Wildfire damage recovery success — independent adjuster secures full payout for restoration

Overview

In Southern California, a homeowner experienced significant damage after a wildfire, with smoke, soot, and structural issues affecting the safety and habitability of their property. The initial insurance offer provided by the homeowner’s policy covered only around half of the estimated restoration costs, leaving them with a potential financial burden and an incomplete recovery plan. To ensure a thorough restoration, the homeowner was referred to an independent adjuster.

Challenges

The initial insurance assessment overlooked key aspects of the wildfire damage, including the costs of deep cleaning for smoke odor removal, air quality restoration, and comprehensive structural repairs. Without addressing these factors, the homeowner faced health risks and would be left with a home that was only partially restored. Additionally, the partial payout offered initially would not cover all required repairs, leading to potential out-of-pocket expenses and an incomplete recovery process.

Solution

Upon joining the case, the independent adjuster conducted a full assessment of the property’s damage. Working with restoration and air quality experts, the adjuster documented all affected areas, including hidden smoke damage in walls, ceilings, and the HVAC system. The team applied the following techniques:

• Detailed Documentation: Every area with smoke, soot, and structural damage was documented with photos, reports, and cost estimates, providing clear evidence of the work required for full restoration.

• Comprehensive Odor and Air Quality Treatment: Industrial-grade air scrubbers and odor-neutralizing agents were used to eliminate smoke odor from every affected surface, including walls, flooring, and HVAC ducts.

• Structural Restoration: All structural elements compromised by smoke and fire were included in the revised claim, ensuring a safe, stable, and odor-free environment.

The independent adjuster submitted a revised claim, emphasizing the necessity of each treatment and repair to return the home to pre-damage condition.

Success

Thanks to the independent adjuster’s thorough documentation and advocacy, the insurance payout was increased by 60%, covering all necessary restoration services, from odor removal to structural repairs. The homeowner was able to restore their property fully without incurring additional expenses. This success story highlights the critical role of independent adjusters in securing complete recovery support for wildfire-damaged homes, turning limited insurance offers into comprehensive payouts for safe and healthy restoration.