you.

Should I throw away smoke-damaged belongings?

No. Keep damaged items until your insurer has agreed they can be disposed of, because they're evidence of your loss. Photograph everything before anything is moved or cleaned.

The insurer is investigating the cause of the fire. What does that mean?

For larger fires, insurers often investigate the cause to confirm the loss is covered by your policy. It's a normal part of the process, but it can feel intrusive. Your loss assessor represents you throughout and makes sure your account is clear and accurate.

How long does a fire claim take?

Every claim is different. A straightforward claim can settle in a matter of weeks, while a major fire involving rebuilding can take considerably longer. We progress your claim as quickly and forcefully as we can, and we don't get paid until you do.

Get your first consultation free

Talk to an experienced loss assessor about your claim. No win, no fee.

Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.