Case Study: Maximizing a Fire Damage Claim

How PLC transformed an undervalued fire insurance claim into a fully approved restoration project.

Date: June 10, 2024 / Author: Javier Morales

When a sudden electrical fire damaged a family’s living room, kitchen, and attic, the insurance company initially offered a small payout that didn’t even cover the debris removal. PLC Property Loss Consultants stepped in, conducted a full investigation, and helped the homeowner secure the compensation they truly needed for complete restoration. The homeowners, a family of four, experienced an unexpected fire caused by a short circuit in the HVAC unit. While firefighters extinguished the flames quickly, the smoke, heat, and water used during suppression caused widespread damage throughout the property. The insurance company categorized most issues as “cosmetic” or “pre-existing,” leaving the family unsure of how to proceed.

Initial Insurance Assessment

During the insurance company’s first inspection, the adjuster:

• Focused only on visible burn marks
• Ignored smoke damage in multiple rooms
• Overlooked attic structural issues
• Denied cleaning costs for HVAC and ductwork
• Offered a payout far below actual repair needs The initial estimate totaled less than 25% of the real restoration costs.

PLC’s Independent Evaluation

After being contacted by the homeowner, PLC conducted a complete fire damage assessment. Using moisture meters, thermal imaging, and smoke-path analysis, our team uncovered multiple hidden issues, including:

• Smoke and soot contamination in walls, ceilings, and insulation
• Damaged electrical wiring behind fire-affected walls
• Attic truss warping due to extreme heat
• Contaminated HVAC ducts circulating airborne soot
• Water-logged materials at risk of mold growth
• Burnt structural beams requiring reinforcement All findings were documented with detailed photos, measurements, and written reports to strengthen the homeowner’s claim.

Strategy: Building a Strong Claim

PLC created a comprehensive claim package that included:

• A full itemized repair estimate
• Smoke and soot testing evidence
• Structural analysis from licensed professionals
• Moisture readings and mold-risk documentation
• Proof of required code-upgrade work
• A comparison showing how the insurer’s estimate was incomplete We presented this package directly to the insurance company and negotiated on behalf of the homeowner.

Final Outcome

After a series of negotiations supported by our evidence, the insurance company approved:

• Full replacement of damaged drywall, insulation, and wiring
• Structural repairs to attic trusses and beams
• Complete smoke remediation and deodorization
• Full kitchen restoration including cabinets and appliances
• HVAC and duct system cleaning and replacement where necessary
• Temporary living expenses coverage during repairs The final payout increased by over 300%, ensuring the homeowners had everything needed to restore their home safely and completely.

Key Takeaways

• Fire damage is often far more extensive than what’s visible.
• Insurance companies may minimize smoke, structural, and water-suppression damages.
• Proper documentation, testing, and expert inspections can significantly increase claim approvals.
• Homeowners benefit greatly from having a professional advocate throughout the process.

Conclusion

PLC Property Loss Consultants helps homeowners uncover the full scope of fire damage and fight for the payout they truly deserve. In this case, our team turned a drastically undervalued claim into a successful restoration plan that fully protected the homeowner’s property and peace of mind.

If you’ve experienced fire damage, schedule a professional assessment with PLC today.