Erin and Ben Napier and their friends suffered a devastating loss when The Heirloom Hotel burned down in 2025. Now, HGTV‘s “Home Town: Inn This Together” star Ben Napier is providing an update on the insurance claim nearly a year after the fire.
Ben Napier Shares Latest Heirloom Hotel Insurance Update After Fire
On August 26, 2025, a fire broke out at the Heirloom Hotel in Laurel, Mississippi. The Napiers renovated the building with their family and friends, Jim and Mallorie Rasberry and Josh and Emily Nowell, for their HGTV series “Home Town: Inn This Together.”
The heartbreaking fire was featured on the May 31 finale episode of the show.
For fans wondering what happened with the hotel since the fire, Erin provided an update in the comments of her May 10 Instagram post about the series. “There is nothing but waiting now to see what happens with insurance,” she wrote at the time.
On June 1, Ben took to Instagram to provide another update on the insurance claim status after the fire.
“Last night’s episode was bittersweet,” he wrote in the caption. “Our friends worked so unbelievably hard, and we have never been more proud to be their friends.”
He continued, “The fire shocked everyone. It has felt like a death of a loved one in the community.”
“It has been nearly a year since the fire, and our friends are STILL waiting on @libertymutual to complete the claim. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know God holds us.”
“Thanks for watching the biggest thing to happen in downtown Laurel in a long time,” the HGTV star added.
Fans Share Support, Question Insurance Delays After Heirloom Hotel Fire
Fans flooded the comments section to share their reaction to the episode and voice their concerns about the insurance process taking so long.
“It was hard to watch that episode knowing what was coming 😢,” one fan shared.
Another fan noted, “God can bring beauty from ashes and hopefully He can bring an insurance settlement soon!”
“So incredibly sad that companies have to be begged and publicly shamed to just do the right thing. Do better @libertymutual,” one person commented. “This is just one claim of probably thousands that isn’t getting handled. Thankful that this one is getting some press. Insurance is honestly becoming a scam, pay every month, and then pray you never need it. Keeping the Heirloom Hotel in our prayers for rebuilding and the wonderful people making a difference.”
Another commenter shared, “I cannot imagine the agony and heartbreak for you and your friends and family. As a former resident of Laurel, I can share the heartbreak of the community. Ever since August 2025, I have been wondering what is happening, how and when it will be rebuilt, waiting for this program on HGTV, and your podcasts. It is unbelievable to me that @libertymutual has not settled this claim in 9 months.”
Others commented, “Settle the claim. @libertymutual,” “It’s so so sad … what a heartbreak,” and “Praying insurance will make its decision soon!”
I was so happy and then saddened as I watched the last episode on May 31, 2026. Now to learn that after 9 months a large and trusted insurance company like Liberty has still Not settled the claim!!! Why Not? I understand they need the fire report and their adjusters to go over it and write it up, but this long is unacceptable! Are they trying to drive people in to despair, bankruptcy, etc.?
It is just like the houses and businesses burned down in the CA fires. Two years later and the majority of people (approx. 30%) are still waiting for their claims to be settled due to setbacks, denials, and complications.
Have faith and don’t give up. A lot of people are watching to see how you all follow through and get through the really really hard times. Ya’ll give inspiration for others to not give up on even life itself.
God bless all of you.