How to Prepare for Your Insurance Adjuster
You must notify your insurance company as soon as possible after you experience a loss. The company will assign an insurance adjuster who will visit your property, inspect the damage, and estimate the cost to repair your property and repair or replace personal items. Ideally, the adjuster will visit your property within a few days of the date you notify the insurance company. After a major disaster, such as wildfires, this process may take longer.
The following tips can help you prepare for the adjuster’s visit:
- Cooperate with emergency responders: Firefighters and other first responders play a critical role in protecting people and property during disasters. They might need to access your property to fight a wildfire or deal with other emergencies. Your insurance policy might cover any damage that emergency responders cause in the course of their duties. Firefighters and fire departments are usually shielded by law from liability for damages unless a firefighter causes damage intentionally and needlessly.
- Document the damage: Take pictures and video of the damage to the property. Take as many photos as possible of wildfire-related damage, including smoke damage, scorched landscaping, and structural issues.
- Keep a file of important documents: You will need your insurance information, including your policy number, when you file your claim. If you do not have a copy of your insurance policy, you can get one from the company.
- Know your deductible and policy limits: Your deductible is the amount you must pay for repairs and rebuilding before your insurance company starts making claim payments. The policy limits are the maximum payout you may receive for a claim.
- Keep all your receipts: Your insurance policy may cover more than just the damage to your home. Be sure to keep receipts for any temporary repairs you make, rental vehicle fees, and other additional living expenses.
- Avoid permanent repairs: Do not make any permanent repairs to your home or property before the adjuster has had an opportunity to inspect the damage. Once you’ve made permanent repairs, the adjuster will not be able to assess how much damage resulted from the wildfire or other disaster.
- Make temporary repairs: You may make temporary repairs to your property to prevent further damage, such as covering broken windows with tarps.
- Get repair estimates: You may consult contractors to get estimates for repairs to your property. These can help you make a counteroffer to the insurance company if their offer is too low.
Working with your Insurance Adjuster
The insurance company will assign an adjuster to inspect your property and assess the damage. To help streamline the claims process, be prepared with:
- A detailed inventory of damages, including smoke, soot, and structural damage.
- Records of wildfire-related expenses such as temporary relocation, air purification systems, and debris removal.
- Receipts for temporary repairs, rental cars, and other additional living expenses.
- Photos and videos documenting the damage.
Since adjusters often handle hundreds of claims after major disasters, having well-organized documentation can help expedite your claim. During the inspection, you may accompany the adjuster to ensure all damage is noted. Once the assessment is complete, the adjuster will generate an estimate for repairs.
Most states require insurance companies to handle claims fairly and reasonably. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe, follow up with your adjuster to keep your claim moving forward.
What's covered in your policy
A standard homeowner’s insurance policy typically covers fire damage, but wildfire-related damage may be excluded in high-risk areas. If you have wildfire coverage, your policy may include:
- Structural damage – Repairs or rebuilding costs for your home.
- Other structures – Coverage for garages, sheds, or fences.
- Personal property – Replacement of items damaged by fire, smoke, or looting after a disaster.
- Temporary housing and relocation expenses – Coverage for hotel stays, rental housing, and additional living expenses.
Renters insurance may also cover personal property and relocation costs.
However, some policies exclude certain types of damage, such as:
- Landscaping – Trees, plants, and non-structural outdoor features.
- Smoke damage – Depending on the policy, smoke-related issues may require additional coverage.
If your car is damaged in a fire, your homeowner’s policy may offer limited coverage, but your auto insurance policy—especially if it includes comprehensive coverage—is more likely to cover vehicle repairs or replacement.
What to do after you receive an offer from your adjuster
In an ideal situation, your insurance company will offer a fair settlement that fully covers your losses. However, if the payout seems too low, you have options:
- Request a written explanation – Ask your adjuster for a breakdown of their decision to better understand the offer.
- Request another inspection – You can ask for a second assessment or a different adjuster to review your claim.
- Obtain an independent contractor’s estimate – A second opinion can help you counter the insurance company’s estimate. Look for a contractor experienced in wildfire-related repairs.
- File an appeal – Many insurance companies allow policyholders to dispute low settlement offers.
- Seek external support – If you believe your claim isn’t being handled fairly, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) provides resources and assistance. Contact them online or at 1-800-927-4357.
- Consult a lawyer – While legal action may slow the process, it can help protect your rights. Rocket Legal Pro can connect you with an affordable, reliable legal professional.
Taking these steps can improve your chances of securing a fair payout. Stay proactive and document all communication with your insurer to strengthen your case.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
