Arson committed as vandalism against a place of residence is rare compared with arson in other settings. Nevertheless, sometimes it does happen that someone intentionally lights a house on fire out of revenge, jealousy or some other reason. If firefighters can respond quickly and the building is saved, the owners need Fire Damage Restoration in Aurora CO as promptly as possible.
Home Insurance and Arson
Arson as vandalism affecting a house often results in the homeowner having to wrangle with the insurance company over whether the damage will be covered. Home insurance policies may specify that covered damage must be accidental. Some policies will cover the costs of Fire Damage Restoration in Aurora CO if someone is arrested for the crime. That person must not live in the home or visit there often. Insurance companies are worried about fraud.
Court Cases
Cases have gone to court over whether a particular insurance policy excludes arson or not because the policy does not say so specifically. It may state that coverage is provided for damages caused by vandalism or malicious mischief, but the insurer may argue that the setting of a fire is more extreme than those two categories. The courts have tended to side with the plaintiffs, determining that arson committed by an outsider is an extreme form of both vandalism and malicious mischief.
Starting on Cleanup
It’s important to get started on cleanup even while arguing with the insurance company. Even if immediate restoration work cannot be started because of potential financial issues, strategies to protect the home from the weather elements should be undertaken. Damaged areas of the roof and wall must be securely tarped or otherwise covered. Broken windows can be boarded up.
If the damage is severe enough that the residents cannot live there for now, they must make sure somebody keeps an eye the place, as it’s likely to appear abandoned. In the best-case scenario of a very stressful situation, the home insurance will be fully cooperative and agree to cover the costs of fire damage restoration to be completed by a contractor such as Western Maintenance & Construction.
