When the Ground Shifts, We Stand with You
Earthquakes and structural collapses are sudden, terrifying events that can leave homes and businesses unstable or uninhabitable. Even when the visible cracks seem minor, the internal damage can run deep, compromising foundations, walls, and your long-term safety. And yet, these claims are among the most frequently denied, delayed, or underpaid by insurance companies.
At Chris Faber Public Adjusters, we help homeowners, business owners, and landlords across California navigate these complex property damage claims with precision, care, and unwavering advocacy. With over 50 years of combined industry experience, Chris and Jo Faber know exactly how to document structural damage and build a strong case for full recovery.
What Counts as Earthquake or Collapse Damage?
Not all damage is immediately visible. Earthquakes and structural issues often cause shifting, cracking, and weakening behind walls, under flooring, or within critical systems.
Common signs include:
Even if your building is still standing, these signs may indicate serious structural instability.
Who We Help
We assist a wide range of property owners across California who are facing the aftermath of earthquake or structural collapse damage. Whether you’re dealing with a single-family home or a multi-unit building, we can help you navigate the claims process with confidence.
Homeowners
From cracked driveways to unstable walls, we work with homeowners to prove the full extent of their structural damage and secure repair costs, temporary housing, and personal property replacement.
Business Owners
Structural damage can halt operations, threaten staff safety, and interrupt revenue. We help business owners recover costs for repairs, lost income, and rebuilding.
Landlords
We assist with claims involving multi-unit dwellings, ensuring habitability standards are restored and all structural issues are properly documented for each impacted unit.
Did you Know: Some earthquake insurance policies have extremely short filing deadlines, sometimes only 60 days from the date of damage. We help you act quickly, document damage properly, and review your coverage to avoid costly delays or denials.
What Insurers Often Get Wrong About Structural Damage
Earthquake and collapse claims come with unique challenges, both in how the damage occurs and how coverage is written. Too often, insurance companies:
Rely on Surface-Level Inspections
Adjusters may overlook deeper damage and approve only partial repairs. We bring in structural experts to create a thorough repair scope.
Blame Pre-Existing Conditions
Some claims are denied due to pre-existing damage allegations. We document the current condition and timeline to show what really caused the issue.
Dismiss Long-Term Safety Risks
Cracked foundations or separated supports can lead to long-term instability. We explain how these risks affect safety and policy coverage.
Pressure You to Settle Early
Fast settlements may skip critical areas. We make sure every part of the structure is properly assessed before you accept payment
Did you Know: Even if your building wasn’t red-tagged, structural shifts from an earthquake may still qualify for full insurance coverage. We help build the case from start to finish
How We Help With Earthquake and Collapse Claims
Whether your property is a single-family home, multi-unit building, or business, we manage every step of your claim:
Full Structural Documentation
We partner with engineers and construction experts to inspect, photograph, and report all compromised structures, including hidden damage not caught during initial assessments.
Policy Review and Interpretation
Earthquake and collapse coverage is often buried in exclusions or limited endorsements. We translate complex policy language into plain terms so you know what’s covered and where you stand.
Claim Filing and Negotiation
From start to finish, we handle all aspects of your claim. You don’t need to follow up with adjusters or worry about overlooked losses. We take care of the legwork so you can focus on moving forward.
Temporary Housing and Safety Needs
If your home or building isn’t safe to occupy, we help secure coverage for hotel stays, temporary rentals, and emergency repairs under Additional Living Expenses (ALE).
A Personal Approach to Structural Claims
Chris and Jo Faber personally manage every structural damage claim from start to finish, offering hands-on guidance, in-depth knowledge of insurance policies, and direct communication every step of the way. Their combined expertise in field inspections, legal analysis, and documentation means your claim is handled thoroughly and with the attention it deserves. When your home or building feels uncertain, they’re here to help you find clarity, stability, and a path forward.
Post-Quake Essentials:
How to Support Your Insurance Claim
If your property has been affected by an earthquake or structural collapse, taking the right steps early can help strengthen your insurance claim and uncover hidden damage that may otherwise go unpaid.
1. Document Visible and Hidden Cracks
Take clear photos of damage to walls, ceilings, floors, driveways, or foundations. Hairline cracks and surface shifts may point to deeper structural issues. Keep a written inventory of all impacted areas and belongings.
2. Don’t Throw Away Broken Materials
Hold onto damaged items like tile, cabinetry, or wall sections. These can serve as evidence of the severity and timing of the structural movement.
3. Request a Full Copy of Your Policy
Understanding exactly what your earthquake or collapse policy covers gives you an advantage. We help identify hidden exclusions and confirm whether ALE, structural, or content coverage applies.
4. Track Safety and Housing Costs
If you had to evacuate or stay elsewhere due to safety concerns, save receipts for hotel stays, meals, and relocation expenses. These may be reimbursable under Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage.
5. Get Independent Structural Assessments
Insurance adjusters may overlook or underestimate damage. We work with licensed engineers who can confirm whether your property is safe and identify anything your insurer missed.
6. Monitor for Delayed Damage
Structural problems can emerge days or weeks after an earthquake. Report any shifting, cracking, or utility issues right away, even if they seem minor at first.
Did you Know: Earthquake damage may not appear immediately. Delayed cracking, shifted supports, and wall separation can develop after the initial event. These still may qualify for coverage, but only if properly documented. Acting quickly and getting the right expert support can help make sure your claim is taken seriously.
Call When the Cracks Start to Show
Even if your building is still standing, earthquake damage can leave behind serious structural issues that are easy to miss. Chris and Jo Faber help ensure your insurance claim addresses the full scope of the damage, not just what’s visible. We’ll walk you through your policy, document all hidden and surface-level issues, and advocate for a claim that reflects your real needs.
Contact Us To Get StartedFAQs
Sometimes. These small cracks may point to deeper problems. We help show how seemingly minor issues connect to structural shifts caused by the quake.
That’s a common tactic. We’ll help you build a clear timeline, supported by expert inspection, to show when the damage actually occurred.
Possibly. Some policies offer limited collapse or structural coverage. We’ll help interpret your policy and explore all available options.
It depends on your specific policy. Some have short filing windows. Don’t wait. Reach out and we’ll review your deadlines right away.
It can include structural bracing, foundation repairs, engineering assessments, and even temporary relocation coverage depending on severity.
You may still have options. We can request a reopening, provide independent reports, and advocate for additional compensation if damage was overlooked.
