What should you do next when there’s been a fire in your home? A fire can turn your world upside down in a matter of minutes, and it’s hard to know what to do next.
Following these steps after a house fire in Toronto can help you get back on your feet and start to deal with the most pressing tasks ahead of you.
Contact Your Insurer
You will need to contact your insurer shortly after a loss. It will be good to get the recovery process underway quickly. The insurance claims process can be a lengthy one.
Get a Cash Advance from the Insurer
If you don’t have the financial resources to secure shelter, food, and transportation right away, you may be able to get a cash advance from your insurer. This is money you can use to get a hotel or replace essentials like clothes and computers for work or school.
The Red Cross can also provide some financial assistance in the immediate aftermath of a fire. If you need help, you can reach out to their Toronto office.
Make Sure The Property Is Secured
Once the fire has been put out, you will also want to make sure that the property is properly secured. This means that appropriate steps have been taken to prevent squatting, looting, and damage from the elements.
If there is further damage or loss, you can wind up in a more complicated position with the insurance company.
Get Help with Your Claim
The insurance claims process can be a complicated one. If the fire and smoke damage has been extensive, it can be worthwhile talking to insurance lawyers or public adjusters in Toronto.
Both a public adjuster and insurance lawyer work for the policyholder, unlike the insurance adjuster hired by the insurance company. They will help you negotiate with the insurance company and push back if you’re being pressured to move faster than you’re comfortable with. Their help can make sure you get a fair settlement from the insurance company.
Budget Your Additional Living Expenses
The Additional Living Expenses part of your insurance claim helps to pay for the cost of staying elsewhere while your home is being repaired. However, it’s important to look at the limits outlined in your policy and budget accordingly.
Rent in Toronto has risen rapidly, and short-term accommodation may be much more expensive than you’re expecting. ALE coverage is meant to provide an equivalent lifestyle, but with the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment now at nearly $2,800 a month in Toronto, you may have to budget your expenditure carefully.
Also, keep in mind how long it may take for your home to be ready for you to move in again. If you’re going to be out of your home for a year, you may need to stretch your budget further.
The aftermath of a fire can be a stressful time. Get help from those around you and be sure that you’ve budgeted your expenses.
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