The Devastation of California Wildfires
Wildfires in California have caused unprecedented damage, leaving thousands of homeowners grappling with total property loss. Many victims of these disasters face a daunting insurance claims process, leading to one key question: Should you hire a public adjuster to maximize your wildfire insurance claim?
What Happens When Your Home is Totally Destroyed? 🏚️
If your home has been completely destroyed, your insurance company should compensate you for Coverage A, which covers the primary dwelling. In an ideal world, insurers would act in good faith and pay out claims fairly. However, experience shows that insurance companies often delay or underpay wildfire claims when it comes to additional coverages.
Other Structures & Contents Coverage
Beyond your primary dwelling, you may have Other Structures Coverage for sheds, fences, and detached garages, as well as Contents Coverage for personal belongings. Here’s where the trouble starts: the insurance company will require a highly detailed inventory of lost items.
Without physical proof of your possessions, insurers may undervalue your claim. A public adjuster can help you rebuild your lost list, ensuring your fire damage insurance claim properly reflects the true value of your belongings.
Learn more about maximizing your wildfire insurance claim.
Ordinance of Law Explained
California building codes frequently change, especially after catastrophic events. If new regulations require fire-resistant materials or other costly modifications, your Ordinance and Law Coverage can help. However, many policyholders don’t realize they have this coverage or how to claim it.
For example, if your policy includes 25% additional ordinance and law coverage, you could receive an extra $250,000 on a $1 million policy to cover compliance costs. Without a public adjuster advocating for you, you might miss out on these crucial funds.
Loss of Use: What Are You Entitled To?
When your home is destroyed, you may need temporary housing, increased transportation, and additional living expenses. Loss of Use coverage should compensate you for these costs, but insurance companies often try to minimize payouts.
Expenses you may be eligible for:
- Temporary rental homes
- Hotel stays for business-related visits
- Meal costs while displaced
A public adjuster can help document these expenses and ensure you receive the maximum payout.
Discover what Loss of Use covers and how to file your claim.
When to Get a Public Adjuster 🦸♂️
While Panther Public Adjusting is not currently licensed in California, we are monitoring the situation. If needed, we may expand to help homeowners affected by wildfires. In the meantime, we’re committed to providing guidance and connecting you with licensed public adjusters in California who can assist you.
We Can Help: Panther Public Adjusting
If you have questions about your insurance claim, we’re here to help. Our goal is to help homeowners receive the full compensation they’re entitled to, not just what the insurance company is willing to offer.
📧 Have Questions? Reach Out! Email us at questions@panthera.com for expert advice on your wildfire insurance claim.
We also encourage you to like, share, and comment to spread awareness and help others navigate their insurance claims effectively!