Name: Excel Adjusters
Rating: 4.9

Dealing with a marijuana insurance claim can be a major issue for landlords. Unfortunately, this is more common than people think – tenants frequently use rental properties to grow marijuana. From needing to repair the current structure of the home to being required to report damage to the state and get THC testing conducted, the costs can be enormous.

At Excel Adjusters, we work solely for you, the policyholder. Regardless of the type of vandalism and cause of damage, our goal is to help you get the maximum settlement amount you are owed under your homeowner insurance policy. We’ll help you navigate the entire process and make sure you get your claims filled.

Types of Vandalism and Damage Caused By Marijuana Growers

The damage caused by growers on your property can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of repairs. Unfortunately, rental properties are an appealing target for tenants to grow marijuana because it’s less expensive than using a commercial building. It’s also easier for them to go under the radar with their illegal grow operation and sell outside of California. Additionally, marijuana plants require high levels of light and water, both of which can lead to significant issues. Some examples of vandalism and damage include:

Growers rewire homes in order to get the maximum amount of light to the plants, placing holes in the walls and ceilings
Large amounts of soil filled with fertilizers and chemicals are left covering the floor and carpet
Equipment is stapled to the floorboards and carpet
Water seeps through the walls and floorboards, creating mold in hidden surfaces
Cabinets (including the tracks) are vandalized

Window frames are broken, ceiling fans are destroyed, window blinds are damaged from intense heat, and items are being placed over windows to keep everything dark
Insulation and air filters are filled with toxic chemicals
Plumbing systems have hazardous chemicals and fertilizers poured into them
Foul odors fill every room and affect every surface
And much more

At Excel Adjusters, we can help defend your insurance claim and get you the maximum settlement you are owed.

Get help with your vandalism insurance claim.

Additional Types of Vandalism That Can Occur

Marijuana grow operations aren’t the only threat to your rental property. Damages can also be caused by:

Meth labs, which can cause structural and chemical damage to your home
Spray paint or other markings on the exterior walls or interior of your home
Damage to windows caused intentionally, including shattered or cracked panes
Forced entry or deliberate damage to doors, including scratches, dents, or breaking
Intentional destruction of personal belongings, furniture, or other property inside the home
Vandalism that affects electrical systems, plumbing, heating, or cooling systems in a malicious manner
Destruction or defacement of landscaping, gardens, or outdoor structures like sheds or gazebos
Arson or intentional setting of fires that cause damage to the home or property
And more

Possible Exclusions On Your Homeowner Policy

Certain types of vandalism claims might be excluded from a homeowners insurance policy. Below are some common exclusions. It's important to review the specific terms and conditions of your policy to understand what vandalism-related damages are covered and which are excluded. Policies can vary significantly between insurers.

Vandalism to properties that have been vacant for a specified period, typically 30 or more consecutive days
Damage that results from the gradual deterioration of the property over time
Lack of maintenance resulting in issues with the rental property
Damage intentionally caused by the policyholder or residents of the home
And more

Our team can help you understand what is and isn’t covered on your current homeowner policy.

How We Can Help

Our priority is to uphold the insurance company’s obligation to make proper payments for the destruction caused to your rental property. There are a few key steps we take to get your home inspected and assessed for overall damage, including any recommendations for repair.

From identifying which items need to be replaced or cleaned and deodorized, to more technical recommendations such as inspecting air filters and air ducts, and looking from the attic down (a thorough top-to-bottom approach). When your property is vandalized by a marijuana grow operation or in other ways, we bring in independent, reputable, experienced contractors to get your home back to normal. This includes:

Lead and Asbestos Testing

The first step is to test the property for lead and asbestos. Any home that tests positive for lead and asbestos must be treated under Procedure 5 in accordance with E.P.A. guidelines. This means only a licensed abatement company can handle the affected materials, removing them from the home and getting clearance testing before the mitigation can begin.

THC Hygienist Testing

A THC Hygienist will test the amount of contamination inside the home and provide a detailed outline of the required scope of work for the mitigation. This serves as a guide for the next steps to repairing your property.

THC Mitigation

Based on the inspection report from the THC Hygienist, we will bring in an independent THC mitigation company to restore your home to its condition before it was used as a marijuana grow house.

During this stage, any materials that cannot be repaired will be removed from your home. The THC mitigation team will also recover any salvageable materials and grind materials, decontaminate the home, deodorize the home, and restore the property back to where you need it to be. After the mitigation is complete, clearance testing by a third party is needed. Once that is cleared, the reconstruction can begin.

Water Damage and Mold Remediation

When your rental property is used to grow marijuana, it’s almost guaranteed large amounts of water were used in places it should not have been to keep the plants growing.

An independent restoration contractor detects and removes the mold, locates moisture and leaks, dries out the excess moisture, and removes all traces of water damage to prevent further damage to your home.

Sometimes an environmental contractor is needed to take a mold sample - this occurs when mold is found but there are no water issues. After the mold is removed, the mitigation company can begin with grinding of structural materials and decontaminating the air.

Clearance Testing for Air Quality

After the mold is assessed and removed, the air quality in the home must be tested to ensure the air is a healthy grade. This is typically done by the same environmental company that conducts the lead and asbestos testing.

Estimator

Your public adjuster will send a third-party estimator to the site to provide an unbiased viewpoint on the damages. This serves as a checks and balances for settling your claim.

Fulfilling your Claim

After your home has been tested for harmful chemicals and air quality, damaged items have been removed and reconstruction work is underway, a public adjuster will speak with the insurance company to get your claim fulfilled. An official report of the recommendations, test results, and items needing to be replaced is submitted to your insurance company.

Get Help With Your Vandalism Claim

Why You Should Hire Excel Adjusters for Your Vandalism Insurance Claim

1. We Work For You

We solely represent you, the policyholder and we do not work for the insurance company. Our purpose is to assist in filing your claim in a timely manner and to get you the highest settlement amount you are owed.

2. We Know State Insurance Laws

The laws for negotiating claims can be very complicated, especially since there are different laws for each state. Our team is local to where you live and therefore are familiar with your state laws and can help you get the most money out of your insurance claim.

3. We Handle All Communication with the Insurance Company

As your public adjuster, we have Power of Attorney in your claim, so we can handle all communication on your behalf with your insurance provider. This means there is less stress for you to deal with since your insurance company is legally required to speak with us. It enables you to focus on moving forward with your life while we handle all the paperwork and heavy lifting for you.

4. You’re Protected

We uphold the insurance company’s obligation to make payments to you when your claim is approved. We also ensure you are not being taken advantage of throughout the claims process, due to your lack of experience and knowledge in the field.

5. We Ensure There Is No Hidden Damage

It’s common that damage to your home or commercial building might not be visible to the untrained eye. This could mean you have even more damage than anticipated. By hiring us as your public adjuster, we know exactly which inspectors to bring in to examine all potential damage and help maximize your insurance claim.

Vandalism Claims Involving Marijuana and More

Get help filing your vandalism claim from the experts.