Fire and Smoke Damage Claim FAQs
Do I need a fire insurance claims adjuster?
Yes. A fire insurance claims adjuster serves as your advocate in the claims process. A claims adjuster does for fire loss victims what a lawyer does for a defendant; we protect your interests as you present your case to the insurance company. The insurance claims process can be complex, and insurance companies attempt to limit their claims payments as much as possible. ALL RISK Public Adjusters help you manage the insurance claims process and ensure that you get the maximum settlement to which you are entitled.
How are the damages to my building and personal personal property determined?
One of the things that makes ALL RISK Public Adjusters unique is that fact that we have our own in-house contents department. This department includes highly trained specialists whose experience and expertise is vital in the assessment and estimation of damages done to your personal belongings. ALL RISK Public Adjusters will send a contents expert to your home to prepare an itemized list of the damaged contents to be included in your insurance claim. The staff of our contents department, as well as all of our building adjusters, are equipped with a highly specialized computer software program, Xactimate, which runs tens of thousands of dollars each year in licensing costs. Xactimate is the same building and contents estimating software that some the biggest insurance companies in the country use. This is just one more area where ALL RISK Public Adjusters goes above and beyond industry standards to ensure we get you every dollar you deserve.
Where will my family and I live while my home is being repaired/reconstructed?
Most insurance companies include a loss of use provision within their homeowners policies, which is commonly referred to as additional living expenses (ALE). ALE provides coverage for costs that exceed what a homeowner would ordinarily have to spend for housing, food, transportation, etc. Whether a fire occurs at your property during the day or at night, your first call should be to ALL RISK Public Adjusters so that, if necessary, one of our company representatives can take you to hotel with a company credit card, and provide you emergency money for food and clothing until we secure an advance check from your insurance company.
Should I photograph or video-record the fire damage?
Yes. It is beneficial to have photographic or video evidence of the fire damage when you file a claim. Similar to having evidence in a trial, photographic evidence can serve as proof of the damage to your home.
How will I prove that I owned items that were destroyed in the fire?
Sales receipts or other documented proof of ownership, such as photographs, will help expedite the inspection process. Having your insurance policy readily available will also help the claims adjuster determine which of your items are covered.
How is smoke damage repaired?
Experts use a combination of drying, vacuuming and antimicrobials to remove the smell and damage caused by smoke. Smoke damage repair is a specialized field and must be performed by a professional. As a claims adjuster, we can help you find the right company to do the job.
How can I be sure the air in my home is healthy and smoke free?
The professionals hired to repair smoke damage will ensure that the air quality in your home is safe. This involves opening every cavity in your home to release any trapped smoke or odor. This must be done correctly, and repairs must be made prior to removing the odor.
When should I hire a professional to remove the odor from my home?
The sooner a professional is hired to remove the odor, the better. Smoke damage becomes more difficult and therefore more expensive to repair the longer you wait. Contacting a claims adjuster like ALL RISK Public Adjusters should be a priority after a fire and we will help you hire a smoke damage repair company.
Will my insurance company drop me at renewal if I hire an insurance claims adjuster?
Your insurance company cannot legally drop you. It is well within your legal rights to hire a fire insurance claims adjuster after you incur a fire loss.
