Does Home Insurance Cover Fire Damaged Possessions? 

Our hearts go out to you who are here and experiencing the loss of precious possessions due to an unforeseen fire. As we enter the raw, intense mid-summer heat, forest fires become more common, and damage due to fire becomes higher. Unfortunately, forest fires are not the only culprits responsible for residential fire damage. The National Fire Protection Association states that, on average, 346,800 residential fires occur annually. If you recently experienced damage to your possessions due to a fire, you might ask, does home insurance cover fire-damaged possessions? Residential fires cause physical and mental stress. We have compiled a brief and comprehensive guide to help you understand how homeowner’s insurance works regarding fire-damaged possessions. Let’s get started!  

What Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover?

First, fire insurance is part of most standard homeowner’s policies. If you want a quote for fire insurance for your home, you will receive a quote for homeowner’s insurance. When strictly regarding fire damage, homeowner’s insurance will usually help pay for repairs to your home, unattached structures on your property (i.e., a tool shed), temporary relocation expenses, and your belongings. Let’s break down the common styles of homeowners insurance coverages and how each type of coverage has your back!  

Dwelling Coverage

Speaking in insurance terms, your home is a dwelling. This means your homeowner’s insurance will typically cover the structure of your home (AKA your dwelling), including any attached structures, i.e., the garage. This type of insurance will help cover the cost of repairing your home and will pay a lump sum (minus your homeowner’s insurance deductible) to rebuild your home.  It is important to note that fire damage expenses will only cover up to your dwelling coverage limit. Therefore, always ensure your coverage matches the value of your home (plus a little extra).   

Loss of Use Coverage

If the fire damage renders your home unlivable, homeowners insurance will usually help with hotel and restaurant costs while you can not stay in your home.   

Detached Structure Coverage

If you don’t have this title on your insurance policy, look under “other structures coverage,” as this is another common name. Most homeowners’ insurance will pay for structures like sheds, detached garages, and fences on your property.   

Personal Property Coverage 

Homeowner’s insurance will often extend to your personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, and appliances. A standard homeowner’s policy usually covers landscaping as well — trees, shrubs, mulch, etc. Your personal property coverage will reimburse up to your personal property coverage limit. In addition, you can raise your personal property coverage limit to provide additional protection and more peace of mind.   

Personal Liability Coverage

It is devastating when a house fire damages or destroys your home; it is also devastating if it spreads to your neighbor’s home. If the fire damages your neighbor’s home, you might be liable. Personal liability coverage will help cover the expense of a settlement if your neighbor takes you to court over fire damages.  A standard homeowners’ insurance policy comes with some type of personal liability coverage. However, the amount of coverage might not be enough to pay the extent of damages caused by the fire. Therefore, it is essential to speak with your insurance agent to determine what coverage you have and might need.  

What Kinds of Fires Does Insurance Cover?

After filing a claim, an insurance adjuster will come to determine what caused your house fire. The below list is not entirely comprehensive as there are numerous types of fires covered by home insurance. However, the below causes are the most common:  

Grease Fires

Grease fires typically occur in homes with gas ranges. However, grease fires do not just happen in homes with gas ranges. For example, grease fires can start if cooking oil catches fire.  

Candle Fires

Most of us enjoy a candle’s warm light, delicious smells, and ambiance. But what happens when a wayward ball or twitching cat’s tail knocks the candle over? Don’t worry! Your homeowner’s insurance policy will often cover it.  

Electrical Fires

Not only does a short circuit or power surge cause damage to your electrical system, but it also sparks a fire. It is common for homeowner’s insurance to cover you in this case.  

Does insurance cover accidental fires?

We assume you did not deliberately try to light your home on fire. In many cases, homeowners insurance will cover accidental fires. The fire must be an accident for home insurance to cover the fire damage.   

When will my insurance not cover fire damage?

Homeowner’s insurance will not cover an intentional fire. In addition, if you live in an area where wildfires run rampant, it is challenging to obtain homeowner’s insurance that covers wildfire damage due to the risk associated with living in those more fire-prone areas. Finally, homeowner’s insurance often will not cause fire damage that occurs due to an act of war. Therefore, it is important to discuss aspects of your policy with your insurance agent or thoroughly read your policy to determine what risks your policy won’t cover.   

What is Insurance Coverage Limit?

Your insurance coverage limit dictates how much the insurance company will reimburse you after a covered loss occurs. There is no perfect method to determine what coverage limit is best for you. However, things like how much it will cost to rebuild versus purchase a new home and the sentimental and monetary value of the possessions in your home might help determine where you set your coverage limits.   

Final Thoughts

We hope you can now confidently answer the question, “Does home insurance cover fire-damaged possessions?” We know fire damage causes severe damage to a place of refuge and peace. That’s why our compassionate and professional team at Klean-Co is here to help you pick up the pieces by offering fire restoration services. We work alongside your insurance company with the goal of saving you any unforeseen headaches along the way. We love offering free quotes and showing you how our quality team can help!  Interested in learning more about fire damage? Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages!