Fire Damage Insurance Claims in Maryland

A fire claim can feel overwhelming. This guide explains how fire damage insurance claims in Maryland usually work, so you know what to expect and what to ask. It's general information, not legal or insurance advice — always read your own policy and ask your insurer about your situation.

What a standard policy usually covers

• Dwelling — the structure, including smoke and soot damage and the water used to put the fire out.
• Other structures — detached garages, sheds and fences.
• Personal property — furniture, clothing, electronics and belongings, including professional contents cleaning.
• Additional Living Expenses — temporary housing and extra costs while you can't live at home.
• Emergency mitigation — board-up, tarping and water removal to prevent further damage.

Renters policies cover belongings and living expenses; condo (HO-6) policies cover your unit's interior, with the association's master policy covering the building.

Step by step: filing a fire claim

1. Report the claim as soon as everyone is safe. Write down the claim number and adjuster's name.
2. Prevent further damage. Book board-up and water removal — insurers expect it.
3. Book a restoration inspection. A restoration provider documents the damage and prepares a detailed scope, often in Xactimate, the estimating software most insurers use.
4. Document everything. Photos and video of every room, closet and cabinet before anything is moved.
5. Get the fire report from the City of Annapolis Fire Department or Anne Arundel County Fire Department.
6. Meet the adjuster — ideally with your restoration provider present to walk the damage together.
7. Build your contents list. Your restoration provider's pack-out inventory makes this much easier.
8. Review the estimate. Ask questions about anything missing, such as hidden smoke damage in walls, attics and ducts.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Throwing out damaged items before they've been photographed and listed.
• Cleaning soot yourself and making the damage harder to see and to clean.
• Waiting for the adjuster before drying, which can let mold grow.
• Signing documents you don't understand, especially ones that hand over control of your claim.
• Hiring an unlicensed contractor — check the MHIC license for repair work.

Related guides

See what to do after a house fire, smoke damage from a neighbor's fire, and our main page on fire damage restoration in Annapolis.

Insurance questions