What records to keep after a house fire

Safety first

Don’t go back inside until the fire department says it’s safe. Smoke, soot and water left behind can be hazardous, so follow the officials’ advice on protective gear.

Records to get early

• A copy of the fire department’s report, and its report or incident number
• Your claim number, policy number and adjuster’s contact details
• A copy of your policy and declarations page, if yours were lost in the fire; your insurer or agent can send one
• A list of important documents to replace, such as IDs, birth certificates, titles and deeds

Photographing fire, smoke and water damage

Photograph every room, including rooms the fire didn’t reach: smoke and soot travel. Take close-ups of soot on walls, ceilings, vents and belongings. Water used to put out the fire causes damage too, so photograph that as well.

Some damage doesn’t show in a photo, such as a smoke smell in clothes, carpets or furniture. Write it down, room by room.

Belongings

List damaged and destroyed belongings room by room, including smoke-damaged items that look fine but smell. The damaged property inventory guide lists what to record for each item. When little is left, before photos, order history and bank statements help rebuild the list.

Costs after the fire

Keep receipts for a place to stay, meals, clothing, toiletries and other things you had to replace right away, plus board-up or security work. The expenses and receipts guide explains how to keep them in order.

Renters record their belongings and living costs the same way; the building itself is usually the landlord’s claim.

Calls and letters

Keep a log of every call (date, who, what was said, anything promised) and keep every letter and email, noting any dates you’re asked to meet.

Keeping it all in one place

Paper folders, a notebook and your phone’s camera are enough to follow this guide. If you’d rather keep it together on your phone, Claim Binder (now in beta testing on iPhone and iPad) holds your photos, items, receipts, contacts and deadlines in one place on your iPhone or iPad, even without electricity or cell signal.