Indianapolis & central Indiana
Fire and smoke damage claims
After a fire, the claim is the last thing you want to manage. We handle the structure, contents, and living expenses so you can focus on recovering.
Quick answer
Can a public adjuster help with a fire & smoke damage claim?
Yes. A public adjuster works for you, not the insurer. On a fire & smoke damage claim, Indiana Public Adjusters reviews your policy, inspects and documents the damage, prepares a detailed estimate, and negotiates with your insurance company. There's no upfront cost, and if there's no recovery, you owe no fee. Fee terms are outlined in your contract.
Overview
How fire & smoke damage claims work
Fire claims are among the most complex property claims. They can involve the structure, smoke and soot damage far from the fire itself, water damage from firefighting, damaged personal property, and the cost of living somewhere else while the home is repaired.
Each of those is a separate part of the claim, often with its own limits and paperwork. We document all of it, including a detailed contents inventory, and negotiate with your insurer so nothing is left behind.
Where claims fall short
Common problems on fire & smoke damage claims
Smoke damage underestimated
Smoke and odor travel through the whole building. Cleaning isn't always enough.
Incomplete contents lists
Contents claims take time and are easy to undervalue. We help build a complete inventory.
Living expenses
Additional living expense coverage has terms and limits. We track and present these costs.
Code upgrades
Rebuilding can require updates to current code. We check whether ordinance-or-law coverage applies.
FAQ
Questions about fire & smoke damage claims
What should I do right after a fire?
Make sure everyone is safe, contact your insurer, secure the property, and keep receipts for any expenses. Don't throw away damaged items until they're documented.
Is smoke damage covered if the fire was next door?
Smoke damage from a nearby fire can be covered depending on your policy. We review it with you.
Do I have to use the insurer's preferred contractor?
You choose who repairs your home. Read your policy and talk with us before signing anything.
How do contents claims work?
You generally need to list damaged items with descriptions and values. We help organize and document the inventory.
Related
Related services
Water Damage
Water spreads where you can't see it. We document the full extent of the damage and sort out which coverage applies.
Learn more →Underpaid Claims
If the insurance check won't cover the repair, the claim may have been under-scoped. We find what was missed and pursue the difference.
Learn more →Denied Claims
Denied insurance claim help for Indiana property owners. A denial letter isn't always the final word. We review why your claim was denied and whether it can be reopened.
Learn more →Where we handle fire & smoke damage claims
Get a free claim review
Tell us what happened. We'll review it free and tell you straight whether we can help.