Without proper cleaning techniques and the right equipment, it can be very difficult to return a home or business to pre-disaster condition after it has been damaged by smoke and fire.
A home or business owner may opt to file an insurance claim for smoke damage after a fire incident. Learn about smoke damage and the process of filing a smoke damage insurance claim in this article.
What is Smoke Damage?
Effectively removing smoke damage requires different cleaning solutions and techniques, which often requires the skills and expertise of a professional. The most common items affected by smoke damage after a fire incident are the following:
- Art work
- Books and photographs
- Ceilings
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Jewelry
- Walls
- Window treatments
How to File for Smoke Damage Insurance
- Immediately call your insurance company after a fire.
- Review your insurance policy for information regarding the coverage, limitations, deductibles or exclusions, as well as the deadline for filing.
- Take proper documentation of the damage (photo or video) and take care not to disturb the affected area.
- Contact a professional smoke damage removal team such as ServiceMaster of the Upstate to provide damage inspection and assessment and formulate a remediation plan.
- Gather all the information necessary for filing the claim. This information may include the date of the loss, the type and location of the damage, your contact information or that of the property's owner, a copy of the police report, remediation estimates, receipts for the repairs and restoration, repairs for hotels or meals if the affected area was deemed unlivable and you need to find a lodging, and a complete list of all damaged building materials and items.
- Verify the procedures and timeline for filing all parts of the claim with your insurance agent.
Smoke Damage Removal?
Contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate at (864) 310-7891 or message us online for a free on-site inspection and assessment. We are servicing clients in Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, and Laurens, South Carolina and surrounding areas. Our Emergency Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to respond to your needs.