We Can Help You Maximize Your Fire Damage Claim
A fire can turn life upside down in seconds. Beyond the visible destruction, families and property owners deal with smoke, soot, water damage from extinguishing efforts, and the overwhelming process of filing a fire damage claim.
Our licensed fire damage public adjusters help guide you through every step—so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Assessing fire and related damage
Suffering from fire damage is one of the most stressful things a homeowner can experience. The physical damage to your home from a fire is only one part of a potential fire damage claim. Your home and contents may have been affected by smoke, soot or even water damage. Assessing fire and related damage is a difficult task, which is why you need to consult an expert public adjuster to help you get a full settlement on your claim.
What a Fire Damage Claim Includes
A fire doesn’t just burn. It affects every part of a structure, often in ways homeowners don’t immediately see. A strong fire claim must account for:
Structural Damage
Framing, drywall, insulation, roofing, electrical, plumbing, windows, doors—heat compromises building materials even when flames don’t reach them.
Smoke & Soot Damage
Smoke travels everywhere: inside walls, HVAC systems, ductwork, ceilings, furniture, and personal belongings. Soot and residue require specialized cleaning and deodorization.
Water & Suppression Damage
Firefighting efforts leave behind soaked floors, walls, and belongings. Water extraction, drying, and mold prevention often become major parts of the claim.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
If you cannot live in your home, many policies cover hotel stays, short-term rentals, meals, laundry, and other displacement-related costs. Homeowners policies typically cover sudden and accidental fires, including damage from flames, smoke, soot, and water used to extinguish the fire.
Common Causes of Home & Commercial Fires
Fires across PA and NJ frequently result from:
Electrical shorts or overloaded circuits
Kitchen fires and unattended cooking
Space heaters placed too close to flammable materials
Dryer vent buildup
Fireplace or wood-burning stove embers
Faulty appliances
Smoking materials
Lightning or storm-related electrical surges
No matter the cause, the key is documenting the full scope of the damage—structural and hidden—so your claim reflects the true loss.
How to File a Fire Damage Insurance Claim
Most policyholders have never filed a fire claim before. The process matters, and early mistakes can delay or reduce your settlement.
Ensure Safety & Secure the Property
Work with the fire department to confirm safety before entering. Avoid disturbing debris or items until properly documented.
Contact a Public Adjuster for Fire Damage
Before notifying the insurance company, speak with a licensed public adjuster for fire damage. They help you understand what your policy covers, document the loss, and avoid common mistakes.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Claims must be reported quickly. Your carrier will assign an adjuster and outline initial steps.
Document Everything Thoroughly
This is crucial. Take photos and videos of structural damage, burned items, smoke-stained surfaces, soot residue, water damage, amaged personal property (with lists, descriptions, and estimated values).
Keep receipts, contractor assessments, and temporary repair invoices.
Prevent Further Damage
Make temporary repairs, such as tarping openings or securing the property, to protect it from weather exposure or theft. Save receipts for reimbursement.
Submit a Detailed Proof of Loss
Your public adjuster prepares the formal claim package:
Damage scope, Repair estimates, Personal property inventory, Supporting documentation, Photographs and videos, ALE documentation.
This ensures your claim reflects the complete picture.
IS A FIRE DAMAGE PUBLIC ADJUSTER WORTH IT?
Yes! Fire losses are among the most complex insurance claims. They involve structural issues, smoke penetration, odors, cleaning protocols, engineering assessments, and extensive contents inventory.
A fire damage public adjuster:
Documents structural, smoke, water, and soot damage
Uses professional tools to identify hidden moisture and heat-affected materials
Creates a room-by-room contents inventory
Prepares accurate replacement cost and repair estimates
Handles communication with the insurance company
Helps ensure ALE benefits are calculated correctly
Reviews policy language and endorsements
Helps with appeals for denied or underpaid fire claims
Your insurance company has an adjuster focusing on the claim from their side. A public adjuster focuses on yours.
Fire Damage Claim FAQs
Does insurance cover smoke and soot damage?
Yes. Standard homeowners policies typically cover repairs and cleaning related to smoke and soot, even if the fire was small.
Can I clean up before the adjuster arrives?
You may remove hazards or prevent further damage, but document everything first. Do not discard items until they’ve been photographed and inventoried.
How long does a fire damage claim take?
It varies based on the extent of damage, required inspections, and policy details. Extensive structural or smoke damage may require multiple inspections.
Do I really need a public adjuster for a fire damage claim?
For fires—yes. Fire claims are complex, involve multiple types of damage, and require detailed documentation. A public adjuster ensures nothing is missed.
What if my home is uninhabitable?
Most policies include Additional Living Expense coverage, which may cover hotels, rentals, meals, laundry, and pet boarding.
Service Areas We Support
Alliance Adjustment Group assists homeowners and businesses with fire damage claims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Pennsylvania
Delaware County
Chester County
New Jersey
Ocean County
Atlantic County
Burlington County
GET FIRE INSURANCE CLAIM HELP TODAY
Contact us or visit our Doylestown office to get started.
Address: 435 N Main St, Doylestown, PA 18901. See driving directions.
Open 24 hours
Phone number: 267-880-3000
Email: claims@allianceadjustment.com
Fires are devastating. Filing a claim shouldn’t be.
Our licensed public adjusters help you document, submit, and negotiate your claim so you can focus on moving forward.