Fire Insurance Claim FAQs

A Public Adjuster is a licensed professional who represents the policyholder. Insurance company adjusters work for the insurer. A Public Adjuster works on your behalf to document, prepare, and negotiate your fire insurance claim.

You are not required to hire a Public Adjuster, but many property owners do when the claim is large, complex, or feels overwhelming. Professional representation can help ensure the claim is handled thoroughly and accurately.

Your safety comes first. Once everyone is safe and emergency services have cleared the property, contact your insurance company to report the loss. Avoid making permanent repairs or discarding damaged items until the loss has been properly documented. Taking photos, videos, and notes right away can help protect your claim.

Fire insurance claims often include more than visible fire damage. Coverage may apply to:

• Smoke & soot damage

• Water & mold damage from firefighting efforts & sprinklers

• Total Loss Fire Damage

• Structural damage

• Contents damaged

• Additional living expenses

Coverage depends on your policy, which is why a detailed review is important.

Yes. A Public Adjuster can become involved at nearly any stage of the claims process, including after a claim has been filed or an initial offer has been made.

An initial consultation about your fire damage claim is FREE. This allows you to ask questions, understand your options, and decide whether professional help makes sense for your situation.

Only after your claim is settled, the Public Adjusters is paid a percentage of the settlement amount, which is regulated by state law. Fees are discussed and agreed upon before work begins.

Delays can happen for many reasons, including incomplete documentation, additional inspections, internal reviews, or disputes over the scope of damage. Delays do not always mean denial, but they can create stress and uncertainty for property owners.

Yes, portions of a claim may be denied if the insurer believes damage is not covered or insufficiently documented. Understanding your policy language is key to determining whether a denial is valid.

No. In many cases, a Public Adjuster helps move the claim forward by organizing documentation, clarifying the scope of loss, and reducing back-and-forth with the insurance company.

In many cases, yes. If additional damage is discovered or the original settlement did not fully account for the loss, a claim may be reopened. Timing and eligibility depend on the policy and the circumstances of the claim.

Disagreements are common in fire claims. You have the right to question estimates, request explanations, and provide additional documentation. If disputes continue, professional representation may help resolve differences.

Initial estimates are often low because not all damage is identified upfront. Smoke damage, code upgrades, hidden structural damage, and contents are commonly overlooked. A detailed review of both the policy and the loss is critical to ensure nothing is missed.

Yes, in many cases smoke and soot damage are covered, even in areas without direct fire damage. Smoke can penetrate walls, HVAC systems, insulation, and contents, creating damage that is not always visible but still significant.

Often, yes. Water damage caused by firefighting efforts is commonly included in a fire insurance claim. This may include damage to walls, flooring, ceilings, and personal property affected by water and moisture.

Many policies include coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE), which may help pay for temporary housing, meals, and other increased costs while your home is uninhabitable. Coverage limits and duration depend on your policy.

Often, yes. While insurance companies may provide guidance, many policies allow flexibility in choosing temporary housing, as long as costs are reasonable and within policy limits.

ALE coverage may reimburse expenses that exceed your normal living costs due to displacement from your home. This can include housing, food, utilities, and other necessary expenses related to the fire loss.