Most times, homeowners are always skeptical about who to blame if the house next door to them catches fire and causes damage to their property. The response to this question is not simple to answer as one might initially believe it to be. In a scenario like this, the party’s obligation is determined by a number of criteria, including the law of the state and the distance between the two residences.
It is possible to file a claim for damages to adjoining homes against the party whose negligence was deemed to have caused the fire in several states. However, homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover damage caused by a fire, even when the homeowner was not responsible for starting the fire.
In this article, we will be guiding you on what to do in a scenario if your neighbor’s house fire causes some damage to your apartment and other residential properties.
What Should You Do If Your Neighbor’s Fire Damaged Your House?
Suppose a fire at your neighbor’s house caused damage to your property. In that case, it is imperative that you take as many videos and pictures of the affected area as you can and you give the appropriate authorities a comprehensive account of what occurred.
Then, make a claim with your home insurance. They might pay for some damages, or they might put pressure on your neighbor’s insurance company to pay for the rest of the expenditures. In either case, it shouldn’t be your obligation to handle it.
Do everything you can to answer any questions posed to you by insurance or law enforcement investigators in an honest and objective way. Although the answers to these questions may make some people feel very uneasy, they will ultimately prevent a lot of difficulty for everyone. In the worst possible scenario, it might become a legal matter, but that is something that the authorities will have to resolve.
Who Pays When a Neighbor’s Fire Spreads to Your Home?
Your homeowner’s insurance will pay for any damages to your property if caused by a fire that started on a neighboring property. Despite this, your insurance provider would need to pursue a claim for compensation from your next-door neighbor if their negligence caused the accident.
We all have at least one neighbor or two who utterly disregard the basic standards for fire safety, such as removing dead vegetation and mowing the lawn regularly, designating a safe place, and properly storing combustible materials like gasoline and paint thinner, among other things. Your neighbor is responsible for all the harm done to your property because of this incident.
However, if your neighbor has made every effort to prevent a fire from spreading to your property, and the fire has still spread to your home. Your neighbor is no longer accountable for the damages, and you will need to seek compensation from your insurance company.
Regardless of the circumstances, your insurance company is responsible for paying for the repair or replacement of any damaged property under their policy.
What Should You Do If a Neighbor’s House is on Fire?
First, don’t expect someone else to contact an emergency number for you. It would be best if you did it yourself and immediately. Don’t wait around to see if it’s already been done before doing it yourself.
It’s scary to think about everything that could be lost in a fire, including people’s lives. Many of your most treasured memories and perhaps some of your most prized possessions will be lost even if everyone survives the disaster. Anxiety can be difficult to deal with, and you’ll look for ways to help the most.
Secondly, don’t put yourself in harm’s way. Legally, it’s advisable to have help from outside. Someone may come seeking for you if your neighbors flee through the rear door while you go through the front. Putting yourself in danger could complicate the situation.
Keep in mind that if any help you provide causes greater damage to the property or even the neighboring homes, you may be liable for what your neighbor’s insurance does not cover. Even if all you’re trying to do is provide a helping hand, you still need to keep your health and safety in mind.
Can You Sue Your Neighbor For Fire Damage?
If your next-door neighbor’s negligence caused the fire that destroyed your home, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit against them to collect the damage’s costs. Keep in mind that lawsuits can take years to resolve.
If your neighbor’s house burns down and causes damage to yours, who is responsible? Many individuals ask this question, yet there is no simple solution. In most circumstances, damage to your home will be covered by your homeowner’s insurance, but it’s always better to speak with an attorney to learn more about your case.
In addition, you would need to file a lawsuit against your neighbor for any negligent acts they may have undertaken that led to the fire or contributed to the damage it caused to your property.
If you win your claim, your neighbor’s homeowner’s policy should cover it. This indicates that you can submit a claim straight to that insurance carrier and see if they pay without having to resort to suing them first.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fire Damage To Neighbor Property?
Yes, when a fire breaks out in the house where you live, your items and those of your neighbors are covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. Standard fire insurance plans often include a personal liability clause that pays for repairs to your neighbor’s property if the policyholder did not start the fire.
In addition, most homeowners’ insurance policies will pay for damage caused by a fire, even when the homeowner was not responsible for starting the fire. The policy also covers soot from a nearby fire.
Meanwhile, the total amount of coverage accessible for these types of damages can have a cap. Make sure to thoroughly research your homeowner’s policy to see what is covered in the event of a fire.
However, in addition to covering the damage caused by fire, homeowner’s insurance also covers the damage caused by smoke. Smoking damage should be covered unless you’re at fault or the harm is due to severe negligence. Check with your insurance company to find out the specifics of the coverage you have available to you.
Can You Claim Insurance From the Insurance Company for the Fire Caused by Neighbors?
Yes, you can claim insurance for fire damage caused by your neighbors. Your insurance company will look into the cause of the fire and collaborate with the neighbor’s insurance company to assign responsibility and liabilities.
An attorney-client relationship is essential whether you need help negotiating with your insurance provider or filing a lawsuit against your neighbor.
Gather evidence to prove the extent of the damage caused by the fire. It must include photographs documenting the damage as well as documentation for any repairs or replacements that have been carried out. Be ready to provide details regarding the fire’s origin and how it got started. Make sure to report the fire to your insurance carrier as soon as you can.
Identify who is accountable for the fire damage by working with your insurance carrier and the neighbor’s insurer. It is possible that this will need to go to court or reach a settlement.
If it becomes necessary, your attorney or the law company you have retained can assist you in negotiating a settlement. If you believe that your neighbor is accountable for the losses caused by the fire, you should file a claim against them in the appropriate court.
What Should You Not Do After a House Fire?
As soon as a house fire is out and the firefighters have departed, you’re left to deal with the aftermath. It’s critical to know what not to do after a fire, no matter how big or small it is. Avoid staying at home if it is unsafe! After a fire, numerous things to keep in mind could make your home unsafe.
The dangers lurking in your home are live electrical, structural damage, crumbling exterior walls, and asbestos contamination. Your insurance company or agent should be contacted before entering your home for any purpose, even to retrieve your pets or personal belongings.
A thorough inspection of your home by your insurance provider is necessary before beginning any repair work on your property. Be sure to get approval from your homeowners’ insurance carrier before making any repairs or replacements. Otherwise, you risk paying for anything twice, and even if you don’t, your insurer may subsequently refuse to pay for restoration services.
Conclusion
In the event that a fire caused by a neighbor destroys your home, you should get in touch with your insurance company as quickly as possible. Request an advance on your claim and allow your own homeowners’ insurance carrier to pursue compensation from your neighbor’s policy if this is the case.