A fire is one of the most devastating events an Orlando, FL homeowner can experience. Dealing with the aftermath is traumatic, and filing a fire damage insurance claim is immensely complex. While the fire damage is obvious, the insurance company’s adjuster often overlooks significant hidden damages. This oversight can leave you tens of thousands of dollars short of the funds needed for a complete, safe restoration of your home.
The Hidden Damages Missed by a Standard Insurance Claim Assessment
1. Smoke and Soot Contamination
Smoke and soot are corrosive and pervasive; they infiltrate every part of your home, not just the fire zone. Soot residue is acidic and can permanently etch glass, corrode metal components in appliances, and ruin electronics. An adjuster might estimate cleaning costs only for affected rooms, missing the need for full HVAC system cleaning, air duct cleaning, and specialized cleaning for contents in every room of the house due to odor penetration.
2. Water Damage from Extinguishing the Fire
The fire department’s efforts often result in severe water damage to the property. This water soaks drywall, floors, and insulation. An adjuster might account for water removal, but often misses the necessity for extensive water damage claim repairs, including:
- Structural Drying: Professional drying is essential to prevent mold growth.
- Hidden Mold: Mold begins to grow within 24 to 48 hours in damp Florida conditions. The cost of remediation is often overlooked or initially denied by the insurer.
3. Compromised Electrical and Structural Integrity
The heat of a fire, even a small one, can cause significant, non-visible damage. Intense heat can melt or degrade electrical wiring hidden behind walls, creating dangerous fire hazards for the future. Heat can also compromise the structural integrity of wood framing and metal supports. An initial insurance adjuster often lacks the expertise to spot these structural and electrical failures.
The Public Adjuster Orlando FL Advantage
Expert Damage Valuation and Documentation
A Public Adjuster Orlando FL works solely to protect your interests. They engage structural engineers and industrial hygienists to document all hidden losses—from compromised trusses to pervasive smoke odor. They compile a comprehensive package that accurately reflects the full cost of demolition, remediation, and reconstruction.
Negotiating Complex Policy Issues
Fire claims involve complex policy components, including dwelling coverage, personal property (contents), and additional living expenses (ALE). The public adjuster ensures your claim is maximized across all categories. They fight back against unreasonable depreciation of your contents and ensure the ALE coverage fully pays for temporary housing during the lengthy reconstruction process. Claims Advocate Resolution Experts, a top rated Public Adjuster Orlando FL, are professional, licensed advocates who maximize your recovery from the insurance company.
Ensuring Code Compliance
A fire restoration often triggers local building codes, requiring upgrades that increase the total cost of the claim. A public adjuster ensures the insurance company pays for all necessary code upgrades, which the insurer’s adjuster might initially fail to include.
Do not trust the insurance company’s rushed assessment after a fire. You need an expert who works for you. Contact a licensed public adjuster to ensure your fire damage claim is fully covered.
Nader Maali
Claims Advocate Resolution Experts (CARE)
7041 Grand National Dr Suite 214, Orlando, FL 32819
(844) 932-2731
https://uscareclaims.com/fl-claims-locations/orlando-fl/
info@uscareclaims.com
