Passing along this information from reader Lynne Olson:
My husband and I would like to remind all in the area that they are able to claim fire/soot/ash damage from the Station Fire. We had heard of many start-up companies advertising they will help homeowners secure claims from private insurers... for a 30% fee. We felt this was out of line for an insurance claim that is by right ours to settle as consumers. My husband did some pretty exhaustive research and ended up talking to licensed public insurance claim representative who work for themselves but help a claimant get the best settlement from their insurance company and (ethically) charge only 10%. They actually told us to go directly to State Farm (our insurance company) and begin there, and then call them for additional help if we felt our insurance company settlement was insufficient.
To make a long story short,
within 2 weeks we had a State Farm claim settled with what we felt was a
generous amount, and at no additional cost (i.e. a 10- 30 % fee). The
adjuster was extremely helpful and did a very thorough investigation-
showed us evidence and photos of soot and ash build up on out attic
insulation, etc. He even gave us the go ahead to get funds to clean
oriental carpets off-site when I said I preferred that to on-site
cleaning. The 26 page report we expect from SF details all findings and
gives us estimates for each area, inside and outdoors, to be cleaned. We
were also told to report any cleaning estimates that exceed the
insurance company estimate and told that SF will consider them if
necessary. All in all, we will be able to clean and or change out
insulation, venting, carpet and so forth.
By the way, we live in
west Altadena 3 blocks south of the evacuation area. I have friends who
live much further east who also have evidence of damage- all
Altadenians should contact their homeowner's insurance agency for an
adjuster to come and check their property! Be warned- your insurance
company will not send you information about this- it has been word of
mouth so far, Also, all claims must be made by the end of this December.
Settlements we have heard about average at least $1,000/SF.
