House Fire Insurance Claim: Step by Step (2026)

First 72 hours

Act in this order — each step protects the claim.

• Report to the insurer immediately and get a claim number and adjuster contact.
• Ask for an advance on additional living expenses; most insurers will issue one the same week.
• Do not throw anything away, however damaged — the adjuster must see it to value it.
• Photograph and video everything before any cleanup or board-up.
• Make only reasonable emergency repairs to prevent further damage, and keep every receipt.

What additional living expenses pays

ALE covers the increase in your living costs above normal — temporary accommodation, extra meal costs above your usual grocery spend, pet boarding, laundry, storage, and additional commuting. It is usually capped at 20–30% of the dwelling limit or 12–24 months, whichever comes first.

The mistakes that cost the most

Signing a contractor's assignment-of-benefits form before understanding it, accepting the first structural estimate without your own contractor's figure, discarding damaged contents, and failing to claim smoke damage to items that look untouched. Smoke and water damage from firefighting are covered perils in their own right.

Understand your limits first

Upload your policy to PolicyPal and we set out your dwelling, contents, ALE, and other-structures limits, plus whether contents settle at replacement cost or actual cash value.

Frequently asked

How long does a fire claim take?

Contents settlements often take 30–90 days; structural rebuilds commonly run 6–18 months. Interim payments should not wait for the final settlement.

Is smoke damage covered separately?

It is part of the same fire claim, including odour remediation and cleaning of items that were not burned.

Will the insurer investigate the cause?

Yes, on larger claims. Cooperate fully, and expect a recorded statement request — you may have counsel or a public adjuster present.