Most home and business insurance policies cover fire damage. Making sure you have the right coverage for all of your belongings is important however. Talk to your broker today about your coverage.

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This depends on your insurance policy. In the event of a fire, your insurance policy may cover your structure (eg. foundation, roof, walls, and other essential belongings), your personal belongings, additional living expenses and the cost of temporary housing. For more information on your specific policy, talk to your insurance broker. 

Yes! Most renters or tenant's insurance will cover your property for fire damage, smoke damage, and even water damage. Renters insurance is important because it will cover your belongings that are not covered by your landlord’s policy and can cover any damage that happens to other buildings or units around you. To find out what your insurance policy includes or to get renters insurance, talk to your local insurance broker.

Tips for Starting a Claim

• Call your insurance broker. Many insurers and brokers have 24-hour claims phone numbers to take your information and start the claims process.  Be sure to be as detailed as possible when providing information.

• If safe to do so, look at and document the fire and water damage to your property.  Taking photos or video can be helpful for the insurance company.

• Begin making a list of all the damaged or destroyed items.  If you are able, begin assembling any proof of purchase documents, photos, receipts and warranties that you have for the damaged items.  Take photos of the damaged items which show the damage that happened.

• Keep all receipts related to cleanup and securing your property.  When safe to do so, you should be taking steps to prevent further damage to your home which may include installing tarps over holes made to the structure or boarding up doors and windows. 

• You may also be entitled to living expenses if you are unable to live in your home after a fire.  This can be either because your home has experienced fire damage which prohibits you from living in it or if you were told to evacuate the area by a civil authority (normally due to wildfires).  Ask your insurance broker about what your options are.

Insurance policies can include coverage for you in the event that a fire you are responsible for damages the home or property of others.  This can include a fire in your home that spreads to your neighbours, a bonfire in your backyard that has sparks landing on other properties which spread, or a fire that starts in a shared property complex (apartment or condo).  Any property that is not owned by you but is damaged due to your actions can be covered under the liability insurance on your policy.

If the fire damage is extensive and you are not able to live in your home after a fire, homeowner's and renter's insurance policies may provide coverage for you to live in a hotel or elsewhere while your home is being fixed. Talk to your broker today about your options. 

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