Key points
- Your claim usually has several parts: structure, contents, additional living expenses or business income, and debris removal. Each is valued differently.
- Insurers may request a sworn proof of loss and an examination under oath. Both carry deadlines and risks.
- For a total loss of real property by fire, Texas’s valued policy law (Insurance Code § 862.053) may make the policy limit payable.
- Don’t discard damaged items until they’re documented and the insurer has had an opportunity to inspect.
What a fire claim can include
| Coverage | What to document |
|---|---|
| Dwelling or building | Structural, roofing, framing, electrical and HVAC damage, and code-upgrade costs. |
| Smoke and soot | Odor penetration in drywall, insulation and ductwork, and cleaning vs. replacement. |
| Contents / personal property | A room-by-room inventory, photos, receipts, and replacement cost. |
| Additional living expenses (ALE) | Temporary housing, increased food and travel costs, and storage. |
| Business income and extra expense | Lost profits, continuing expenses, and the costs of operating elsewhere. |
| Secondary damage | Water from firefighting, mold, and corrosion from extinguishing agents. |
Why fire claims stall
Fire claims often stall over contents valuation, smoke remediation scope, depreciation, disputes over whether a building is a total loss, and lengthy origin-and-cause or fraud investigations. When an insurer suspects arson or misrepresentation, it may demand recorded statements, an examination under oath, and financial records. These demands have to be handled carefully, because how you respond can affect coverage.
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Read how specialized fire claim counsel secured nearly $500,000 after a long stalemate, then book a discovery call or call (346) 363-0334.
What to do after a fire
- Get the fire department report and keep any investigator’s contact information.
- Secure the property and document damage with photos and video before cleanup.
- Track every expense, including hotel, meals, mileage and storage.
- Start a contents inventory and gather receipts, bank records and photos of belongings.
- Don’t give a recorded statement or examination under oath without advice.
- Talk to a lawyer before signing a sworn proof of loss or accepting a “final” payment.
How we help
We assemble the evidence: cause-and-origin and engineering experts, restoration and contents specialists, and forensic accountants for business income. We handle proof-of-loss and examination demands, negotiate with the carrier, and litigate under the policy and the Texas Insurance Code when necessary, including claims for statutory interest and attorney’s fees on delayed payments. See storm insurance recovery.