A house fire turns life upside down. Once everyone is safe, the questions start: Who boards it up? What does insurance pay? Do we rebuild or sell? This guide covers the basics for homeowners in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Jasper counties.
1. Secure the house
- Board it up and fence it if needed. Your insurance policy may require you to protect the house from more damage, and many policies help pay for it.
- Don't throw things away yet. Take photos and video of every room and damaged item before cleanup. You'll need them for the claim.
- Get the fire department report. Your insurance company will ask for it.
2. Work the insurance claim
- Call your insurance company right away and get your claim number and adjuster's name.
- Read your policy. Ask about dwelling coverage, contents, and living expenses while you're out of the house.
- Get your own repair estimate. A contractor's estimate helps you check the adjuster's numbers.
- Expect your mortgage company on the check. If you have a mortgage, the dwelling check is usually made out to you and your lender. The lender often holds the money and releases it as repairs are done.
3. Decide: repair or sell?
Rebuilding can take many months and a lot of oversight. Selling as-is can make more sense when:
- The insurance payout won't cover the full repair
- You've already moved and don't want to come back
- The house was a rental, vacant, or inherited
- You don't have the time to manage contractors and inspections
In many cases you can keep your insurance claim money and still sell the house as-is. How that works depends on your policy and your lender, so ask your adjuster and get it in writing before you sign anything.
What a fire-damaged house is worth
A buyer will look at what the house would be worth fixed up, minus the cost of the repairs and the risk of hidden damage like smoke in the walls or wiring. Get more than one offer, and ask each buyer to show you how they got their number.
How we can help
We buy fire-damaged houses all over Northwest Indiana, as-is, with no cleanup needed. With over 20 years in construction, we can look at the damage and give you a straight number fast. Call (219) 308-9106 or fill out the form for a no-obligation offer.
This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Talk to your insurance company, your lender, and an attorney about your situation.