Key facts<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Smoke damage caused by a covered peril will be covered by your homeowners insurance policy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Smoke damage caused by an expected cause, like a fireplace, is not covered by homeowners insurance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Smoke damage should be documented in order to have a smooth and successful claim.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/span>The effects of smoke damage
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Fires<\/a> can be devastating enough, but when there is a fire, there is also smoke. Smoke can wreak havoc on your home and cause a lot of damage even when the fire is out. Not only does smoke pose a health hazard, but it can also break down the integrity of your home. Common problems that occur from smoke damage are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Health hazards and concerns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
  Each home is affected by smoke a little differently. Some homeowners have a hard time with their health due to the residual smoke, while others have a hard time due to the corrosive nature of smoke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
  <\/span>The cost to mitigate smoke damage<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
  Although it may be tempting to try to clear up smoke damage on your own, it is likely better to hire a professional to do so. The type of mitigation used is dependent on the items that are affected by the smoke damage itself. This means the mitigation can become expensive due to costs to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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  Replace filters, drywall, and insulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  Replace or clean damaged furniture and appliances<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  Replace or clean carpeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  Replace or repair structural damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  Hire an expert to examine the home for any other damage or residual damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  Pay for living expenses for yourself or your tenant while the damage is mitigated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
  All of these expenses can add up very quickly. This is when it is beneficial to get homeowners insurance involved, as the smoke damage could be covered under the policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
  <\/span>How to properly file a smoke damage claim<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
  Before you pick up the phone to file a claim, you need to think about which type of homeowners insurance you have. This can affect the way you file a claim as a whole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
  For example, if you have personal property coverage<\/a>, which is true for most homeowners insurance policies<\/a> except for HO-1<\/a>, you can include any of the damaged belongings in the claim. Personal property coverage is usually set at actual cash value by default so if that’s the case with your policy, you will receive the cost of the damaged items minus the cost of the depreciation. You will just need to pay the deductible amount.\u00a0If your personal property coverage is set at replacement cost value<\/a>, you will not need to worry about depreciation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
  If you have homeowners or renters insurance<\/a>, you must file the claim with the insurance provider themselves in order for it to be reviewed, assessed, and paid out.\u00a0When filing a claim, the insurance company will need certain information. They will want to know how severely the house was affected, how much of the house was affected, and how long it took for the smoke to clear from the home. Sometimes, they will request video or photo evidence as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
  Once the company is satisfied with the evidence in hand, it will then accept the claim and cut a check. Remember, the check will cover the repairs and damage above the cost of the deductible. You are still responsible for the deductible.<\/p>\n\n\n
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  Homeowners Insurance Cost Calculator<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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