Does Insurance Cover Dryer Fires?
Laundry is a chore that few people enjoy doing. However, laundry can go from a minor inconvenience to a real hazard. Laundry dryers are something we all use frequently but they can quickly cause a serious house fire to erupt. Many people are unaware of just how dangerous laundry dryers can be, but they can start a fire that quickly destroys many different parts of a home. Below, our Daytona Beach fire and smoke damage lawyer outlines the danger of laundry dryers, and how you can claim the coverage you need.
Dryer Fires are Very Common
Many people do not understand just how quickly something as simple, and as seemingly safe, as laundry dryers can cause a very serious situation. The truth is, though, approximately 92 percent of all home fires are caused by clothes dryers.
The main cause of dryer fires is that people do not empty the lint trap or the dryer vents. Cleaning the lint trap every time you use the clothes dryer can help keep the entire machine clean and remove the risk of fire. When a lint trap is not properly cleaned, the lint can become trapped in the dryer vents, causing a fire.
Washing machines can also catch fires like dryers. The difference is that when a washing machine fire starts, it usually has something to do with the actual machine. For example, defective wiring or another type of fault can start a washing machine fire, whereas dryer fires are far more preventable.
The cost of a dryer fire depends on exactly how much property was damaged as a result. For example, if a fire only affected a laundry room or the area directly surrounding the machines, the damage may cost as little as $2,000. However, when a fire affects even more of a home, the cost can quickly climb to $40,000.
Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage from Dryer Fires?
If your home was damaged due to a dryer fire, you are likely eligible for homeowners insurance coverage. The majority of insurance policies include coverage for these types of events. Still, the insurance company is not going to want to pay the settlement you deserve. In fact, the insurance company may even argue that because you could have prevented the fire, you are ineligible.
It is important that you fight back against claims the insurance company makes in order to deny you the coverage you need. Even when accidents are preventable, there are still many times insurers are responsible for stepping in and providing coverage. If your home has been damaged by a dryer fire, you should speak to a property damage lawyer before talking to the insurance company.
Call Our Fire and Smoke Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach for Help with Your Claim
If you need insurance coverage after a dryer fire, or any other type of fire, you need sound legal advice. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach fire and smoke damage lawyer can provide it while negotiating with the insurer for the full and fair settlement you need. Call or text us now at 386-252-5170 or chat with us online to book a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
Source:
nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Home-fires-involving-clothes-dryers-and-washing-machines
