Wildfires cause major destruction to businesses, homes and properties as well as the nature surrounding them. Seeking professional help to assist in settling your claim for the maximum financial amount is wise, especially if you are not familiar with the insurance or claims industry. In order to maximize your financial settlement from a wildfire loss, we suggest considering hiring a public adjuster.

What is a public adjuster?

A public adjuster is an expert in the insurance industry. Public adjusters have the knowledge and training to appraise, prepare and negotiate property damage and business interruption losses. Hiring a public adjuster will level the playing field between the policyholder and their insurance company. An insurance company’s experts adjust claims daily and are looking out for the company’s best interests. A public adjuster however, is looking out for the policyholder’s best interest and is there to maximize their client’s financial recovery.

How can a public adjust assist in maximizing my financial recovery?

A public adjuster will:

  • Value, document and substantiate every detail of your residential or commercial insurance claim;
    • This includes creating an inventory of your property and possessions and assigning a value to each to present to your insurance company
  • Negotiate on your behalf with your insurance company;
  • Keep you informed every step of the way;
  • Ultimately settle the insurance claim for the maximum amount with infinitely less hassle for you

Those who have used a public adjuster for their wildfire claim:

"...I never anticipated your being able to secure such a high settlement, which was more than four times what I expected to get had I negotiated with the insurance company myself. You not only secured much more dollars than I anticipated, but helped alleviate a lot of the burdens that I would have to deal with in dealing with my insurance carrier..."

- Fred Fahimy, D.D.S., F.A.C.P.

"After the shock wore off the enormity of rebuilding and replacing all that we owned was overwhelming. I learned throughout this process that as nice as the insurance adjustor is their job is to pay as little as possible for the loss…I can honestly say that without your help I would have suffered a devastating financial loss as well as a devastating personal loss. You and your staff worked very hard on my claim. You did things to increase the amount of the claim payment from the insurance company that I would have had no knowledge even existed. On a personal level you were understanding and supportive of the emotional impact this was having on me and my children."

- Lori G. London, Attorney at Law

Unfortunately, one’s knowledge of the insurance industry and technical jargon has a large impact on a resulting financial settlement. Leaving out minute details can lead to penalties – which is why we suggest letting a professional handle the paperwork while you work on getting your life, home, family, or business back to normalcy.

Steve Severaid, Principal at The Greenspan Co./Adjusters International discusses some challenges of wildfire claims:

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