SMOKE DAMAGE DOESN’T END WITH THE FIRE

In Malibu, we support property owners in reclaiming both their homes and their sense of peace after damage strikes.

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    Facing smoke and soot damage in the aftermath of a fire can feel like enduring a second wave of disaster. The flames may be gone, but the lingering residue clings to your walls, furniture, and air systems, leaving property owners unsure of how to start the cleanup process. That’s where we step in.

    At Excel Adjusters, we proudly represent Malibu property owners dealing with smoke damage, fighting to secure the full insurance settlement you deserve and helping you move forward with confidence.

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    Jung Park

    Before & After Public Adjuster (PA)

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    Before & After Public Adjuster (PA)
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    Jung Park

    What Qualifies as a Smoke Damage Claim?


    Smoke damage can persist long after the fire event, and may even occur in areas that weren’t directly burned. You don’t need visible fire damage to make a smoke claim. If your property displays any of the indicators below, your claim may be valid:

    • 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

    In addition, the latest wildfires across Southern California have brought added risks, including the presence of toxic particles and heavy metals. Ash and soot may carry dangerous substances like:

    • Lead
    • Arsenic
    • Benzene
    • Formaldehyde
    • Acrolein
    • Cadmium
    • Chromium
    • Lithium
    • Chloride Anions

    Toxins and particles are known to infiltrate ventilation systems, rugs, construction layers, and absorbent furnishings, necessitating specialized handling.

    Our team also guides clients through the various complicated aspects tied to fire-related incidents, such as:

    • 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 hire us, we go beyond surface-level inspection. Our focus is on capturing the full scope of fire-related damage so your claim accurately represents everything you’ve lost.

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    WHY CHOOSE US

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    Deep Industry Expertise

    Backed by more than two decades of hands-on experience handling insurance claims, estimating damages, and overseeing post-loss restoration.

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    Higher Payouts

    We work relentlessly to make sure all eligible losses are fully accounted for, negotiated with precision, and paid out in full.

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    Client-Focused, Results-Driven

    From start to finish, you’ll receive personalized expertise and dedicated support tailored to your recovery and circumstances.

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

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

    How Excel Adjusters Can Help With Your Smoke Damage Insurance Claims

    When smoke and soot affect your Malibu property, the true extent of the damage often hides beneath the surface and can be difficult to identify or include in a claim. Our licensed public adjusters work on your behalf from the start, drawing on our experience with fire-related claims to ensure that nothing is overlooked or undervalued by your insurance company.

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    Advocating for a Fair and Reasonable Settlement

    Our role is to ensure that your insurance settlement accounts for the complete extent of the damage, not just what is obvious on the surface. We conduct a thorough inspection and gather detailed documentation of smoke, soot, and toxic contamination across your property, including damage that may be hidden or develop over time. From there, we prepare a comprehensive claim designed to give you the strongest chance of securing a fair and accurate settlement.

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    Navigating the Claims Process

    Smoke damage claims are far more involved than simply completing a few forms. We take care of the entire process, including on-site assessments, preparing the paperwork, managing communication with your insurance provider, and handling all negotiations, so Malibu property owners never have to manage it alone.

    If your home has suffered additional damage from sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, or mechanical components affected by the fire, we know how to evaluate and include every element in your claim accurately.

    Excel Adjusters Will Help To

    Assist with Denied Claims

    When your insurance provider denies or underpays your claim, we take charge of reassessing the damage and improving your case. We dig into the overlooked details, like persistent smoke odor, system deterioration, or corrosion, to build a clearer picture and push for proper compensation.

    Additionally, we act fast to help you mitigate any related concerns such as mold growth, water damage, or exposure to wildfire contaminants so your recovery stays on track without further setbacks.

    Helping with Every Stage of Your Smoke Damage Claim

    • If your insurance provider is denying coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use, we can step in to work directly with them and pursue reimbursement for your temporary housing and related costs.
    • Should you be unhappy with the quality of repairs or if the insurer has brought in an underqualified vendor, we advocate for the “like-for-like” policy standard, making sure your home is repaired to match its original condition or improved.
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    What We Charge

    Our service fees come from a minor percentage of the total settlement we obtain for you. If there is no recovery on your claim, you owe us nothing; no fees, no hidden costs. We also provide complimentary consultations to help you navigate your claim with confidence and clarity.

    Your Rights

    If your property in Malibu has sustained smoke damage and you're preparing to file a smoke and soot insurance claim, we are here to assist you in pursuing the full compensation you are entitled to receive.

    As regulated by the State Department of Insurance, you are legally entitled to a fair and accurate adjustment on your claim. Your insurance provider is required to pay for your covered losses, and you are under no obligation to accept inadequate offers or unnecessary delays.

    At Excel Adjusters, we advocate for Malibu policyholders and ensure that insurance companies fulfill their legal responsibility to issue appropriate payments when liability is clearly established.

    CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

    Testimonials


    George Z. profile picture
    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. profile picture
    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. profile picture
    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. profile picture
    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?

      Start by thoroughly documenting the damage with photos and notes, and refrain from cleaning up anything until a qualified expert has assessed the area. Smoke damage often involves harmful substances like formaldehyde, lead, or benzene that can endanger your health if disturbed too soon.

    • Does my homeowners' insurance policy cover smoke damage?

      Generally speaking, yes. Most standard homeowners insurance policies include protection against smoke damage caused by fires or wildfires. We carefully review your policy wording to clarify coverage and make sure issues like toxic residue from fire events are not overlooked.

    • How does the smoke damage claims process work?

      Our team performs a detailed inspection of all affected areas, coordinates independent testing when necessary, and prepares a thorough claim package. We stay involved at every stage to make sure you are supported throughout the entire claims journey.

    • What can affect smoke damage claims the most?

      The most common issues include failing to document the full extent of the damage, missing key timelines, or relying only on insurance-provided vendors. We bring in objective, certified professionals to properly assess your loss and strengthen your claim.

    • How is Excel Adjusters different from the insurance adjuster in Malibu?

      We are independent public adjusters who represent your interests alone. Unlike the insurance company's adjuster, we are committed solely to helping you recover financially, physically, and environmentally from the damage you've experienced.

    • Are additional living expenses covered in a smoke damage claim?

      Yes, they often are. If your property in Malibu becomes uninhabitable because of smoke or soot contamination, most insurance policies will reimburse you for temporary accommodations and related living expenses while your home is being restored.

    Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

    Let’s make sure you get what your policy truly promises — nothing more, nothing less.

    Call:(213) 800-3333
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