How to Evaluate Property Damage After a Wildfire

A Guide for Los Angeles Homeowners Recovering from the January 2025 Palisades Fires

If your home was damaged in the January 2025 Palisades wildfires, you’re likely deep in the process of negotiating with your insurance provider.

Providing documentation.

Decoding policy language.

Trying to make sense of legal jargon.

Between smoke-damaged belongings, structural issues, and endless paperwork, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to navigate this alone.

This guide walks you through how to evaluate both personal and structural property damage, and how to protect yourself from lowball insurance offers. At Rubin Adjusting, we help Los Angeles homeowners document their losses, fight for fair compensation, and get back on their feet after disaster strikes.

Personal Property Damage: What to Look For

Start by Identifying the Type of Damage

Smoke damage isn’t always obvious—and it’s not just about what’s burned. Many items are damaged by soot, heat, moisture, or lingering odor. Here’s how to make sure nothing is overlooked – look for signs of:

• Discoloration, warping, or cracking
• Smoke odor that won’t come out
• Mold or mildew from water exposure

Make a list, take photos, and note the room each item was in. Creating a personal property inventory can be a helpful way to keep track of all the items that were damaged.

Don’t Assume It’s Repairable

If your insurer says an item can be cleaned or fixed, ask for proof from a qualified expert, not just a vendor they sent. If repairs don’t fully restore the item, you may be entitled to a replacement.

Document Matching or Set Items

Damage to one part of a set—like a sofa, table, or kitchen appliance—may justify replacing the whole set, especially if it affects appearance, functionality, or resale value.

Track the Age and Pre-Fire Condition

Insurers use depreciation to reduce your payout. Be ready with:

• Receipts or estimated values
• Photos from before the fire (if available)
• A brief note about the item’s condition and use

Some items, like artwork or collectibles, may not depreciate at all.

Know Your Rights

Your insurance is supposed to make you whole. If a repair doesn’t bring the item back to its original state, you have the right to request a replacement or a higher payout. Don’t settle for less than full restoration.

Structural Damage: Don’t Let Insurers Rush It

1. Call in the Right Experts

Depending on what’s been affected, you may need:

• Structural engineers (foundation, walls, roof integrity)
• Environmental hygienists (smoke particulates, mold, asbestos)
• Mechanical/electrical experts (HVAC, wiring, plumbing)

These professionals can uncover problems insurers might miss—and provide the documentation needed to support your claim.

2. Get Your Own Contractor Estimate

Don’t rely on the insurer’s number. You have the right to get a licensed California contractor to assess the damage based on:

• Current local labor and material costs
• Updated building codes
• The true scope of necessary repairs

That estimate should drive your payout—not a quick quote from an out-of-town vendor.

3. Push for a Fair, Local Settlement

Los Angeles construction costs are higher than the national average. If your settlement doesn’t reflect what it will actually cost to rebuild here, it’s not good enough. You’re entitled to full restoration, not just a budget fix.

How Rubin Adjusting Helps

When disaster hits, insurance companies protect their bottom line. We protect you. Here’s how we help Los Angeles homeowners:

• Thorough Damage Documentation – From smoke-damaged clothes to compromised roofs, we leave nothing out—and we back it all up with expert evidence.
• Expert Negotiation – We know how to talk to insurers, challenge low offers, and push for a settlement that reflects the real cost of recovery.
• Start-to-Finish Support – You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We handle the paperwork, phone calls, and back-and-forth—so you can focus on rebuilding your life.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

If your claim was denied, underpaid, or still hasn’t been filed—it’s not too late. The earlier you bring in help, the better your chances of getting what you deserve. Contact Rubin Adjusting today for a free consultation. We’ll review your claim, assess your damage, and help you take the next step toward recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need experts to assess the damage?
Yes. Engineers and environmental hygienists can uncover hidden hazards and structural risks that insurers often overlook.

What if I disagree with the insurance adjuster’s estimate?
You have the right to get your own estimate—and challenge theirs. We can help.

Will insurance replace full furniture sets if only one piece was damaged?
Possibly. If the damage affects the usability or appearance of the set, you may be entitled to full replacement. We’ll fight for it.

How is depreciation calculated?
It’s based on the item’s age, condition, and market value. We help ensure it’s fair—and that you aren’t shortchanged.

Why choose Rubin Adjusting?
We’ve spent decades helping Southern California homeowners get the payouts they deserve. We know what to look for—and how to make sure your insurance company doesn’t miss it.