After a fire?
Fire and Smoke Damage Claims: What to Expect
Fire claims are usually paid, but ALE limits, smoke remediation, and content valuation cause disputes. Check yours in 60 seconds.
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What's covered
Standard home insurance pays for structural repair, contents replacement, and Additional Living Expenses (ALE) while you're displaced. Smoke damage to contents is included but caps and valuation methods vary.
Replacement Cost vs Actual Cash Value
ACV pays depreciated value (often 30–50% of replacement). Replacement Cost pays new-for-old. Most modern policies are RC for structure, but contents vary.
Frequently asked
- How long does ALE last?
- Usually 12–24 months, with a cap. Some 'limited' policies cap at 30% of the dwelling limit.
- Do I have to itemize every burned item?
- Yes — insurers require an itemized contents inventory with model/age/value. Apps like Encircle help.
Your policy is the only source of truth
Stop guessing. Check your actual policy.
Generic answers don't pay claims. PolicyPal reads your policy wording in seconds and tells you, in one sentence, whether you're covered.