Commercial Fire Loss? Here’s What to do Next

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

What to do after Commercial Fire loss.

Here are important steps to take after a commercial fire loss:

1.) Protect your Property

Do anything you can to protect your property and what is left: Whether it's boarding up your property, putting up emergency fencing, or shutting off water mains -  it's up to you to prevent further damage to the property after the fire. If you neglect to do this, your insurance policy might not pay for the additional damages.

Call a professional loss consultant who can explain to you what steps you need to take under your current insurance policy plan.

2.) Talk to professionals & experts

When experiencing a fire loss, your first response might be to take a break for a few days and process everything the events that just occurred. This is when you  have to go against your instincts and talk to fire officials, specialists, and insurance professionals. You will begin by gathering the correct and required documentation.

Obtain a fire report from the your Fire Marshal's office. Seek a copy of current building codes from building department inspectors, and ask engineers or architects to write out the extent of the building's damage. Or if you think you can handle it on your own, hire a reputable licensed public adjuster who will help you with gathering all the information you need, along with helping you process your insurance claim.

3.) Contact your insurance company ASAP

It is absolutely imperative that you call your agent or insurance company to report the damages as quickly as possible.

If you take too long to contact your insurance agent or insurance company, it could cost you big in the long run. You don't need to request estimates early or sign any paperwork,  just let the insurance company know that a fire loss (damage) has occurred.

SERVPRO of NW Charlotte, Lincoln County, Southern and NE Gaston County specializes in commercial fire damage repair and restoration. We’re locally owned and operated and part of the Mecklenburg, Lincoln, and Gaston communities. Our commercial fire team members are employees, not contractors. That means when property managers call us about an emergency water leak or hazardous cleanup, we can respond quickly.

For questions, contact us anytime at (704) 393-7890 or request help online.