Fire Protection for Your Property: Reduce Risks with the Right Coverage

Learn about common fire hazards and how property and fire insurance can safeguard you from financial loss in case of fire damage to your home or business.

March 12, 2025
Property and Asset, Reliable Cares, Reliable Resources, Safety and Protection

Summer is here, and while many of us look forward to sunny beaches and family outings, the rising temperatures also increase the risk of fires—potentially threatening everything you've worked hard to build. In a country like the Philippines, where summers are increasingly intense, it's essential to understand the real dangers posed by fires and how best to safeguard your property.

In this article, we'll explore common causes of fires specific to the Philippines, clarify what fire insurance covers, and highlight how securing the right policy can not only protect your property but also provide you with invaluable peace of mind during the hottest months of the year.

The Common Causes of Fires

During summers in tropical areas like the Philippines, fire hazards increase significantly. With the increasing heat index, homes and commercial establishments become more vulnerable to fire as intense heat leaves surfaces extremely dry, making them more susceptible to having a fire start. Aside from leaving the young and elderly at risk of heatstroke and other heat-related ailments, the extreme heat also elevates the likelihood of fires, which can swiftly destroy homes, livelihoods, and lives.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the three leading causes of fires include:

Electrical Connections and Installations

Faulty wiring and electrical system issues are the leading causes of fires. Out of the 2,307 cases of fires between January and February of this year, 625 were attributed to electrical malfunctions. Regular inspection and timely repairs by licensed electricians can greatly reduce the risk of electrical fires.

Open Flames

Candles and open flames remain common lighting solutions, especially in areas experiencing power outages or in households without reliable electricity. Such sources, if left unattended, pose significant fire risks. Always extinguish candles and other open flames before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Unattended Cooking

Aside from gas leaks, kitchen fires often result from unattended cooking activities, grease buildup, high heat and oils, and leaving flammable materials near the open cooking flame. Vigilance and safety precautions in the kitchen are essential in reducing these types of incidents.

For a deeper understanding of fire safety and how to effectively Respond, Recover, and be Ready, check out The 3 R’s of Fire Safety to learn essential steps in fire prevention and emergency preparedness.

Safeguarding Your Property: Preparing for Fire-Related Risks

Property insurance is designed to protect your assets—be it your home, business premises, or personal belongings—from unforeseen disasters, including fires. By securing comprehensive property insurance, you not only safeguard your property against fire damage but also mitigate potential financial losses arising from such incidents.

Key Components of Property Insurance Covering Fire-Related Risks

Comprehensive Coverage: Our All-Risk Insurance (Property/Commercial/Industrial) policies offer extensive protection against a wide range of risks, including fire, theft, and natural calamities. This ensures financial security in case of accidental fires and related incidents.
Loss Recovery for Structural and Content Damage: In the event of a fire, our policies provide compensation for fire damage to your property, machinery, equipment, and furniture. It can include accommodation or rental expenses in case a policyholder's home is uninhabitable after a fire.
Business Interruption: For business owners, our Commercial All-Risk Insurance (CAR) and Industrial All-Risk Insurance (IAR) policies cover loss of income due to business disruptions caused by fires. This includes protection against sudden and accidental physical loss, destruction, or damage, ensuring the continuity of your operations.
Firefighting Expenses: Certain policies offer coverage for firefighting costs, including any charges by fire brigades and temporary protection measures.

Understanding Policy Details

Inclusions: Our Property Insurance plans cover damages caused by fire, explosion, theft, malicious damage, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons. Please note that the total coverage depends on the coverage you get, including the extensions and benefits you added to the basic plan.
Exclusions: It's essential to be aware of specific exclusions, which may include losses due to delay, inherent defects, war-related activities, and ordinary wear and tear.
Claims Process: To file a claim, you may need to provide documentation such as certification from the BFP, photos of the fire damage, an inventory of lost items, and any relevant affidavits. In case of building loss, claims often require cost estimates made by an engineer and/or architect, provision of relevant building permits, and production of property titles for proving ownership. Our team will assist you throughout this process to ensure a smooth experience.

For a comprehensive guide to our Property Insurance and to learn more about securing complete protection for your home or business, please visit: Navigating Property Insurance

How to Get the Best Fire Insurance Coverage

You know best the kind of fire protection your family and property require. Here are some tips to ensure that you get the coverage you need.

Accurately assess your needs. Determine the value of your property and its contents to be sure about the limits of your coverage so you will be assured adequate insurance of what you own.
Have a thorough understanding of your policy inclusions and exclusions. Fire protection coverage varies depending on the type of property insurance you choose. Our people at Reliable Insurance Brokers will guide you through the entire insurance process to make sure you know the extent of your coverage.
Consider additional coverage. Depending on your property's location and risk exposure, you may need extended coverage beyond standard fire protection. We can help customize your policy to include protection from other fire-related risks.
Implement fire safety protocols. Make it a habit to install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. This can potentially reduce insurance premiums.
Regular Policy Reviews. Your property's value and risk factors change over time. Periodically review your coverage to make sure it is up to date and continues to provide the protection you need.

At Reliable Insurance Brokers, we offer Property, Commercial, and Industrial All-Risk Insurance that provides comprehensive protection, including fire coverage. Whether you're securing a family home, a business property, or industrial assets, we’re committed to ensuring that you have the right coverage for your peace of mind.