Losing your home to a fire is a devastating experience, and the emotions afterward can leave you wondering what to do next. This is the time to put your homeowners insurance to good use. Following the recommended steps will ensure find a temporary place to live and work toward restoring your home.

What to Do Following a House Fire

1. Notify Your Homeowners Insurance Provider

Most homeowners insurance plans cover house fires, so call your agent right away. The agent can advise on how to begin documenting what was lost, restoration companies to work with, and immediate lodging solutions. Many will cover costs for finding a temporary place to live so that you and your family have somewhere to stay while you sort things out.

2. Document What Was Lost

Once the fire department has determined that it’s safe to return to your home, go and make a list of everything that was lost. Include valuables, significant appliances like TVs, family heirlooms, and personal items. Homeowners insurance plans are designed to cover these losses.

It’s helpful to start making a list now. Add to it as things come to mind. Should the worst happen down the road, you’ll already have a detailed inventory of what should be covered.

3. Ask for the Fire Report

The homeowners insurance company will want to look into the details of the fire carefully. The fire department will create a report following their investigation. It often documents, in particular, which parts of the home were affected, the type of damage, and potential causes of the fire, such as wiring or a kitchen appliance. This legal document can answer a lot of your insurance agent’s questions and fast-track the compensation process.

4. Find Remediation Professionals

If your home is structurally safe, ask your insurance agency about preferred contractors and fire restoration professionals in your area. These teams will assess the damage and then create a plan to begin restoring your home. The sooner you do this, the sooner you’ll be able to get back into your home.

Nothing can match the peace of mind homeowners insurance provides. High Rock Insurance Agency of Lexington, NC, ensures that their clients are covered when the unexpected happens. An agent will carefully assess your needs and then offer an insurance quote for the vehicle, home, life insurance, and more. You can begin exploring plans on their website or call (336) 236-9022 to schedule a consultation.