Does home insurance cover fire damage?

Our homes are our safe havens. So when a house fire breaks out, the results can be devastating.

Home insurance can't stop a fire. But it can pay to replace your belongings so you can get back on track more quickly.

Most policies will include fire damage as standard, but there might be some conditions. Let's go through the details.

Will home insurance cover fire damage?

Yes, fire damage is usually covered by standard home insurance policies.

This cover usually extends to the cost of repairs, rebuilding or replacing damaged items. It sometimes includes temporary accommodation if you can't live in your home, too.

What does fire insurance cover in a home insurance policy?

Fire insurance covers damage to your home and belongings caused by fire and smoke. Buildings and contents insurance both cover fire damage, but protect different things.

Buildings insurance covers the structure of the house itself, including the walls, roof and permanent fixtures. Contents insurance covers the belongings inside the house, such as furniture, electronics and clothing.

Standard home insurance policies typically provide cover for accidental fires. This could include fires started by cooking, for example.

But bear in mind, if you or someone living with you is a smoker, your insurer could refuse any claims caused by improper disposal of cigarettes.

Are there exclusions to fire insurance I should know about?

Yes, fire home insurance does have exclusions and cover limits. Here are some common ones:

• Arson by a household member.
• Lack of maintenance. For example, this might be failing to maintain smoke alarms, or faulty wiring that hasn't been replaced.
• Leaving a property unoccupied for more than 30 days unless you have unoccupied home insurance.
• Fire caused by cigarettes if you've previously told your insurer that you don't smoke.
• Home improvements or renovations that you've failed to tell your insurer about.

What steps should I take to ensure I'm fully covered for fire?

Firstly, always check the wording of your policy documents to ensure the cover limits are high enough. On contents and buildings insurance, the limit is known as the 'sum insured'.

You might also want to consider optional extras. This might be an accidental damage add-on, which could offer some protection against fire damage.

What should I do if I need to make a claim for fire damage?

After a fire, it's normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps to take.

But we're here to help. Below is a step-by-step of what to do if you need to make a claim:

• Ensure you and anyone in the home is safe and contact emergency services: Your safety is the priority. Make sure the fire is extinguished or under control and the area is safe to enter. If necessary, contact the fire brigade and other emergency services.
• Contact your insurer: As soon as you can, report the fire to your insurer. You'll need to have your policy number ready, and be prepared to give details about the fire. This includes the time, date, and cause if known.
• Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the damage. You'll want to create a detailed inventory of destroyed or damaged items, including make, model, and estimated value. Keep your receipts for any emergency repairs, temporary accommodation, or related expenses. You'll want to maintain a log of all communications with your insurer and any other parties involved in the claim.
• Secure your property: Take steps to prevent further damage. Board up windows, cover holes in the roof, and disconnect utilities. It's worth hiring professionals to help assess and secure your property.

The amount of time it takes for a claim to be processed depends on the complexity of your case. Most claims are completed within a few months, but serious disputes can take a lot longer.

Do I need to hire a loss assessor to look at my home insurance after a fire?

No, it's not mandatory to hire a loss assessor after a fire, but it can be beneficial, especially for large or complex claims.

A loss assessor is there to help you make sense of the insurance process, assess damages accurately, and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.

Here's a breakdown of why you might want to hire a loss assessor:

• Disputes with insurers: If you don't agree with your insurer's assessment of the damages.
• If you need help understanding the insurance process: If you're unsure about the claims process, a loss assessor can guide you through each step.
• To reduce time and stress: The aftermath of a fire can be stressful. A loss assessor can handle the communications and paperwork with your insurer so you can focus on other things.
• If your claim is complex: If your claim involves structural damage, business interruption, or loss of high-value items, a loss assessor can help ensure a fair settlement.

Make sure you understand the difference between a loss assessor and a loss adjustor.

Loss adjustors work for the insurance company, and an independent loss assessor works for you, the policyholder.

A loss adjustor investigates claims and works out the coverage and resulting settlements.

A loss assessor acts as your advocate, helping you understand your policy, gather evidence, and prepare the claim. They'll also negotiate with the insurer on your behalf to make sure you get a fair and accurate settlement.

What steps should I take to help prevent fires?

House fires can be extremely traumatic, resulting in the loss of belongings, injury to yourself or others, and even death.

It's important to take steps to help prevent fires before they start. Let's go through some of the things you can do to reduce the risk of fire:

• Make sure smoke alarms are fitted with working batteries: To test a smoke alarm, press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds. It's recommended that you test your smoke alarm at least once a month to check it's working correctly. You should also replace the batteries once a year, or when the alarm begins to chirp. The smoke alarm should be replaced every 10 years. Making sure your smoke alarms are working should be part of the monthly maintenance checks you do on your home.
• Don't leave candles or open flames unattended: It's easy to forget about candles and other open flames. Make sure you extinguish them before you leave the room or go to bed. You should make sure candles are placed in stable, heat-resistant holders on non-flammable surfaces. Make sure they're far away from curtains, coats, furniture or bedding.
• Avoid smoking in the house: Smoking in the house increases the risk of fires because of improperly put-out cigarettes.
• Don't leave food unattended while cooking: Cooking equipment like grills, ovens and stovetops can easily overheat or ignite nearby materials.
• Don't cover electrical items that get warm: Covering electrical items that get warm can trap heat and prevent proper ventilation. This applies to items like electrical heaters, chargers and even white goods like tumble dryers and washing machines.
• Don't overload outlets or extension leads: Overloading outlets and extension leads can cause overheating and electrical fires. Always check the wattage and current ratings of your appliances and extension leads before plugging them in.
• Maintain fires and log burners: Regularly clean out the ash and check for any damages. This might be cracks or loose seals. Make sure air vents and chimneys are clear of debris. It's worth having the chimney swept and the stove serviced annually by a professional. This prevents build-up and ensures that it works efficiently and safely.

How can I compare home insurance policies for fire coverage?

Comparing quotes is the best way to get a cheap deal. When you compare home insurance policies with us, we'll ask:

• The rebuild cost of your home.
• The types of locks on your doors and windows.
• The total value of your belongings.
• Details about your home.
• Details about the people living with you.

You'll want to check the single-item limit, and whether you need high-value insurance for any expensive items you might own. Our contents calculator can help you work out the value.

Making sure you've got buildings and contents insurance in place can give you peace of mind, especially in the event of a fire. Compare home insurance quotes to find the right policy for you.