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California Wildfires: Why Your First Call Should Be to a public adjuster

The California wildfires have once again left destruction in their wake, displacing families, devastating homes, and challenging property owners to rebuild their lives. In the face of such overwhelming loss, knowing where to start can make all the difference. After ensuring your safety and securing your property, your next step is crucial—call ELAR Adjusters to guide you through the claims process and help you secure the settlement you deserve.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you’ve been affected by a wildfire and how ELAR can be your trusted partner during this difficult time.

1. Safety First: Prioritize People Over Property

Your first and most important priority is your safety and the safety of your family. After evacuating the area:

•Check for hazards: Avoid re-entering your property until authorities confirm it’s safe.

•Document injuries: If anyone is injured, seek immediate medical attention and document the injuries for insurance purposes.

•Stay informed: Monitor local news updates and emergency services for wildfire developments.

Once you’ve ensured your safety, you can start focusing on your next steps.

2. Secure the Site: Prevent Further Damage

If it’s safe to return to your property, your next step is to prevent additional losses.

•Board up entry points: Cover broken windows and damaged doors to prevent theft and further exposure.

•Cover roof openings: Use tarps to cover any exposed sections of the roof.

•Turn off utilities: If utilities are still on, turn them off to avoid fire reignition or electrical hazards.

Taking these precautions not only protects your property but also strengthens your insurance claim by demonstrating that you took steps to mitigate further damage.

3. Document Everything: The More, the Better

Before touching anything, make sure to document the full extent of the damage.

•Photos and videos: Take detailed pictures and videos of all affected areas, both inside and outside your property.

•Inventory losses: Create a list of damaged or destroyed belongings, including their approximate value.

•Receipts: Save any receipts for temporary repairs, lodging, and expenses related to the fire.

This documentation will be critical in building a comprehensive claim that maximizes your settlement.

4. Contact ELAR Adjusters: Your Advocate from Start to Finish

Once your immediate needs are taken care of, it’s time to call in the experts. Filing an insurance claim after a wildfire can be overwhelming—policies are complex, and insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. That’s where ELAR Adjusters comes in.

Why ELAR Should Be Your First Call:

•Expertise in Wildfire Claims: Wildfires come with unique challenges, from proving total losses to documenting hidden damage. ELAR’s experienced team knows how to handle every step.

•Thorough Documentation: We ensure every detail is accounted for, including structural issues and personal belongings.

•Aggressive Negotiation: Our adjusters don’t just submit a claim—we negotiate on your behalf to secure the highest possible payout.

•Legal Support When Needed: If your claim faces resistance, we can bring in legal support to ensure you’re treated fairly.

By reaching out to ELAR early in the process, you’ll have an experienced advocate ensuring your claim is handled properly from the start.

5. Temporary Housing and Repairs: Keep Receipts

If your home is unlivable, you’ll need temporary housing. Your insurance policy may cover “additional living expenses” (ALE), which can include:

•Hotel stays or temporary rentals

•Food and transportation costs

•Emergency clothing or supplies

Keep all receipts for these expenses, as they can be reimbursed if properly documented.

6. Follow the Process—But Leave the Hard Work to Us

Filing an insurance claim isn’t a one-and-done task. It involves:

•Multiple inspections

•Gathering and submitting paperwork

•Ongoing communication with your insurance company

•Reviewing settlement offers (and often rejecting the first lowball offer)

With ELAR Adjusters managing your claim, you don’t have to deal with the constant back-and-forth. We handle every detail, ensuring the process stays on track and that you receive what you’re rightfully owed.

Why Acting Fast Matters

Wildfires move fast, and so should you. Promptly filing your claim and securing your property can make a significant impact on your settlement. Insurance companies may deny or reduce claims if they believe you delayed action. By partnering with ELAR early, you ensure nothing slips through the cracks, and your claim is built on a strong foundation from day one.

ELAR Adjusters: Your Trusted Partner in Recovery

Rebuilding after a wildfire can be a long and emotional journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. ELAR Adjusters brings unparalleled expertise, compassion, and advocacy to every claim. We don’t just handle paperwork—we handle everything, from documenting the damage to negotiating the final settlement.

If You’ve Been Affected by the California Wildfires, Don’t Wait.

Contact ELAR Adjusters today and let us handle the hard part so you can focus on rebuilding.

Phone: 845.646.4100

Email: office@elaradjusters.com

Address: 120 N Main St. Suite 500, New York City, NY 10956