Los Angeles Office Address
3530 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 699, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone: (213) 817-5741
Fax: (888) 327-7089
Email: [email protected]
Santa Clara Office Address
5201 Great America Parkway Suite 320 – [#284] Santa Clara, CA 95054
Experiencing smoke and soot damage following a fire can be as overwhelming as the initial disaster itself. Although the fire may have been contained, the stubborn residue coats surfaces, infiltrates air systems, and settles into personal belongings, leaving property owners unsure of the first steps to take in remediation. This is where our expertise becomes invaluable.
Excel Adjusters proudly serves Brentwood homeowners who are facing smoke damage. We advocate for property owners in securing comprehensive insurance settlements and offer knowledgeable support to help you navigate the recovery process with assurance and peace of mind.
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Before & After Public Adjuster (PA)
What Qualifies as a Smoke Damage Claim?
Even after a fire is extinguished, smoke damage can remain a persistent problem, affecting parts of a property that were not directly exposed to flames. It is important to note that visible fire damage is not a prerequisite for filing a smoke damage claim. If you observe any of the following issues, your claim may be valid:
- Staining or discoloration on ceilings, walls, furniture, or personal belongings
- Persistent odors of smoke that are not eliminated through standard cleaning
- Breakdown or corrosion of materials including metal, wood, and electronics
- Potential health hazards from residual smoke, especially for sensitive individuals
- Damage to porous items such as fabrics, documents, or upholstered furniture
In addition, recent Southern California wildfires have heightened these dangers. Ash and soot may carry toxic substances and heavy metals, which can pose significant risks to health and property.
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Benzene
- Formaldehyde
- Acrolein
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Lithium
- Chloride Anions
WHY CHOOSE US
Deep Industry Expertise
Drawing on more than two decades of direct involvement in insurance claims, property damage evaluations, and post-loss restoration projects, our professionals provide highly informed, precise assistance at every stage.
Higher Payouts
Our approach ensures that all valid losses are thoroughly reviewed, expertly presented, and fully recovered, maximizing your financial settlement from the insurance provider.
Client-Focused, Results-Driven
From the initial consultation through final resolution, you receive dedicated attention, customized strategies, and expert support designed to guide you successfully through the recovery process.
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
Smoke and soot can leave lingering effects on your Brentwood property that are not immediately obvious, and these hidden damages can easily be overlooked in a standard insurance assessment. Our licensed public adjusters represent you from the outset, drawing on years of experience managing fire-related claims to ensure that every element of loss is recognized and valued appropriately by your insurance company.
Advocating for a Fair and Reasonable Settlement
Our aim is to make sure your insurance settlement truly accounts for all damages, beyond what is apparent on first inspection. We conduct a complete evaluation, documenting smoke, soot, and toxic contaminants throughout your property, including any areas where damage may be subtle or appear later. From this careful assessment, we develop a comprehensive claim strategy designed to secure the most accurate and fair settlement possible.
Navigating the Claims Process
Smoke damage claims require careful attention to every detail, far beyond simply submitting paperwork. Our team oversees the full process, including property inspections, preparation of all necessary documents, communication with your insurance company, and handling all negotiation efforts so that Brentwood property owners are supported at every step.
When a fire causes additional harm through activated sprinklers, discharged fire extinguishers, or affected mechanical components, we know exactly how to document and include these damages in your claim accurately and thoroughly.
Assist with Denied Claims
If your insurer denies your claim or provides an inadequate settlement, we step in to reassess the situation and strengthen your position. By analyzing often-overlooked factors such as residual smoke odor, equipment corrosion, or ongoing system degradation, we build a more complete and precise case to pursue fair compensation.
Additionally, we act quickly to address potential secondary issues such as water damage, mold, or harmful wildfire residues, ensuring your property recovery remains efficient and uninterrupted.
Helping with Every Stage of Your Smoke Damage Claim
- When an insurance provider denies coverage for Additional Living Expenses or Loss of Use, our team steps in to manage the claim process directly. We advocate for reimbursement of all costs associated with temporary housing, including hotel stays, meals, and other essential living expenses while your home is under repair.
- If you are dissatisfied with the repairs performed or if the insurer has contracted vendors who are unqualified, we fight to uphold the “like-for-like” policy standard. Our goal is to make certain your property is repaired to its original condition or improved, ensuring the work meets professional standards and maintains your home’s value.
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.
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.
