Fighting Fire Damage

If your home is damaged fire in New Jersey, there are several issues to consider. Before re-entering your home, have it inspected by the fire department to ensure that it is safe. Consider contacting companies that specialize in cleaning and restoring personal items. Your insurance company may be able to recommend trusted companies for this purpose.

Dwelling fire policies in New Jersey typically include coverage for a covered loss, such as a fire damage to your home. Additionally, a typical home insurance policy in New Jersey should cover damage to your home's interior and exterior caused by fire.

Renters insurance typically covers fire damage in New Jersey. A renters insurance policy usually includes personal property coverage, which pays for the cost of repairing or replacing your belongings if they are damaged or destroyed by a covered peril such as fire. Additionally, renters insurance may also cover liability and loss of use resulting from a fire, such as hotel expenses if you are unable to live in your rental unit while it is being repaired. However, it is recommended to ask your insurance provider for more information regarding the specifics of your policy.

The legal consequences of a fire in your building in New Jersey may vary depending on the cause of the fire. In addition, failing to install required suppression or detection devices after being notified to do so is also a violation in New Jersey. Each level of your home, including the basement, is required to have a smoke detector. The smoke detector must be a combination of ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors, or dual-sensor smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms are permitted to be battery operated, but they should not replace any required A/C-powered smoke alarms or a household fire alarm system. As of January 2019, New Jersey's Uniform Fire Code requires a certificate of compliance on smoke detectors before any individual can lease, trade, or sell a residential property.

Finally, arson, which is when an individual purposely started a fire or caused an explosion that recklessly endangered a building or a person, is a crime in New Jersey. If someone is found guilty of arson, they may face imprisonment for a period of time.