A fire at your home or business is one of the most disruptive events a property can face. Claims 365 manages the full fire damage insurance claim on your behalf, from the first site inspection through to final settlement with the insurer. We work for you.
What is a fire damage insurance claim?
A fire damage insurance claim is a formal request to your insurer for compensation following loss or damage caused by fire, heat or smoke at a residential or commercial property. It covers structural damage to the building, damage to fixtures and fittings and loss of contents, as well as secondary effects such as smoke spread to areas not directly affected by the fire. For homeowners and businesses in Donegal and Derry, fire damage claims can be among the most complex to manage, since damage often extends well beyond what is visible immediately after the event, which is also very emotional - we get that as we see it every day. Michaels team at Claims 365 assesses the full scope of loss, documents it accurately and manages the claims process with your insurer on your behalf.
Common reasons fire damage claims become complicated
Smoke spreads further than the fire itself. Heat and smoke can travel through ventilation systems and into rooms that appear unaffected. Without an independent assessment, these areas are easily missed when the claim is first submitted.
The insurer appoints their own loss adjuster. A loss adjuster works for the insurance company. Their role is to assess the claim from the insurer's perspective. Having Claims 365 involved means you have someone assessing the same damage from your personal perspective.
The full scope of contents loss is underestimated. Smoke, heat and water from firefighting efforts can all affect belongings beyond the immediate fire zone. A thorough contents assessment is a critical part of the claim.
Structural damage is more extensive than first apparent. Fire can weaken structural elements that look intact from the outside. A detailed scope of works prepared by your loss assessor documents this clearly for the insurer.
Temporary accommodation needs are not always factored in early. If the property becomes uninhabitable, your policy may include cover for alternative accommodation. This is something we identify and include from the start of the claim where applicable.
What our fire damage claim service covers
Initial site inspection
We visit the property as soon as practical and carry out a detailed assessment of structural damage, smoke spread, contents loss and any secondary damage from firefighting efforts.
Photographic and written evidence
We document the full extent of the damage with photographs and a detailed written record. This evidence base supports every element of the claim. It is so important to get this right.
Scope of works preparation
We prepare a clear, measured scope of works covering all required repairs and replacements. This is the document the insurer and any appointed contractor work from.
Contents documentation.
We identify and document affected contents, including items in rooms away from the fire source itself, where smoke or water damage is present.
Insurer correspondence.
We manage all written and verbal communication with the insurer and their appointed loss adjuster from submission through to settlement. We literally speak their lingo. Sure we used to work for them.
Settlement review
Before any settlement is accepted, we review the offer against the documented loss and advise you on whether it reflects the full scope of the claim.
Our fire damage claim service covers both residential properties and commercial premises across Donegal and Derry. For business owners, we factor in additional considerations such as disruption to trading where the policy provides for it. Our commercial property claims page covers the wider commercial claims process in more detail.
Who this service is for
What you can expect from working with Claims 365
Homeowners whose home or belongings have been damaged by fire, smoke or heat.
Landlords and property managers dealing with fire damage at a rented residential or commercial property.
Small business owners whose trading premises have been affected by fire.
Commercial property owners managing fire damage claims at office, retail or industrial premises.
If you are a homeowner dealing with a fire damage claim alongside other types of loss, our home insurance claims page provides a broader overview of how we support residential policyholders across Donegal and Derry.
An independent assessment of the full damage
We inspect the property without any financial interest in limiting the scope of what is recorded. Every affected area is documented, including those with secondary smoke or water damage.
A claim file built around the actual loss
The scope of works we prepare is based on what the property needs, not on what is easiest to agree. We include all relevant elements, so the insurer is working from an accurate and complete picture.
Clear communication throughout
You are updated at agreed points during the process. You do not need to chase the insurer for information, that is our role as your representative.
How a fire damage claim works with Claims 365
Step 1: Initial contact
You contact us and describe what happened, when the fire occurred and what areas of the property have been affected.
Step 2: Free initial consultation
We discuss your policy position, what to expect from the claims process and how we can support you. No obligation at this stage.
Step 3: Site inspection and evidence gathering
We visit the property, inspect all affected areas including secondary smoke and water damage and document the loss in full.
Step 5: Insurer correspondence and negotiation
We manage all communication with the insurer and their appointed loss adjuster. You are kept informed without needing to manage that process yourself.
Step 4: Scope of works and claim file preparation
We prepare a detailed scope of works and a complete claim file for submission to the insurer.
Step 6: Settlement and close
Once a settlement is agreed, we confirm the position with you and ensure the documented loss is properly reflected in the outcome. Outcomes depend on your policy and the specific circumstances of the claim.
How is a fire damage insurance claim priced?
There is no fixed fee for managing a fire damage insurance claim since every property, every fire and every policy is different. We begin with a free initial consultation to understand your situation before agreeing on how we work together. Speak to us directly and we will explain our approach clearly before any commitment is made. We are here for you. Long story, but that is why we do this, it is based on personal experience. Put the kettle on and I can explain it over tea.
Factors that typically affect the scope and complexity of a fire damage claim include the size of the property and the areas affected, the extent of structural damage, the level of smoke spread and secondary damage, the value and range of contents loss, whether the property is residential or commercial and whether the property is habitable during the claims process.
Frequently asked questions about fire damage claims
What should I do immediately after a fire at my property?
Does fire insurance cover smoke damage as well as direct fire damage?
How long does a fire damage claim usually take to settle?
Can I claim for alternative accommodation after a fire?
What is the role of the loss adjuster appointed by my insurer?
Fire damage claim support across Donegal and Derry
Claims 365 handles fire damage insurance claims for homeowners and businesses across the North West. On the Donegal side, we cover Letterkenny, Donegal Town, Buncrana, Ballybofey and the wider county. On the Derry side, we cover Derry City, Limavady, Strabane and the surrounding areas. We do a lot of work in Belfast, but like working closer to home.
Older housing stock across both regions can present particular challenges after a fire, including more extensive structural involvement and limited local contractor availability in rural areas. We bring practical knowledge of these local conditions when preparing the claim and discussing circumstances with the insurer.
Donegal Office:
Claims 365 Loss Assessors
Port Road, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 PHF4
ROI: 087 655 1124 | Info@claims365.ie
Derry Office:
Claims 365 Loss Assessors
North West Business Complex, Beraghmore Road, Derry City, BT48 8SE
NI: 07787 794533 | Info@claims365.ie
Related services and helpful guides
Property Insurance Claims — overview of all claim types we handle across Donegal and Derry
Home Insurance Claims — full residential claims support for homeowners in Donegal and Derry
Commercial Property Claims — claims management for business premises and commercial property owners
Emergency Response — urgent support when fire damage requires immediate action
Loss Assessor vs Loss Adjuster — understand who works for you and who works for the insurer
Insurance Claims Guide Donegal & Derry — a practical overview of how the property claims process works
Why we are regulated matters for your claim
Claims 365 is regulated and authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland (No. C510265) for clients in Donegal and the Republic of Ireland, and by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 1011189) for clients in Derry and Northern Ireland. We are members of the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters. Basically, we have all the qualifications and paperwork , as well as the experience.
Regulation means we are accountable. Our conduct, our processes and our advice are governed by the relevant regulatory bodies in each jurisdiction. For more on how we work and the standards we operate to, visit our about page.
Reviewed by
Michael Bond
Director, Claims 365 Loss Assessors
Michael Bond leads Claims 365 Loss Assessors from offices in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal and Derry City, Northern Ireland. He has extensive experience managing fire damage insurance claims on behalf of homeowners and businesses across the North West, working independently of insurers to achieve fair and properly documented settlements. Claims 365 is fully regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and also the Financial Conduct Authority. We are well qualified.
Call to Action
If your home or business in Donegal or Derry has been affected by fire, share a few details and we will arrange a call at a time that suits you. For a free initial consultation, contact Claims 365 on 087 655 1124 (Donegal) or 07787 794533 (Derry).
No pressure. Clear advice. A practical next step after fire damage.