I'm dealing with a confusing renters insurance situation and could really use some advice.
I live in a complex owned by my county's housing authority. Recently, about a month ago now, the complex had a severe fire – the center structure/units were badly damaged, and tragically someone died. My own unit is on the east wing separated only by a fire door but was basically untouched; and all my belongings looked fine.
The day after the fire, we were actually allowed entry for a short time to grab some essentials. At that point, housing told us we'd be able to get the rest of our stuff after about a week. So we grabbed a few things and left, thinking we'd be back soon.
That changed. The fire marshal and county have now declared the entire structure unsafe due to smoke and water damage. The complex will be closed for a year or more for repairs. We haven't been back inside since that first day.
I've started a claim, and my insurer wants me to begin a personal property inventory. But I'm stuck:
- I don't know what's actually damaged now – That first day, everything looked okay. But since then, smoke, humidity, and standing water elsewhere in the building have had time to spread. I've also heard from county workers who've been inside that the smell is atrocious, and pests are already coming out of the walls. I’ve also heard that the fire started from an electrical fire so I don’t know how if my electronics function. My front door was broken open by firefighters, so the unit isn't even secure anymore.
- Will I get in trouble for claiming essentially everything of value? I'm not trying to commit fraud, but I also can't determine item-by-item what's ruined. Many people say to claim "everything you own" in a total loss, but is this a total loss even if my unit looked fine on day one?
- What happens if I submit an inventory now, but later I'm able to retrieve items that turn out to be fine? Can the insurer penalize me? Do I have to return the payout?
- The fridge – All units have no power, high humidity, windows sealed. My fridge was full of meat and food. That's obviously all spoiled. Do I need to list every single grocery item, or can I claim a lump sum for food loss?
- What about smoke residue and odor? Even if items looked fine on day one, I've read that smoke smell can permeate porous things like mattresses, couches, clothing, and curtains – and that it's nearly impossible to fully remove. With the building locked up for a year in high humidity and pest issues, am I justified in claiming those items as damaged/lost even without visible charring? How do I word that to my adjuster without sounding like I'm guessing?
I just want to do this right without shooting myself in the foot or accidentally committing fraud. Any advice from adjusters, former claimants, or anyone who's been through something similar would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks in advance. I can answer questions if needed.
Help with renters insurance claim after major fire – my unit is fine physically, but building is condemned for a year. What do I claim?
byu/MiyamotoMusashi2 inInsurance
Posted by MiyamotoMusashi2