Fire Protection
From LoveToKnow Insurance
Most homeowners' insurance policies and renters' insurance policies include fire protection. Several insurance companies, however, offer separate policies to cover additional expenses resulting from a fire.
Fire Damage
Fires have the potential to cause minimal damage, or to devastate an entire residence. Not only can fires destroy a home or apartment, but all the contents of the home can be lost in a major fire as well. Other related damages can occur from small fires, some of which many people do not even think about beforehand:
- Structures can collapse.
- Water from firefighters may flood the residence.
- Explosions may occur if highly combustible materials are reached by the fire.
- Nearby landscaping may be ruined.
Extinguished fires leave more than blackened walls and a lingering smell of smoke. Extra fire protection can help pay for all the damage caused by a fire—direct or not.
Discounts for Fire Protection
Just like auto insurance, certain safety features throughout the home may result in less costly insurance rates:
- Homes and apartments that have smoke detectors throughout the residence are usually eligible for discounted fire protection insurance.
- Having an alarm system which features fire detection and automatic connection to emergency services or the alarm system company may also yield a nice discount in insurance coverage premiums.
- Sometimes the home or apartment's proximity to a fire station can bring the cost of insurance down. If it takes less time for firefighters to arrive on scene, they may be able to save the residence.
- Because some roofing is less liable to burn quickly than other types of roofing, certain types of roofing might also cause the cost of the policy to be reduced.
Causes of Home Fires
The single largest cause of home fires is unattended food cooking on the stove. Other common causes include:
- Candles and other open flame items being left unattended or getting knocked over.
- Clothes dryers catching a spark and bursting into flames.
- Cigarettes smoldering in a flammable trash can or on bedding.
Fire experts recommend people take as many precautions as possible to avoid fires. Lowering the risk of fires by not leaving cooking, candles, and cigarettes unattended will help, as will making sure that smoke detectors are in place and functioning. It is also suggested that families create a fire escape plan in the event of a fire.
Fire Protection Beyond Primary Policies
It is important to check with your to find out exactly what your fire protection coverage is. Find out what level of protection you have, and also ask what sort of deductible you will need to pay in the event of a claim. It may be that your current policy is sufficient for your needs, but in some cases you will want to add a fire protection rider to your policy.
You may also want to ask how much money the insurance company estimates it would take to completely rebuild your home in the event of a devastating fire. If the company's numbers are lower than what they should be you need to give them a more accurate number. Your monthly premiums may go up in price, but it will certainly be worth it if a fire does occur. It would be unfortunate, to say the least, to have insufficient fire coverage and not realize it until after a fire.
Not all insurance companies offer fire insurance in every state. You should check with your insurance company to find out what sort of coverage they offer. If you do decide to purchase fire protection, be sure to shop around to get the best policy at the best price.
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