Fire and Chimney Fire Insurance Claims
A fire claim is almost never confined to what burned. Smoke, heat and the water used to put the fire out cause damage of their own, often through the whole building, and the full cost only becomes clear once somebody goes looking for it.
Chimney fires
Chimney fires are among the most commonly under-settled claims we see, because the visible damage looks minor. The real cost sits behind it: cracked flue liners, heat damage to structural timbers in the roof space, smoke staining through upstairs rooms, and the requirement to bring the flue up to current standards before it can be certified for use again. A settlement that covers cleaning and redecoration but not the flue leaves you with an unusable fireplace.
Smoke and water damage
Smoke penetrates soft furnishings, carpets, clothing, cavities and ductwork, and the odour outlasts the appearance. Specialist cleaning is sometimes possible and sometimes not, and the distinction matters to the figure. Fire-fighting water runs downwards, damaging ceilings, floors and electrics below the seat of the fire. All of this is fire damage under your policy and all of it belongs in the schedule.
Reinstatement, not market value
Household and commercial policies in Ireland are generally written on a reinstatement basis: the insurer pays what it costs to put the building back, not what the building would sell for. The rebuild figure has to include demolition, site clearance, scaffolding, architect or engineer fees, compliance with current building regulations, and VAT where it applies. Each is routinely understated in an opening offer.
Alternative accommodation and loss of rent
If the property is uninhabitable, your policy very likely covers reasonable alternative accommodation while it is repaired, and landlords should be looking at loss of rent cover. These benefits are time-limited and are frequently never claimed simply because nobody raised them.
How we handle a fire claim
We inspect, we commission specialist reports where they are needed, we prepare a costed schedule of loss covering building, contents and consequential costs, we attend the loss adjuster’s inspection, and we negotiate. The first consultation is free. Call 085 268 7871 before you agree any figure.
Common questions
The fire looked small. Is a claim worth making?
Often yes, particularly with chimney fires, where the structural and flue damage is hidden and the remediation cost is far higher than the visible damage suggests.
Can I start repairs before the adjuster visits?
Make the property safe and prevent further damage, but do not carry out permanent repairs. Once the damage is repaired the evidence supporting your claim is gone.
My insurer has offered a figure. Can you still act?
Yes. Reviewing and renegotiating an existing offer is a large part of what we do.
Talk to us before you agree a figure
The first consultation is free and there is no obligation. We will tell you honestly whether your claim needs an assessor.
Call 085 268 7871