Fire Damage

Understanding Fire Damage Insurance Claims

Filing a claim for fire damage involves much more than meets the eye. It's not just about visible structural damage. Here’s what is typically covered under your commercial fire damage insurance policy:

• Structural Damage: Repairs to walls, roofs, floors, ceilings, and interiors destroyed by fire.

• Smoke and Soot Damage: Costs for cleaning or replacing damaged equipment, inventory, or other assets exposed to harmful toxins.

• Water Damage from Firefighting: Restoration of areas affected by sprinkler systems or fire hoses.

• Business Interruption: Losses related to downtime, such as revenue from repairs or closure.

However, policies often come with exclusions, such as intentional fires (arson without a police report) or damage due to negligence. Understanding your policy's scope is crucial to avoiding surprises during the claims process.

​

Causes of Fire Damage in Commercial Properties

Fires in commercial spaces can happen for various reasons, including preventable and unforeseen factors. Common causes include:

• Electrical Faults (short circuits, overloaded wiring, or faulty installation)

• Kitchen Fires (frequent in restaurants, cafes, or hotels)

• Arson or Vandalism (intentional acts requiring police documentation)

• Heating System Malfunctions (boiler explosions or furnace issues)

• Natural Disasters (wildfires, lightning strikes, etc.)

• Negligence or Accidents (e.g., improper handling or storage of flammable materials)

Identifying the cause is critical since insurers will evaluate this as part of your claim. An experienced public adjuster like Saleh Josephsonen ensures these evaluations work in your favor.

​

Immediate Steps to Take After Fire Damage

The actions you take immediately after a fire determine how smoothly your recovery process will go. Here's what needs attention right away:

  1.Ensure Safety

Evacuate all employees and ensure no one re-enters a still-smoldering or unstable building.

  2.Contact Emergency Services

Obtain reports from the fire department as these will form critical pieces of evidence for your claim.

  3.Secure the Premises

Protect your property from further damage (e.g., board up openings) and prevent unauthorized entry.

  4.Document the Evidence

Take photos and videos of the damage, cataloguing everything from destroyed goods to smoke-stained walls.

  5.Call JPA Claims

Don't wait. The earlier JPA Claims and Saleh Josephson get involved, the quicker and more efficiently you can proceed with your claim.

Challenges in Fire Damage Claims

Filing claims isn't always straightforward. Business owners face numerous challenges when dealing with insurance companies, such as:

• Claim Processing Delays

Insurers may take their time investigating fire incidents, meaning delayed reimbursements.

• Disputes Over Fire Causes

Questions about whether negligence, arson, or accidents caused the fire may complicate claims.

• Undervalued Settlements

Insurance adjusters may downplay the necessary costs of repairs or reconstruction.

• Denial of Smoke and Soot Claims

Insurers sometimes minimize the impact of invisible damage from smoke exposure.

• Complications from Water Damage

Damage caused by firefighting efforts is often overlooked or disputed.

JPA Claims specializes in navigating these complexities, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.

​

How to File a Fire Damage Insurance Claim with JPA Claims

Step 1: Review Your Insurance Policy

Start by understanding what your fire damage insurance covers. Highlight sections that specify coverage for structural damage, lost revenue, or temporary business relocation.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Include fire department reports, financial records (to prove business interruption losses), and receipts for damaged inventory or equipment.

Step 3: Consult Saleh Josephson, Trusted Public Adjuster

Insurance companies often prioritize profits over payouts. Saleh Josephson helps level the playing field by reviewing your claim, organizing evidence, and negotiating on your behalf.

Step 4: Bring in Damage Experts

Enlist certified fire damage restoration specialists to provide independent assessments, ensuring every visible and hidden cost is accounted for.

Step 5: Negotiate with the Insurance Company

This is where JPA Claims excels. Our team fights for the compensation you deserve, identifying discrepancies and pushing back on undervalued settlements.

​

The Role of JPA Claims and Saleh Josephson in Fire Damage Claims

Unlike insurance company adjusters, who represent the insurer's interests, JPA Claims represents you. With expertise in handling commercial fire damage claims, we ensure that every dollar owed finds its way to your business. Some key benefits of working with JPA Claims include:

• Accurate Valuation

We calculate your losses thoroughly, factoring in structural damage, inventory loss, and more.

• Expedient Processing

By streamlining paperwork and addressing disputes head-on, we help avoid unnecessary claim delays.

• Industry Expertise

Saleh Josephson specializes in commercial claims, offering you the advantage of seasoned negotiation skills.

​

Success Story

A hotel that suffered both structural fire damage and water issues from sprinklers worked with JPA Claims for maximum recovery. While the insurance company initially offered $200,000, Saleh Josephson negotiated a settlement of $450,000, covering reconstruction costs and lost revenue during downtime.

Recover and Rebuild with Confidence

Time is critical when dealing with fire damage. The sooner you file a claim, the sooner you can rebuild. But navigating the complex world of commercial fire insurance is a daunting task—especially when you're trying to get your business back on its feet.

With JPA Claims and Saleh Josephson on your side, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. From claim preparation to settlement negotiations, we’re here to ensure you receive every penny you’re entitled to.

Contact JPA Claims today to secure your rightful compensation and get back to business.