Name: Excel Adjusters
Rating: 4.9

Dealing with the aftermath of smoke and soot can feel like stepping into a second disaster. Even once the flames are out, the damage left behind seeps into walls, furniture, and air systems, making it hard to know where to begin. But you don’t have to face the insurance claim alone.

At Excel Adjusters, we represent property owners dealing with smoke damage, working to get you the fair settlement you deserve and help you recover what you’ve lost.

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Before & After Public Adjuster (PA)

WHAT QUALIFIES AS A SMOKE DAMAGE CLAIM?

Smoke damage can affect your property long after the fire is out, and in many cases, even if flames never reached your space. Smoke claims aren’t limited to visible fire destruction. If your home or business shows any of the following signs, you might have a valid smoke damage claim:

Discoloration or staining on walls, ceilings, furniture, or personal belongings
Persistent smoke odor that lingers despite surface-level cleaning
Corrosion or breakdown of materials like metal, wood, or electronics
Health hazards caused by smoke residue, especially for sensitive individuals
Damage to porous items like upholstery, clothing, or documents

Additionally, recent wildfires in Southern California have introduced a new layer of concern: toxic residue and heavy metals. Ash and soot can contain hazardous materials such as:

Lead
Arsenic
Benzene
Formaldehyde
Acrolein
Cadmium
Chromium
Lithium
Chloride Anions

These substances settle into building materials, air ducts, HVAC systems, carpets, and porous furniture, often requiring specialized remediation protocols.

We also help our clients address the many complex issues that often come with fire-related losses, including:

Structural weakening to walls, roofing, and support systems
Water or chemical damage from fire suppression efforts
Hidden damage to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems

When you bring us in, we look at the full picture—not just the surface damage. Our goal is to document every impact the fire had on your property so your claim reflects the true extent of your loss.

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WHY CHOOSE US

Deep Industry Expertise

Supported by over 25+ years of direct involvement in claims, estimating, and rebuilding after loss.

Higher Payouts

We fight tirelessly to ensure every dollar you’re entitled to is accurately documented, negotiated, and recovered.

Client-Focused, Results-Driven

You’ll receive tailored, expert guidance at every step—built around your unique situation and recovery needs.

Need to File a Smoke Damage Claim? Excel Adjusters Will Help To:

Advocate on your behalf with the insurance company for a fair and reasonable settlement
Expedite the claims process
Assess building damage
Investigate and measure the extent of the loss
Evaluate replacement cost and/or depreciation
Prepare documentation

Review your insurance policy coverage
Provide damage restoration services
Evaluate your compliance responsibilities
Assemble business equipment claims (if applicable)
Assemble support data for a loss of income claim (if applicable)
Assess total loss claims and review insurance estimates

How Excel Adjusters Can Help With Your Smoke Damage Insurance Claims

When smoke and soot affect your property, the damage isn’t always easy to see—or easy to claim. Our licensed public adjusters step in to represent your interests from the very beginning, using our experience with fire-related claims to make sure your insurance company doesn’t miss or undervalue the damage.

Advocating For a Fair and Reasonable Settlement

Our job is to make sure your settlement reflects the full scope of the damage, not just what’s visible at first glance. We carefully inspect and document the smoke, soot, and toxic contamination throughout your property, including hidden or long-term effects. Then we build a detailed claim that gives you the best chance at a fair and reasonable settlement.

Navigating the Claims Process

Smoke damage claims involve more than just filling out forms. We handle the full process—assessments, paperwork, communication with your insurance provider, and negotiations—so you don’t have to do it alone.

If your property includes additional damage from sprinklers, extinguishers, or systems affected by fire, we know how to account for that, too.

Assist with Denied Claims

If your claim was denied or underpaid, we’ll step in to review and strengthen your case. We look for overlooked areas of damage, such as persistent odors, corrosion, or compromised air systems, and use that evidence to push for a more accurate settlement.

We also help you take quick steps to address any secondary issues—like water damage, microbial growth, or exposure to hazardous wildfire residue—before they escalate and complicate your recovery.

Helping with Every Stage of Your Smoke Damage Claim

If your insurance company is refusing to cover ALE or Loss of Use expenses, we can work with them in an attempt to get you reimbursed for temporary living costs.
If you're dissatisfied with the repairs or the insurer has hired an unqualified vendor, we can push for the “like-for-like” standard in your policy—ensuring your property is restored to its original quality or better.

WHAT WE CHARGE

We charge a small percentage based on what we settle for our policyholders. If there is no recovery amount on your claim, then we do not charge any expenses or fees. We also offer free consultations and guidance on your claim.

YOUR RIGHTS

If your property has experienced smoke damage and you need to file a smoke and soot insurance claim, we can help get you the fair compensation you deserve.

Under the regulation of the State Department of Insurance, you have the right to receive a fair adjustment on a claim. The insurance company is obligated to compensate you for your losses. You have no obligation to accept a low-ball offer or delays in processing your claim.

Excel Adjusters can help protect policyholders and uphold the insurance company’s obligation to make proper payments where liability is reasonably clear.

Testimonials

George Z.

22:40 16 May 25

It's been a wild ride but Excel Adjustors delivered. Insurance companies truly try to underpay and Excel Adjustors called them out. After a long process and Excels tenacity insurance company paid out. The company is easy to work with, responsive to questions, and guide you every step of the way. Isaac was amazing and I thank him for not giving up. Highly recommend them.

Damian P.

17:00 07 Apr 25

Excel Adjusters really helped us to recover from a major water damage claim. I worked with Sarah and the team, who helped us to get a hotel the next day and further helped us to process the lengthy claim to the end. It was almost 6 months leaving away from home, but thanks to Excel team, we are back at our beautifully remodeled home. I highly recommend Excel Adjusters to be on your side!

Elijah Z.

21:33 30 Jan 25

We had an amazing experience with Excel as they represented us during our insurance claim. Dealing directly with our insurance company was absolutely horrible until we contacted Excel for help, and it was a total game changer when they took over. Andrew and the entire Excel team were amazing to work with. He communicated everything on our behalf, was super responsive, and helped us navigate the lengthy process of dealing with our claim. They fought hard to get every penny we deserved in order to repair the damages covered under our insurance policy and took so much of the weight and stress off our shoulders. Because of Excel, we settled for 3x the amount of what the insurance originally offered. I highly recommend Excel to anyone dealing with insurance claims and can’t thank them enough for helping us with this entire process!

Matt C.

19:49 24 Jan 25

While the representative was polite and professional, their quote of 20% was double the rates of the four other public adjusters I contacted that same day. This was surprising, especially given that all adjusters are also overwhelmed with work during the Eaton and Palisade fire crisis. While the state does not explicitly cap public adjuster fees at a specific percentage, it indirectly limits the amount they can charge by ensuring the insured receives the full settlement amount offered by the insurer prior to any contract with the public adjuster.

For residential claims, industry practice in California typically caps public adjuster fees at 10%, though this specific percentage may not be directly stated in Section 15027. A public adjuster quoting 20% for a residential claim may be considered unreasonable or exploitative, particularly during a crisis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after discovering smoke damage?
Document everything and avoid cleanup until a professional inspection is done. Contaminants like benzene, formaldehyde, and lead may be present and can pose serious health risks.
Does my homeowners' insurance policy cover smoke damage?
In most cases, yes. A standard homeowners policy typically includes smoke damage from wildfire or fire-related causes. We help interpret the fine print to ensure you're covered, including for contamination from hazardous wildfire byproducts.
How does the smoke damage claims process work?
We assess all affected areas, gather third-party testing if necessary, and prepare a detailed claim — guiding you every step of the way.

What can affect smoke damage claims the most?
Timing, inadequate documentation, or relying solely on the carrier’s vendors. We bring in certified professionals when needed to ensure the full picture of your loss is captured.
How is Excel Adjusters different from the insurance adjuster?
We work for you, not the insurance company. Our only priority is your recovery — physical, financial, and environmental.
Are additional living expenses covered in a smoke damage claim?
Yes — if your home is uninhabitable due to smoke, soot, or contamination, most policies provide coverage for temporary housing and other living costs.