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Everyday appliances like computers, TVs, and other electrical devices make all our lives easier — except when they overheat, resulting in electrical fires and potentially major property damage. These fires are more common than you might think.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical fires are one of the most common types of household fire, with roughly 24,000 reported each year. Given just how ordinary electrical fires really are, it’s crucial for homeowners to understand some basics of loss mitigation.
Insurance professionals can help, by communicating to their clients the value of close collaboration between the homeowner, the insurer, and a qualified property restoration company. Specifically, there are five guidelines that insurers can convey to their clients throughout the claims and recovery process.
1. Safety always comes first
Insurance professionals should first prioritize safety when advising clients after an electrical fire. While homeowners may be concerned about financial loss, ensuring their physical safety is the most urgent concern. Insurers must emphasize the importance of evacuation and obtaining approval from fire or police authorities before re-entering the property.
When discussing an electrical fire and its aftermath, insurers should always emphasize the need for homeowners to evacuate their home and to remain safely off-site until given the approval to return home. This approval might come from the fire department or police who arrive on the scene.
Insurers may also make note of a few other basic safety provisions. For example, property owners should refrain from using water to put out any electrical fires and instead use a Class C fire extinguisher or a fire blanket if available. Homeowners should also refrain from touching any affected devices or appliances before being given the green light.
2. File an insurance claim (Sooner rather than later)
Once it's safe, homeowners should file a claim with their insurance company as soon as possible after an electrical fire.Do not disturb the scene of the fire as the insurance company and/or law/fire officials may need to have a cause and origin investigation completed.
In the aftermath of a fire, insurers can provide their clients with invaluable resources and support, helping them to navigate the process of home restoration while minimizing any further damage. Often, this will involve a referral to a reputable restoration company. However, for homeowners to receive the support they need, it’s vital to file a claim as soon as possible.
Really, the point is simple: Timely guidance from insurers is vital for property owners looking to minimize losses and expedite the restoration process. And that all begins when the claim is filed.
3. Documentation is invaluable
Something else for insurance professionals to impress on property owners: The more documentation they can provide, indicating the scope and location of damage, the better.
Photos and videos of any damaged areas, including the outlets or appliances where the fire originated, can be incredibly useful in navigating the claims process, providing claims adjusters with the information they need to provide prompt and targeted support.
If directed by the insurance carrier, the electrical appliance or source of the fire should be secured, tagged, and held for fire and/or insurance officials. Homeowners should be encouraged to collect this and other potential documentation of the fire and its damages for later claim or subrogation purposes.
If police or fire officials arrive to inspect the accident site and file a report, homeowners can request a copy of it, submitting it alongside their other documentation to further elucidate the claims process.
4. Starting the restoration process
To help mitigate fire damage, and to return their home to its pre-loss condition, homeowners will need to work with an experienced restoration company.
Depending on the scope of damage, the restoration company may need to remove soot and smoke, sanitize the area, and repair or replace any infrastructure that was affected by the fire. These steps are essential for restoring indoor air quality, making it safe for homeowners to resume occupancy.
Even if damage appears minimal, enlisting a home restoration professional can help homeowners identify and address any hidden issues, such as structural or electrical damage. For property owners, finding the right contractor is critical for ensuring a satisfactory outcome, as well as providing basic peace of mind throughout the process.
Insurance professionals can be of real help here, referring property owners to a restoration company with requisite skill and competence. Seamless, ongoing collaboration between the insurer and restoration company will be pivotal for delivering the best results to the property owner.
5. Ensuring clear and consistent communication
Indeed, for property owners to achieve the best outcome with minimal friction, it’s crucial to have smooth collaboration with the insurance company and the restoration professional. Property owners should provide all parties with multiple contact points such as cell phone, email, and work phone numbers.
Here again, insurers can provide practical support during this process, providing temporary financial support and communicating directly with the restoration company in order to streamline the claims journey.
While no one wants to deal with an electrical fire, having the right support system in place can make a huge difference when it happens. Insurance professionals can be that difference, coordinating an efficient claims process and managing communication throughout the home restoration.
Tim Fagan is the president of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, a property restoration company, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, a contents restoration company and 1-800-BOARDUP.All are part of the BELFOR Franchise Group family of brands. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Fagan got his start working part-time at his father’s carpet cleaning business. He has managed emergency losses in residential, hospital, university, business, manufacturing, multi-family and K-12 school facilities. Fagan is a licensed builder as well as a Restoration Industry Association Certified Restorer (CR) and Water Loss Specialist (WLS).
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