The flames are out, but the fight is just beginning. Most homeowners and business owners assume their insurance will cover fire damage without hassle. The reality tells a different story. Insurers routinely delay payments, dispute damage claims, and offer settlements that fall thousands of dollars short of what policyholders are owed. Some claims get denied entirely based on technicalities buried in policy fine print.
Insurance Claim HQ has recovered over hundreds of millions for more than thousands of clients who faced these exact tactics. Founded by attorney Galen M. Hair in 2020, the Metairie-based firm represents policyholders exclusively in battles against the insurance industry’s biggest companies. Fire damage claims are among the most contested cases they handle, where the gap between what insurers owe and what they pay can determine whether families rebuild or lose everything.
Why Fire Damage Claims Get Denied
Fire damage claims face unique scrutiny from insurance companies. Insurers look for any reason to reduce or reject payouts, and fire-related losses give them plenty of opportunities to do so. One common tactic involves pointing to policy exclusions. If an insurer believes the fire was caused by negligence, such as leaving a stove unattended or failing to maintain electrical systems, they may argue the damage falls outside coverage.
The average residential fire claim is around $83,000 in damages, yet many policyholders settle for far less when insurers dispute smoke damage, structural issues, or the full extent of loss.
Another frequent issue arises when insurers dispute the extent of the damage. Adjusters might claim smoke damage was minimal, that certain rooms were unaffected. These disputes can drag on for months while the policyholder is left without funds to begin repairs or secure temporary housing.
Arson investigations complicate matters further. If authorities suspect foul play, insurance companies will delay payments indefinitely pending the outcome of criminal inquiries. Even when policyholders are cleared of wrongdoing, insurers may still refuse to pay, citing vague concerns about the fire’s origin. In these cases, having legal representation becomes critical. Insurance Claim HQ steps in to conduct independent investigations, challenge unfair denials, and force insurers to honor their contractual obligations.
How Insurers Play Hardball After a Fire
Insurance companies have entire departments dedicated to minimizing claim payouts. After a fire, their adjusters arrive quickly, but their presence doesn’t always translate into fair treatment. Some adjusters downplay damage during inspections, others request excessive documentation to slow the process, and many issue lowball settlement offers, hoping policyholders will accept out of desperation.
Bad faith practices are more common than most people realize. Insurers might refuse to investigate claims thoroughly, misinterpret policy language to exclude coverage, or simply ignore communications from policyholders altogether.
When insurers violate these rights, Insurance Claim HQ takes action. The firm’s attorneys understand how insurance companies operate and know which tactics to expect. By stepping in early, they work to prevent insurers from taking advantage of vulnerable policyholders who may not know their rights or how to fight back effectively.
Galen reflects on the firm’s approach: “Going above and beyond for clients is not just about meeting their expectations; it’s about exceeding them and making a real difference in their lives.” That philosophy drives every case the firm handles, particularly those involving fire damage where the stakes are highest and the tactics are most aggressive.
Documenting Fire Damage to Protect Your Claim
Proper documentation can make or break a fire damage claim. Policyholders who fail to gather sufficient evidence often find themselves at a disadvantage when negotiating with insurers. Insurance Claim HQ advises clients to photograph and video all fire damage immediately, capturing both obvious destruction and less visible issues like smoke residue and structural weakening.
Receipts matter. Any emergency repairs made to prevent further damage should be documented with invoices and receipts. Witness statements from neighbors or passersby who observed the fire can provide additional support, as can fire department reports that detail the cause and extent of the blaze.
Insurers will use missing documentation as justification to reduce payouts. They might claim certain items were never present, that damage was pre-existing, or that the fire didn’t affect areas the policyholder says it did. Having thorough records eliminates these arguments and forces insurers to address the claim on its merits.
Insurance Claim HQ offers a free resource to help policyholders protect their claims from the start. The firm’s Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Your Insurance Claim walks property owners through the documentation process and explains how to avoid common mistakes that lead to denials or reduced settlements. The guide empowers policyholders to demand full payment under their policies, whether or not they hire an attorney.
Fire damage doesn’t just destroy property. It disrupts lives, displaces families, and threatens livelihoods. Insurance policies exist to provide financial protection during these crises, but too often, insurers prioritize profits over people. Insurance Claim HQ exists to change that dynamic. By standing exclusively with policyholders and refusing to back down from powerful insurance companies, the firm has become a trusted advocate for those facing the hardest moments of their lives.
For more information on how Insurance Claim HQ can help with fire damage claims, visit Insurance Claim HQ
About Insurance Claim HQ
Insurance Claim HQ is a premier property casualty insurance law firm powered by Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys and headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana. With hundreds of millions recovered for thousands of clients, the firm brings years of legal experience and unmatched insight into how insurers operate.