Arson or intentionally set fires cost insurance companies $593 Million every year. It is estimated 5% of all residential fires are intentionally set. It is imperative for insurance adjusters to watch for suspicious claims involving house fires. Things to watch for include:

• Vacancy – 41% of intentionally set fires occur in  vacant buildings
• Ignite mainly in evening hours, slight peaking from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• 18% start in the bedroom
• 24% of the items “first ignited” fall in the category of “general materials” such as books, magazines, newspapers, rubbish, and trash
• Financial issues, marital problems, and significant factors for needing to transfer financial debt responsibility are common motives
• Accelerants, flammable fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, or undue build up of propane or natural gas are often present.

So what should you do when a fire loss is received? Assemble your investigative team immediately, complete with an attorney, cause and origin expert, qualified field adjuster, and investigate fully and promptly. For Oklahoma fire claims, the laws can be complicated and a lawyer experienced with fire investigations is a valuable resource.