ASH & SMOKE DAMAGE:

ARE YOU SWEEPING AWAY MONEY?

95.7% of Homeowners Are Unaware They Can File a Claim for Ash or Smoke Damage!

Did you recently clean up soot or ash from your home, vehicles, or driveway after a nearby fire? If so, you may have unintentionally reduced your ability to file a claim. Most homeowners only contact their insurance provider for direct fire damage, not realizing that ash and soot damage are often covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy.

What’s the Difference Between Ash and Soot?

• Ash: Larger, lighter particles typically gray or white in color, composed of the solid remains of a fire. Ash still contains combustible residues.
• Soot: A fine black or brown powder resulting from incomplete combustion. Soot is known to be a carcinogen and can be highly damaging.

How Soot and Ash Can Damage Your Home

1. Corrosion: Both ash and soot contain calcium and phosphate. When exposed to water or condensation, these elements can form a corrosive solution that damages car paint, home exteriors, and other surfaces.
2. Fabric Damage: Vacuuming soot or ash embedded in carpets or drapes can push particles deeper into the fabric, requiring professional cleaning.
3. Hardwood Floors: Ash can infiltrate the porous surface of hardwood, necessitating specialized cleaning agents to restore them.
4. Electronics: Soot particles can infiltrate electronic devices, leading to damage to circuit boards and premature equipment failure.
5. HVAC Systems: Ash and soot can infiltrate your home’s ventilation system, requiring professional duct cleaning to remove harmful particles.

What Should You Do After a Nearby Fire?

Claim Before You Clean!
If you must clean, thoroughly document the process with photos and videos. Avoid doing the work yourself or hiring a general house cleaner—only use a specialist experienced in smoke and ash damage.

Best Practice: Contact a qualified insurance attorney before taking any action. They can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected.

Insurance companies often deny or undervalue claims, exploiting unclear policy language. A seasoned insurance attorney can fight against wrongful denials, ensure your home is properly repaired, and make sure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.requently Asked 

Even if your claim has been denied, you may still have options. An experienced insurance attorney can review your documents and provide guidance on appealing the denial.

What If I Already Cleaned Up?

If you’ve already cleaned up, there might still be time to file a claim. Many fire policies allow claims to be filed within 45 days of the incident. Consult an attorney specializing in insurance claims to determine your eligibility.

Take Action Today

95.7% of Homeowners Are Unaware They Can File Claims for Ash or Smoke Damage!

Did you recently clean soot or ash from your home, vehicles, or driveway after a nearby fire? If so, you may have unknowingly reduced your ability to file a claim. Most homeowners only report direct fire damage to their insurance provider, unaware that ash and soot damage are often covered under a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

What’s the Difference Between Ash and Soot?

Ash: Larger, lighter particles, typically gray or white, composed of the solid remains of a fire. Ash still contains combustible residues.

Soot: A fine black or brown powder resulting from incomplete combustion. Soot is carcinogenic and can cause significant damage.

How Soot and Ash Can Damage Your Home

• Corrosion: Both ash and soot contain calcium and phosphate. When exposed to moisture, they can form a corrosive solution that damages car paint, home exteriors, and other surfaces.
• Fabric Damage: Vacuuming soot or ash embedded in carpets or drapes can drive particles deeper, requiring professional cleaning.
• Hardwood Floors: Ash can penetrate the porous surface of hardwood, demanding specialized cleaning products to restore them.
• Electronics: Soot particles can infiltrate devices, damaging circuit boards and causing premature equipment failure.
• HVAC Systems: Ash and soot can enter your home’s ventilation system, necessitating professional duct cleaning to remove harmful particles.

What Should You Do After a Nearby Fire?

Claim Before You Clean!

If cleaning is unavoidable, document the process thoroughly with photos and videos. Avoid cleaning yourself or hiring a general cleaner—only work with specialists trained in smoke and ash damage.

Contact a Qualified Insurance Attorney

Before taking any action, consult a seasoned insurance attorney. They can guide you through the claims process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What If My Claim Is Denied?

Even if your claim has been denied, you may still have options. An experienced insurance attorney can review your policy and guide you through the appeals process to fight for proper compensation.

What If I’ve Already Cleaned Up?

You may still have time to file a claim. Many fire insurance policies allow claims to be submitted up to 45 days after the incident. Contact an insurance attorney to determine your eligibility and next steps.

Take Action Today