The #1 Mistake to Avoid After a Fire Loss
Dealing with the aftermath of a fire loss is quite complex. There are the obvious items that have burned but then you have to deal with the smoke damage throughout the structure as smoke will get into places you wouldn’t even think to look.
Our clients often explain the process before finding us as overwhelming, confusing, and beyond stressful to handle on their own. Most people will understandably call their insurance company first to get the claim in motion. At this point, some insurance companies will sit on it for a while with no rush while others will begin sending in their vendors to “help you”. This is where you need to put up your guard as things can and often do go terribly wrong.
If the insurance company is sending in their vendors, it is very important that you fully understand what each vendors role is in the process and how much their services will cost. The typical answer and the one to be most weary of is, “don’t worry about it, your insurance company will pay our bill”. While this may be true, these costs will come out of your available coverage and may limit your recovery, leaving you exposed for damages that exceed your policy limits.
Common Fire Claim Problem
Even though the insurance company sent the vendor to your property, these companies are typically still going to have you sign a contract. These contracts typically will state that you are ultimately responsible for any portion of the bill the insurance company doesn’t pay. For obvious reasons, this can leave you very exposed, especially if you have not yet seen what they intend on billing.
Based on our experience as Public Adjusters handling fire damage claims since 2006, there is one type of vendor I have seen that adds very little value while causing problems for the policyholders. These vendors are the ones sent to deal with your personal property, and/or business personal property. To explain the problem with these types of vendors, I will share a story of a past client.
How This Fire Claim Problem affected a Single Mother of 2
Our Advice if you are dealing with a Fire Damage Claim
As an optimist, I like to believe that these companies have the best of intentions. However, as they typically do not know anything about your claim, other damages, and limits within your policy, they have no way of knowing that their services are actually going to hurt or help you as the policyholder.
If an insurance company contractor shows up at your house and starts removing contents from your house after a fire – be on alert. You always want to cooperate with your insurance company and their vendors, but you do have the right to understand what is being done, how much it is going to cost, and where the items are being taken to.
Once challenged by your questions, these companies will often respond in a threatening manner, telling you that if you don’t mitigate your loss your claim could be denied and other threats along these lines.
You have every right to know the answers to those questions and do not let the insurance company or any of their adjusters or vendors dictate the outcome and process of your claim.
Our team of seasoned Public Adjusters experienced in fire damage claims are available to discuss the specifics of your claim to ensure that you are on the proper road to recovery.
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Read Reviews From Our Happy Clients
Meet the Senior Public Adjusters at Claim Concepts
Our Commitment
Greg Roover, SPPA
Inspired by Personal Experience
Greg’s path to becoming a Public Adjuster was deeply personal. The Northridge Earthquake was a turning point, where his family’s experience with a public adjuster opened his eyes to the profound impact of this role. Greg embarked on a strategic career journey, motivated by a desire to help others as his family was helped. He honed his skills working for insurance companies as an independent insurance adjuster.
In 2006, Greg’s vision came to fruition with the founding of Claim Concepts. His insider knowledge, gained from years within the industry, and his passion for aiding others have been instrumental in the company’s success.
In 2025, Greg earned the Senior Professional Public Adjuster (SPPA) designation from The Institutes, the highest designation available to public adjusters. Awarded only to seasoned professionals who complete a rigorous course of study and examinations, the SPPA reflects Greg’s commitment to mastering every aspect of the claims process on behalf of the policyholders he serves.
Greg’s expertise is not just in his impressive resume but in the countless testimonials from those he has aided, reflecting his dedication to securing the rightful settlements for our clients.
Greg's Expertise Backed by Industry Accreditations
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Florida Public Adjuster -
Lic #P017831 -
Georgia Public Adjuster -
Lic #2790971 -
South Carolina Public Adjuster -
Lic #716585 -
Tennessee Public Adjuster -
Lic #716858 - SPPA - Senior Professional Public Adjuster Designation
- NFIP Certified Flood Adjuster
- Former Independent Adjuster working for the Insurance Companies
- Former ICC Certified Residential Building Inspector
- Former Licensed: Mold Inspector/ Home Inspector
- Member FAPIA - Florida Association of Public Adjusters
- Member GAPIA - Georgia Association of Public Adjusters
Morgan "Eric" Thomas
From Adjuster to Advocate
Eric’s journey in the insurance world began in 1989, marking the start of a career defined by expertise and dedication. Fresh out of college, he jumped into the role of an independent adjuster, swiftly advancing to a general adjuster position at a major firm. There, Eric specialized in complex homeowners and commercial property insurance claims, showcasing his skill in navigating intricate scenarios.
In 2001, his career took a pivotal turn towards the construction aspect of insurance. As the General Manager for a renowned Insurance Restoration Contractor, Eric oversaw everything from estimating to maintaining vital relationships with insurance companies. His profound understanding of insurance and construction led him to Claim Concepts, where he now thrives as a Public Adjuster. His unparalleled insight has been crucial in ensuring that our clients receive the settlements they genuinely deserve
Eric's Expertise Backed by Industry Accreditations
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Florida Public Adjuster -
Lic #A263869 -
Georgia Public Adjuster -
Lic #3233218 -
South Carolina Public Adjuster -
Lic #3607940 -
North Carolina Public Adjuster -
Lic #3607940 - Former Independent Adjuster working for Insurance Companies (Since 1989)
- Former Insurance Restoration Contractor (Working for the Insurance Companies)
- Member FAPIA - Florida Association of Public Adjusters
- AIC - Associates In Claims
- Vale Institute - Large Loss Estimating
THE PROCESS
Our Proven Process Built on Precision, Leverage, and the Art of Resolving Complex Claims
Over many years, our team of seasoned professional Public Adjuster have developed a proactive claim management process to ensure our clients receive the proper settlement for their losses. We understand that proving your claim can be a daunting and time-consuming task, and we are here to alleviate that burden for you. Our goal is to make this process as seamless and stress-free as possible for you while ensuring that you recover the full and proper settlement for your loss that you need and deserve.
Step 1 - THE DISCUSSION
Your Claim, Our Strategy – It all begins with a no-obligation, in-depth review of your claim. We know that by the time most clients reach us, they’ve already experienced confusion, frustration, or a settlement offer that simply didn’t feel right. We will review all claim documentation including estimates, letters, policy, photos, and any other relevant items. We will then work directly with you to map out the most effective path forward. Rest assured that we will only make an offer to work with you if we are confident that we will add value to your claim.
Step 2 - THE EVALUATION
Exhaustive Inspection & Document Review – Once we partner, our team immediately gets to work on your claim. We dive deep into your policy to ensure we fully understand how it applies to your specific loss, while carefully reviewing all existing estimates, photos and documentation. We then conduct an exhaustive, technology-driven inspection of the property using advanced field tools to document every aspect of your loss, ensuring nothing gets overlooked.
Step 3 - THE DEMAND
Estimate Preparation & Submission – We develop a comprehensive, line-item estimate utilizing industry-standard software, subjecting it to a rigorous three-tier review process covering field accuracy, technical precision, and compliance, to ensure nothing is missed. Once completed, we share it with you for your review, input and approval before submitting our entire claim package to the insurance company as The Demand.
Step 4 - THE NEGOTIATIONS
Expert Negotiation, Focused on Your Best Outcome – We stand strong on your behalf, skillfully negotiating for the resolution you need and deserve. When negotiations stall, we don’t back down, we guide you through your available dispute resolution options, to keep your claim moving toward the outcome you deserve.
Step 5 - THE RESOLUTION
Successful Resolution, Your Satisfaction is Key: The final step, this is what everything has been building toward. A fair resolution isn’t just our goal, it’s our standard. Our clients’ outcomes speak for themselves, and yours will too!
CLAIM QUESTIONS? WE HAVE ANSWERS
Peace of mind! We are here to represent you and your interest in the claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies often times deny claims that should be paid or do not pay enough money on a covered claim. This is not always the case and even when it is it may not be intentional. I know that most adjusters have the best of intentions but sometimes they may be inexperienced or simply trained to see things one way, the way the big insurance company wants it to be seen. As Public Adjusters our number one job is to get you the largest settlement available to you under your policy with the insurance company.
NO. Most states have laws stating that Public Adjusters are not allowed to represent the insurance companies. At Claim Concepts, we only represent the insuring public.
The public adjuster is employed by you, the insured. Their function is to represent your interests and ensure that you recover the proper settlement for all of your losses per the terms of your insurance policy. The insurance company’s adjuster works for the insurance company and is responsible to protect their interests throughout the claim.
Public Adjusters typically work on a contingency basis which equals a small percentage of any money recovered by the insurance company.
NO! This is NOT required under any policy that I have seen to date and I do not recommend it. In the event of a loss it is best to employ a Reputable Public Adjuster that knows what the policy will cover and what it takes to get your property back to its pre-loss condition. Many contractors will provide you with a competitive bid to make repairs but not necessarily get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
Yes! In most cases we can reopen your file with a supplemental claim. There are many factors involved. Give us a call and we will be happy to offer you a free claim consultation.
Not necessarily. It is not recommended to file a claim every time you spill a glass of water as you may become classified as a nuisance claim maker. Property insurance is typically rated based on your area which is why all homeowner rates increased in Florida after the hurricanes, whether you filed a claim or not. The risk is more related to the area where your property is located and in commercial situations the use of the property. However, it is known that there are databases where claim activity is logged and each insurance company may have their own stipulations based on claim activity of the individual or the property. Ultimately, you buy insurance to protect you in the time of a loss. If you are debating whether you should file a claim or not, please feel free to call and speak with one of our Public Adjusters about your particular situation, we are always happy to help.
Do not do anything before having a qualified Public Adjuster or Attorney take a look at your file. Depending on the way everything is written you may be agreeing to their offer by depositing the check. Please call our office and speak with one of our Public Adjusters about your particular situation, we are always happy to help in any way we can.