ASH & SMOKE DAMAGE:

ARE YOU SWEEPING AWAY MONEY?

95.7% OF HOMEOWNERS DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU CAN LEGALLY FILE A CLAIM FOR ASH OR SMOKE DAMAGE!

Did you sweep up, or blow away the soot or ash that made its way on your home, vehicles, and driveway, after a recent fire? If so, you may have swept away a portion of your claim. A majority of homeowners only call their insurance company for fire damage, when in fact, a claim can be made for ash or soot damage under a typical homeowners insurance policy. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ASH & SOOT?

The larger particles floating in the air after a fire are ash (typically white or gray). Ash is the solid remains of a fire that still contains combustible residues. On the other hand, Soot is a fine black or dark brown powder that is the byproduct of incomplete combustion. Soot is a substance and known to cause cancer.

DIFFERENT WAYS SOOT/ ASH CAN DAMAGE YOUR HOME:

• Soot and ash contain calcium and phosphate. When either come into contact with water or condensation, the two agents can create a corrosive solution that will damage the clear coat of your car paint, and even the exterior of your home.
• Soot or ash that embeds itself in your carpets or drapery can be pushed deeper into the fabrics by vacuuming it. In this case, a cleaning specialist needs to be called in.
• Since hardwood floors are porous, ash can make its way into the tiny pores and will require the use of a special agent to clean it out properly and restore your floors to their original condition.
• Soot that makes its way into your electronics can wreak havoc on your electrical components, including the circuit board. Since soot is so small, this tiny aggravation can ultimately lead to your electrical components’ premature failure.
• Ash or soot can easily infiltrate your home’s ventilation system. Professional duct cleaning by an Air Duct Cleaning Service provider.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER A LOCAL FIRE OCCURS?

Our advice is to claim before you clean. If you absolutely need to clean your home, be sure to document (photos/ videos) the entire process and DO NOT hire a general house cleaner or do it yourself. Hire a specialist that deals with smoke and ash damage. If possible, the best move to make is to contact a qualified insurance attorney that can help exercise your rights properly.

A qualified insurance attorney can help you fight the ambiguity of insurance claims. Sadly, insurance companies are eager to take advantage of consumers who are not in the know. They do so by offering wrongful denials. This is why hiring an experienced, and proven insurance claims attorney is your best defense to ensure your home gets repaired properly and that you get reimbursed and rewarded for what you legally deserve.

WHAT IF I HAVE ALREADY BEEN DENIED?
If you have already been denied, you may still have a claim. Contact an insurance attorney specialist, and one of their representatives can analyze your situation and supporting documents to determine the best resolution for an appeal.

WHAT IF I ALREADY CLEANED UP?
If you already cleaned up, there still may be a chance you have a claim. Generally speaking, many fire policies have a 45 day limit on when an insured party can file a claim. As always, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney specializing in insurance claims.