Reno Contents and Personal Property Fire Claims Lawyer

300,000. That is the approximate number of items in the average home. Of course, not every item in a home is necessarily considered valuable, but if they were all lost in a fire, they should be replaced. That can happen if you have a comprehensive homeowner’s insurance policy in place.

Unfortunately, many homeowners think their policy fully covers them and that anything lost in a fire will be replaced at full value. That might be true with some policies, but not others. That is why it is vital to have a thorough review of your insurance policy conducted by someone who understands the challenges of a fire claim.

An experienced Reno wildfire insurance lawyer, like the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp, has extensive knowledge of these claims and the potential obstacles homeowners may face when pursuing them.

The best time to know if you’re covered is before a fire. This guide provides a general understanding of fire claims involving personal property.

Navigating Personal Property Fire Claims in Reno

Your insurance might present itself as the “friendly” company that will always have your back when disaster strikes. That same company might undergo a major attitude adjustment after the disaster, leaving you to deal with unanswered questions and ongoing delays.

One way to avoid that is to ensure you navigate the claims process properly. Here’s what you need to do:

Notify Your Insurance Company

Whether your damage occurred in a wildfire or a random housefire, it is vital that you contact your insurance company immediately. Many insurance companies have specific deadlines for notifications. Reporting the incident begins the claim process.

Failure to do so could jeopardize your opportunity to achieve compensation.

Document All Your Damage

Before you engage in any cleanup or repairs, you need to document the damage to your personal property “as is.” Your videos and photos will clearly demonstrate the extent of the damage and help determine what constitutes a total loss.

 

Keep Detailed Records of All Communications

You need to keep records of all communications with your insurance company.

That includes emails, letters, and records of phone conversations. If there are any texts, you should screenshot them to preserve them.

Understand Your Policy

What you can ask for in your fire claim will be restricted to the limits of your police. In other words, you can’t expect to get back $100,000 for lost property if you’re only covered for $50,000.

Work with Your Insurance Adjuster

An adjuster will be assigned to your claim, and they will most likely conduct a site visit to inspect your damage in person. You can work closely with them during the inspection to ensure they are documenting all your damage.

How to Document and Value Your Personal Property

Every homeowner should conduct a thorough inventory of all their personal property.

This should happen within a few days of moving into a home. It should also be updated as new valuable items are brought into the home. This is how you can document your property:

Utilize Technology

There are many home inventory apps you can download on your phone to help with your inventory. You can also use your phone to conduct a video walkthrough of the house.

That should include opening closet doors, cabinet doors, and dresser drawers to note their contents.

Provide Details

For the major items like electronics and appliances, you need to provide the details such as brand, model, serial number, purchase date, and prices. You also need to document the condition of the items.

Photographs

In addition to videos, you also need to take photos of all your property.

Be sure to include items you might consider “hidden,” such as those you’re keeping in storage, garages, or safe deposit boxes.

Common Challenges in Fire Insurance Contents Claims

It is extremely rare for an insurance company to accept your claim and pay what you asked for without conducting its own investigation. This could be the beginning of a challenge to the claim that can impact your final settlement. It is important to understand these potential challenges so that you can prepare for them.

Key fire insurance contents claims challenges include the following:

  • Inadequate Documentation
  • Disputed Valuations
  • Suspicion of Fraud
  • Smoke Damage Disputes
  • Premature Disposal
  • Policy Limitations
  • Negligence Claims

Fortunately, if you have challenges to your claim, such as denials or a lowball offer, you do have recourse. The best way to pursue your options is to speak with an attorney who has experience in these types of claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Property Fire Claims

Dealing with the aftermath of a property-destroying fire can be extremely traumatic.

The last thing you need is to get into a battle with an insurance company. If you’re experiencing challenges with your claim, you’ll have questions about what you can do next.

The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp can provide answers, starting with these FAQs:

What is the difference between Actual Cash Value and Replacement Cost?

Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays the depreciated value of an item at the time of the fire, while Replacement Cost Value (RCV) covers the cost to buy a new version of the item today. Most policies start with an ACV payment and only provide the remaining RCV amount once you prove you have actually replaced the item. Review your policy carefully or consult an attorney to ensure you are being paid the correct amount.

What should I do if my insurance company denies my fire claim?

If your fire claim is denied, request a written explanation detailing the specific policy language used to justify the denial. You should immediately gather all evidence and contact a Reno insurance bad faith lawyer to review the denial for potential legal violations. In Nevada, insurers must have a reasonable basis for denying a claim, or they may be liable for bad faith damages.

How long does a fire insurance company have to pay a claim in Nevada?

Nevada law requires insurance companies to acknowledge a claim within 20 days and make a decision on whether to pay or deny it within 30 days after proof of loss is submitted. If the company needs more time, it must provide a written explanation every 30 days thereafter. Unreasonable delays in this process can be grounds for a bad-faith lawsuit.

Why Choose a Reno Insurance Bad Faith Attorney

You don’t have to accept when an insurance company acts in bad faith regarding your wildfire claim. You can recognize a bad faith practice if your insurance company engages in any of the following:

  • Unreasonable Delays
  • Unjustified Denials
  • Lack of Investigation
  • Demand Excessive Documentation
  • Lowball Offers

Any one of those tactics could be defended by the insurance company as them operating within the boundaries of your policy, but that doesn’t make it right. If we agree to support your claim, we can put the insurance company on notice that their actions are unacceptable and that there needs to be recourse.

What happens if they continue?

At that point, we might recommend filing a civil lawsuit. That will instantly put the insurance company on notice, and now they have to defend their actions before a judge.

Before you reach that point, we will make every effort to negotiate with the insurance company to reach the maximum amount you’re entitled to.

Call to schedule a free consultation if you’re running into problems with the insurance company.

You don’t have to accept a denial.