When the Smoke Clears, We’re Still Here for You
Smoke damage may not leave behind scorched walls or collapsed roofs, but it can be just as devastating. Lingering odors, toxic residue, soot-covered belongings, and HVAC contamination are just a few of the problems that follow even a minor fire or nearby wildfire. Unfortunately, these effects are often overlooked, underestimated, or denied by insurance companies.
At Chris Faber Public Adjusters, we help homeowners, business owners, and landlords throughout California handle smoke damage insurance claims with precision and compassion. With over 50 years of combined experience, Chris and Jo Faber understand how to document, present, and negotiate these often-complicated claims to ensure nothing gets missed.
What Qualifies as Smoke Damage?
Many people assume they have to see visible soot or have structural fire damage to file a claim. That’s not true. Smoke can travel through ventilation systems, settle into soft surfaces, and linger in your home or business for weeks. If left untreated, it can pose health risks and create long-term damage.
Common signs of smoke damage:
If you notice any of these signs, your property may have sustained insurable smoke damage.
Who We Help
Chris and Jo Faber’s experience helps clients navigate a wide range of smoke damage challenges, from isolated kitchen accidents to widespread wildfire exposure.
Homeowners
Smoke can linger long after the flames are gone. We help homeowners uncover hidden contamination in vents, furniture, personal belongings, and even behind the walls. Everything is carefully documented and included in the claim to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Business Owners
From odor contamination in merchandise to damaged HVAC systems and forced closures, we help businesses quantify every loss and recover costs for cleanup, equipment, and lost revenue.
Landlords
We assist landlords managing claims that affect multiple tenants and units, making sure habitability standards are restored and all damage is properly addressed, including shared spaces and building systems.
Did you Know: Smoke claims can be denied or underpaid if not supported by the right documentation and inspections. We work with restoration experts and push for full deodorization and air quality treatment.
Why Insurance Companies Often Mishandle Smoke Damage Claims
Smoke damage claims are often more complicated than they appear. While insurance companies may respond quickly at first, they frequently miss or downplay key issues that can drastically affect your payout.
Here are some of the most common tactics insurance companies use to reduce smoke claim payouts, and how we step in to make sure your claim is handled thoroughly:
Miss HVAC and Interior Contamination
Outdated pricing models and quick walk-throughs often miss smoke in air ducts, upholstery, and soft goods. We document all sources thoroughly with expert testing and visual proof.
Dispute Claims Over Technicalities
Insurance companies may reject smoke claims if there’s no visible fire damage. We review the cause and policy wording to connect the smoke damage directly to a covered event.
Ignore Air Quality and Health Risks
Smoke residue can pollute the air in your home or business. We include certified reports on air quality, ventilation systems, and necessary health-related cleaning procedures.
Offer Settlements Before a Full Assessment
Fast settlement offers often leave key damage unaddressed. We take the time to make sure every surface, system, and item is properly inspected and valued before you sign anything.
Did you Know: Even if you didn’t have an open flame, smoke from nearby fires or neighboring units can travel into your property and cause serious long-term harm. You may still qualify for a full insurance claim—and we can help prove it.
How We Help With Smoke Damage Claims
Whether your property is a single-family home, multi-unit building, or business, we manage every step of your claim:
Thorough Damage Identification and Documentation
We locate and document all areas affected by smoke, including soft goods, electronics, furnishings, and HVAC systems, ensuring no detail is left out of your claim.
Clear Policy Review and Strategic Planning
We break down your insurance policy in plain terms and identify coverage for smoke and soot cleanup, odor removal, and property restoration or replacement.
End-to-End Claim Management
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.
Assistance with Displacement Coverage
If the damage has rendered your property temporarily uninhabitable or unusable, we help access coverage for housing, meals, and transportation until your space is safe again.
A Personalized Approach to Your Claim
Chris and Jo manage every claim personally, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. Their combined knowledge of policy interpretation, field inspections, and legal analysis means your smoke damage claim is handled with the diligence and care it deserves. You’ll get real support from two people who know this process inside and out.
Smoke Damage Recovery Tips: What Makes a Difference
If you’re dealing with smoke damage, a few smart steps can go a long way toward strengthening your insurance claim and avoiding surprises during recovery.
1. Start with Solid Documentation
Take clear photos and videos of visible damage to furniture, walls, ceilings, vents, and personal or business belongings. Keep a written inventory as well. This helps build a stronger claim from the start.
2. Save Damaged Items for Inspection
Hold onto items affected by smoke, even if they seem unsalvageable. These can help validate your claim. We’ll help document everything before disposal or restoration begins.
3. Request a Full Copy of Your Policy
Knowing exactly what your policy covers gives you leverage. We’ll review the details with you and identify any provisions for deodorization, air testing, or temporary relocation.
4. Keep Track of Extra Expenses
If smoke damage forces you to relocate or affects your business operations, save receipts. Temporary housing, meals, and business downtime may be covered under your policy.
5. Get a Second Opinion on the Damage
Insurance company assessments can be rushed or limited. A public adjuster provides a more detailed look, often uncovering areas of damage that would otherwise be missed.
6. Don’t Skip Air Quality Testing
A clean-looking room isn’t always safe. Certified air quality and HVAC assessments help ensure the space is fully restored, especially after lingering smoke exposure.
Did you Know: Smoke particles can settle deep into fabrics, electronics, and air systems, even if there was no direct fire. These hidden damages may qualify for coverage, but only if properly documented. Getting the right support early on can help make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Even if the fire didn’t reach your home or business, smoke damage can leave a lasting impact on your health, property, and peace of mind. Chris and Jo Faber are here to make sure your insurance claim reflects the full extent of the loss. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you understand your policy, document all damage, and fight for the coverage you deserve.
Contact Us To Get StartedFAQs
Yes. If smoke entered your property from a nearby fire — even if it wasn’t on your premises — you may still have a valid claim. We help prove the connection and document the damage.
Common signs include lingering odor, soot on walls or vents, discolored ceilings, HVAC issues, or health symptoms like coughing and headaches. These may not be visible at first, but testing can confirm contamination.
It can involve HVAC cleaning, soft item deodorization, air scrubbers, professional remediation, and even replacing furniture or electronics depending on the damage.
Yes, but it may be harder to prove your losses. We recommend stopping cleanup and contacting us immediately so we can preserve evidence and build a strong case.
If the smoke odor makes your property unlivable, you may qualify for Additional Living Expenses (ALE) like hotel stays, meals, and transportation. We can help secure this benefit.
Smoke damage isn’t just about surface stains. Odor, toxins, and fine particulate matter can penetrate walls, furniture, and air systems. We work with certified experts to show that your claim goes beyond appearance and ensure cleanup includes full remediation, not just a wipe-down.
