Does insurance cover fire restorations?

Does Insurance Cover Fire Restorations? What You Need to Know

After a house fire, one of the first questions homeowners ask is: Will my insurance cover the damage? In most cases, the answer is yes—standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover fire damage and the cost of restoration. But there are key details and exceptions you should understand before starting repairs or filing a claim.

What Fire Damage Is Usually Covered?

Most homeowners insurance policies include fire as a covered peril. This means your policy likely covers:

• Structural damage to your home (walls, roof, flooring, etc.)
• Personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, appliances, and electronics
• Temporary living expenses under loss of use coverage (e.g., hotel stays, meals, rentals while your home is being repaired)
• Smoke and soot damage, even in areas not directly touched by flames
• Water damage caused by firefighting efforts

What's Not Covered?

While fire restoration is generally covered, there are situations where insurance might deny or limit coverage:

• Intentional fires or fires caused by illegal activity
• Negligence, such as failing to maintain electrical systems or using banned materials
• Vacant properties (some policies deny claims if the home was unoccupied for too long)
• Outbuildings or detached structures, unless specifically included in your policy

Always review your individual policy details or speak with your agent to confirm what’s included.

Filing a Fire Restoration Claim: Step-by-Step

1. Contact your insurance company immediately after the fire is extinguished.
2. Document the damage with photos and videos before cleanup begins.
3. Work with an approved fire restoration company to get a detailed scope of damage and estimate.
4. Keep receipts for everything—from hotel stays to meals, supplies, and cleanup costs.
5. Stay in contact with your claims adjuster throughout the process.

Will It Cover the Full Cost of Restoration?

If your policy includes replacement cost coverage, insurance will typically pay to restore your home and belongings to their original condition—up to your policy limits. If it’s based on actual cash value, depreciation will be deducted, and your reimbursement may be lower.

Optional Coverage You Might Need

• High-value item riders for jewelry, collectibles, or expensive electronics
• Business property coverage if you run a business from home
• Inflation protection to ensure your coverage keeps pace with rising rebuild costs

In Summary

Yes, insurance typically covers fire restoration—but the amount and speed of coverage depend on your policy, the cause of the fire, and how quickly you take action. The best step you can take now? Review your policy, understand your coverage limits, and be prepared in case disaster strikes.