When it comes to insurance claims after a chimney fire, you want to be sure that you handle the entire process smoothly and efficiently. After all, experiencing the chimney fire itself was traumatic enough; you dont need to add the hassle of paperwork, frustration and financial worry on top of all that.

If youre unsure of how insurance claims after a chimney fire work, then this article will provide you with a basic guide on how you can ensure that your claim is approved. By following these steps, youll save yourself a great deal of hassle when working with insurance companies not to mention the headache!

Document Everything. Because chimneys are considered part of the home, your homeowners insurance will cover damage incurred by a chimney fire thats deemed to be accidental. Like with any other insurance claim, its vitally important to document anything and everything thats damaged by the fire. Make sure you use a camera that imprints dates on the photograph (digital cameras automatically do this) and leave no stone unturned.

Recruit The Help of a Professional. Many insurance companies wont approve a claim unless an inspection has been carried out by a member of the insurance company or a certified chimney inspector. If you opt for the latter choice, make sure your chimney inspector is part of the Chimney Safety Institute of America, as many insurance companies will reject inspections carried out by professionals who arent associated with this prestigious organization.

Be Prepared For the Unexpected. If your chimney was struck by lightning or any other fluke was found to be the cause of the chimney fire, an insurance company will generally approve the claim and fund your repairs. However, if the insurance inspectors find evidence of chimney neglect (such as a clogged flue), then they wont approve the claim, as the chimney fire and resulting damage was caused by negligence. If youve been keeping up with your chimney cleanings and inspections, you should have nothing to worry about; otherwise, its best to prepare yourself for a not-so-favorable decision from your home insurance company.

When it comes to insurance claims after chimney fires, youll want an expert by your side to ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently. Thats why you should call a CSIA certified chimney inspector today. A CSIA certified chimney inspectors and cleaners will help you process your insurance claims, so you can get your life back on track faster.