The short answer
Yes, in most cases. Fire is a named covered peril in standard homeowners policies. That includes many fires caused by honest mistakes, like a pan left on the stove. Your limits, deductible and policy wording decide how much you receive, so review your policy or talk with your agent.
What a fire claim can include
- Repairs or rebuilding of the home itself
- Detached garages, sheds and fences
- Furniture, clothing, electronics and other belongings
- Smoke and soot cleanup, even in rooms the fire didn't reach
- Water damage from firefighting
- Debris removal
- Additional living expenses, like a rental or hotel and extra meal costs
Are you insured to rebuild?
Your dwelling limit should reflect what it would cost to rebuild your home, not its market value or what you paid. Building costs can rise quickly, especially after a disaster when many homes need work at once.
Ask your agent about an extended replacement cost endorsement, which can add a cushion above your limit if rebuilding costs more than expected. Also check whether your belongings are covered at replacement cost or actual cash value, which subtracts for age.
When coverage can be limited
- A fire set on purpose by someone on the policy
- A home left vacant longer than the policy allows
- Business activity at home that the policy doesn't cover
- In some wildfire-prone areas, carriers may limit new coverage, and rules vary by state
Right after a fire
- Get everyone out and call 911
- Don't go back inside until officials say it's safe
- Call your carrier as soon as you can and ask about emergency living funds
- Keep receipts for hotels, meals, clothing and other costs
- Secure the property to prevent further damage or theft
Make a claim easier before you need one
A home inventory with photos or video of each room makes it much easier to list what you lost. Store it in the cloud or away from home. Keep receipts for big purchases, and update your inventory after major upgrades or new items.
Working smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen are simple ways to lower the risk, and some carriers offer discounts for safety devices.
