Fires can be devastating, causing significant property damage, financial loss, and emotional distress. Whether it’s a house fire, commercial property fire, or wildfire, insurance policies are meant to help homeowners and business owners recover their losses. However, insurance companies often deny, delay, or underpay fire damage claims, leaving policyholders struggling to rebuild.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, Mississippi Fire Insurance Claim Attorney Jonathan Barrett fights for homeowners and businesses who have suffered fire damage and are wrongfully denied coverage. If your insurance company is refusing to pay or has offered a low settlement, we can help. Understanding what types of fire damage are covered under a typical policy is the first step toward ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Types of Fire Damage Covered Under Homeowner’s and Commercial Insurance Policies
Insurance coverage for fire damage depends on the specific policy terms, but most homeowner’s and commercial insurance policies cover the following:
1. Structural Damage
A fire can completely destroy a home or commercial building, leaving behind charred walls, collapsed roofs, and weakened foundations. Most insurance policies cover:
- Damage to the building’s structure, including walls, roofs, and flooring.
- Electrical and plumbing systems damaged by fire or smoke.
- Rebuilding costs if the property is declared a total loss.
- Repairs to partially damaged areas, such as smoke-stained ceilings or heat-warped walls.
If your insurance company is delaying payment or undervaluing your repair costs, an attorney can ensure you receive a fair settlement.
2. Smoke and Soot Damage
Even if flames do not reach every room, smoke and soot can spread throughout the property, leaving toxic residue on walls, furniture, and HVAC systems. Insurance policies often cover:
- Cleaning and deodorization of smoke-affected areas.
- Replacement of items that cannot be cleaned due to soot exposure.
- HVAC system cleaning to remove toxic smoke particles.
Insurance adjusters may downplay the extent of smoke damage, leading to low settlements. A legal review of your claim can prevent underpayment.
3. Firefighter and Water Damage
While firefighters work to extinguish flames, their hoses and chemical suppressants can cause additional damage to a property. Insurance policies often cover:
- Water damage from firefighting efforts, including soaked floors and walls.
- Chemical damage from fire-retardant foam.
- Broken doors, windows, or walls caused by firefighters entering the property.
If your insurance company refuses to cover secondary damage, a lawyer can push back against unfair denials.
4. Personal Property and Business Inventory Losses
Fires destroy more than buildings—they also consume valuable possessions. Most insurance policies provide personal property coverage, including:
- Furniture, clothing, and electronics damaged by fire or smoke.
- Business inventory lost in a commercial property fire.
- Equipment, tools, or machinery destroyed in an industrial fire.
Insurance companies often use depreciation formulas to reduce payouts for lost personal belongings. A lawyer can challenge these reductions and maximize your claim.
5. Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Business Interruption Coverage
If a fire forces you out of your home or shuts down your business, your policy may cover:
- Temporary housing costs (hotel stays, rental homes, meals).
- Lost income and ongoing expenses for business owners.
- Lease obligations or employee wages for affected businesses.
If your insurer fails to cover relocation or lost income, legal action may be necessary.
Common Fire Damage Exclusions in Insurance Policies
While many types of fire damage are covered, insurance companies often try to deny claims by citing exclusions such as:
- Intentional or Suspicious Fires – If the insurer claims arson, they may deny your claim, even without proof.
- Negligence or Poor Maintenance – If they argue that faulty wiring or improper maintenance contributed to the fire, they may deny coverage.
- Wildfire Exclusions – Some policies exclude damage from natural disasters like wildfires.
- Failure to File on Time – If you wait too long to file a claim, the insurance company may deny it entirely.
If your claim is wrongfully denied, we can fight back against insurance bad faith tactics.
Who is Affected by Fire Insurance Disputes in Mississippi?
Many policyholders face unfair treatment from insurance companies, including:
✔️ Homeowners whose fire claims are delayed or underpaid.
✔️ Business owners struggling with denied claims after a commercial fire.
✔️ Landlords facing property damage from rental home fires.
✔️ Families left without financial support after a total loss fire.
If your insurance company refuses to pay, Barrett Law, PLLC can help you take legal action.
Legal Obligations of Insurance Companies in Mississippi
Mississippi law protects policyholders from unfair insurance practices. Under Mississippi Code § 83-5-45, insurance companies must:
- Act in good faith when handling fire insurance claims.
- Process claims in a reasonable timeframe.
- Provide valid reasons for denials.
- Offer fair compensation for fire losses.
If your insurer violates these duties, you may have grounds for a bad faith insurance lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fire Insurance Claims in Mississippi
What should I do if my fire insurance claim is denied?
You can appeal the denial, provide additional evidence, or hire an attorney to challenge the decision.
Can I sue my insurance company for failing to pay my fire claim?
Yes. If your insurer wrongfully denies or undervalues your claim, you may have a bad faith lawsuit.
What if my insurance payout is too low to rebuild?
You can dispute the settlement amount with the help of a lawyer who can negotiate for full compensation.
Does my policy cover temporary housing while my home is repaired?
Most homeowner’s policies provide Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage, but insurers may try to limit it.
Can I recover lost income if my business was damaged in a fire?
Yes. Many commercial policies include business interruption coverage for lost profits and expenses.
How long do I have to file a fire insurance lawsuit in Mississippi?
You typically have three years from the date of the fire to file a lawsuit, but policy deadlines may be shorter.
What if my insurance company claims I caused the fire?
If your insurer accuses you of arson, you need a strong legal defense to fight back.
What if my policy does not cover wildfire damage?
Some policies exclude wildfires, but a lawyer can review your coverage for potential legal arguments.
Harmed in a Fire in Mississippi? Call Mississippi Fire Insurance Claim Attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation
If your home or business suffered fire damage and your insurance company is refusing to pay, you need a legal advocate on your side. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we fight for Mississippi fire loss victims, ensuring insurance companies honor their policies.
📞 Call (601) 790-1505 now for a FREE consultation—available 24/7.
We serve clients across Mississippi, including Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Pearl, Madison, Greenville, Oxford, Clinton, Horn Lake, and Brandon. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
