Recovering from a fire may take a long time and many of the things you have to do will be new to you. If you are not insured, your recovery from a fire loss most likely will be dependent upon your own resources. The Bellingham Fire Department may be able to help you. You also could talk with your church or synagogue. Local civic groups such as the Lions or Rotary Clubs also can be of help. If you are insured, your insurance will be the most important single component in recovering from a fire loss.
Your insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurer. The insurer promises to do certain things for you. In turn, you have certain obligations. Protect the property from further damage by making sensible or necessary repairs such as covering holes in the roof or walls. Take reasonable precautions against loss, such as draining water lines in winter if the house will be unheated for some time.
The insurance company may refuse to pay losses that occur from not taking such reasonable care. Make an inventory of damaged personal property showing in detail the quantity, description, original purchase price, purchase date, damage estimate and replacement cost.
Submit, within a stated time period usually 30 β 60 days , a formal statement of loss. Such a statement should include:. A pre-fire inventory along with a videotape of all your property could prove to be a valuable record when making your claim.
When adjusting your fire loss or in claiming a casualty loss on your Federal income tax, you will have to deal with various viewpoints on the value of your property. Some terms used are listed below:. This is the result of a joint effort among a number of parties.
