Types of Fire Insurance Policies
Fire insurance is a form of property insurance which protects people from the costs incurred by fires. When a structure is covered by fire insurance, the insurance policy will pay out in the event that the structure is damaged or destroyed by fire.Specific Policy
In this type of policy, the insurance company is liable to pay a sum, which may be less than the property’s real value. The insured is called to bear a part of the loss, as the actual value of the property is not considered in deciding the amount of indemnity.
Valued Policy
In this type of policy, the value of the commodity is already set and actual loss is not taken into consideration. The policy follows a standard contract of indemnity, wherein the policyholder gets paid a specific amount of indemnity, without considering the actual loss.
Floating Policy
This type of policy is subject to the average clause and the extent of coverage expands to different properties, belonging to the policyholder, under the same contract and one premium. The floating policy also provides protection of goods kept at two different stores.
Comprehensive Policy
Known as an “all-in-one” policy, the insurance company indemnifies the policyholder for loss arising out of fire, burglary, theft and third party risks. In this type of policy, the policyholder also gets paid for loss of profits incurred, due to fire, till the time the business remains shut.
Replacement or Reinstatement Policy
As per replacement or reinstatement policy, the insurance company instead of paying the policyholder the amount of indemnity in cash, replaces the damaged property/commodity with a new one.
Fire Insurance Claim Procedure
- Individuals/corporate must inform the insurer as early as possible, in no case later than 24 hours
- Provide relevant information to the surveyor/claim representative appointed by the insurer
- The surveyor then analyses the extent/ value of loss or damage
- The claim process takes anywhere between one to three weeks