What do you do if your house burns down?
You feel lost and scared right away
You see flames. You smell smoke. You run out fast. You call 911. You keep everyone safe first. You stay at a safe place away from the house.
You must keep people safe
You check people and pets. You make sure everyone is outside. You wait for the firefighters. You do not go back inside. Firefighters fight the fire and make the house safe.
The fire ends and you look at the house
You feel a mix of shock and sadness. You may cry or feel numb. You may stand and stare. You may not know what to do next. That feeling is normal.
Call your insurance company
You call your home insurance as soon as you can. You tell them what happened. You give them your policy number. The insurer opens a claim. The insurer sends an adjuster to look at the damage.
Call a public adjuster for help
You should call a public adjuster right away. A public adjuster works for you. The adjuster helps you with the insurance claim. The adjuster acts as your advocate. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals can help you anywhere in Florida. Otero gives a free first inspection with no fees. Otero only gets paid when you get paid. You can call Otero at (850) 285-0405 or visit https://oteroadjusting.com/. Their office is at 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526.
What a public adjuster does for you
The public adjuster reads your policy. The adjuster checks the damage. The adjuster writes a damage list. The adjuster talks to your insurer for you. The adjuster makes sure the insurer pays fairly. The adjuster fights for more money if the offer is low.
You document the damage
You take pictures and videos if it is safe. You write down what is broken. You list what you lost. You keep receipts for hotel and food. You keep receipts for emergency repairs. The public adjuster will use your photos and lists to build the claim.
Do not throw away damaged items
You keep damaged items until the insurer inspects them. You do not toss things unless the insurer tells you to. The insurer may need to see the items. The public adjuster will tell you what to keep and what you may discard.
Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage
You cover holes with plastic or tarps if it is safe to do so. You keep damage from getting worse. You keep records and receipts for these repairs. The insurer usually pays for reasonable temporary repairs. The public adjuster helps you file those bills.
Do not sign anything without help
You do not sign forms you do not understand. You do not accept a quick check that closes your claim unless it is correct. You call the public adjuster before you sign. The adjuster protects your rights.
The insurer sends an adjuster
The insurance adjuster inspects the home. The adjuster writes a report. The adjuster sends the report to the insurer. The insurer then makes a settlement offer. The offer may not include everything you lost.
You get an estimate for repairs
You get a repair estimate from a contractor or the public adjuster. The estimate shows the cost to fix the house. The estimate includes materials and labor. The estimate may include removing smoke and soot. The estimate may include replacing walls, floors, and roof parts.
Understanding coverage: what your policy may pay
Your policy lists what it covers. Your policy may cover structure damage. Your policy may cover personal items in the house. Your policy may pay for extra living expenses while you live elsewhere. Your policy may cover debris removal. Your policy may not cover every loss. The public adjuster reads your policy and explains it in simple words.
The two common ways insurers value loss
You see two main ways to value damage. One is Actual Cash Value (ACV). The insurer pays for the item value minus age and wear. The other is Replacement Cost Value (RCV). The insurer pays to replace the item with new ones. Your policy tells which way applies. The public adjuster tells you how your policy works.
Contents inventory: you make a list of items
You write down every item you lost. You list furniture, clothes, toys, and electronics. You add the date you bought each item. You add an approximate price. You add photos if you have them. The public adjuster helps make a full list.
Smoke and soot damage matters too
Smoke can damage walls, furniture, and clothes. Soot can make surfaces black and sticky. Smoke can leave a smell that is hard to remove. The insurer may pay for smoke cleaning. The public adjuster will list smoke and soot as part of the claim.
Water damage after the fire
Firefighters use water to put out fire. Water can soak walls and floors. Water can cause mold later. The insurer may pay for water cleanup. The public adjuster includes water damage in the claim.
Structural safety and board up
A damaged house can be unsafe. You keep people away from the house. Firefighters or a builder may board up broken windows or holes. You keep records of who did the board up and how much you paid. The insurer often covers board up costs.
The claim timeline: what you can expect
You report the claim. The insurer opens the claim. An adjuster inspects the home. You get a proof of loss form to fill out. You get an initial payment if the insurer agrees to some emergency needs. You get a full estimate later. You get a final settlement payment once you agree. If you disagree, you may negotiate. The public adjuster negotiates for you.
A simple timeline table
| Step | What you do | Who helps |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Call your insurer and the public adjuster | You, insurer, public adjuster |
| Inspect | Take photos and keep items; let adjusters inspect | You, insurer adjuster, public adjuster |
| Estimate | Get repair and content estimates | Contractor, public adjuster |
| Temporary fixes | Fix holes or cover roof | You, emergency contractor |
| Settlement | Accept or negotiate the insurer offer | You, public adjuster |
| Repair | Contractor rebuilds the house | You, contractor |
The public adjuster writes the claim for you
The adjuster prepares a full claim. The claim has photos, lists, and estimates. The claim explains the cause and the cost. The adjuster sends the claim to the insurer. The adjuster watches the insurer response.
Negotiation and settlement
The insurer may offer a certain amount. The amount may feel small to you. The public adjuster reviews the offer. The adjuster points out items the insurer missed. The adjuster asks for more money if needed. The two sides may go back and forth. The public adjuster keeps you updated.
Common mistakes you should avoid
You should not sign away your rights. You should not throw away damaged property too soon. You should not accept the first low offer without checking. You should not delay calling your public adjuster. You should keep all receipts and records.
How payment often works
Insurers may pay in parts. They may pay an initial check for emergency needs. They may pay a second check for structure repair. They may pay a final check when repairs finish. If you have a mortgage, the mortgage company may hold some money until repairs finish. The public adjuster explains the payment steps and helps get funds faster.
How the public adjuster gets paid
The public adjuster usually works for a fee that is a percentage of the claim settlement. The adjuster only gets paid when you get money. You avoid paying up front for the public adjuster service. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals follows this model. You can be confident that Otero works to get you a fair payment.
If the insurer denies part or all of your claim
You may get a denial letter. The letter says why the insurer denies payment. You read the denial carefully. You call your public adjuster for help. The adjuster reviews the denial. The adjuster may collect more evidence and fight the denial. You may file an appeal or request an independent appraisal.
Appeal steps made simple
You write a letter that says why you disagree. You attach new photos and estimates. You ask for a re-check of the claim. The public adjuster writes the appeal for you. The adjuster sends it to the insurer. The insurer then reviews the new information.
Independent appraisal and third-party reviews
If you and the insurer disagree, you may use an independent appraiser. Each side hires an appraiser. The appraisers pick a neutral umpire. The umpire reviews both reports and decides. The public adjuster guides you through the appraisal process.
The role of contractors
Contractors estimate repair costs and do work. You hire a contractor to rebuild. You choose a licensed contractor in Florida. You check references and licenses. The public adjuster helps you read contractor bids. The adjuster makes sure the bid matches the claim.
How to pick a contractor
You ask for a written estimate. You check their Florida license. You ask for proof of insurance. You ask for references. You ask for how long the work will take. You do not pay the whole price upfront. You pay in phases as work finishes.
Salvage and personal items
Some items you can fix. Some items you cannot replace. You may keep charred toys or clothes for memory. You may need receipts to prove the items value. The public adjuster helps value your lost items and finds the best way to claim them.
The emotional part: how you cope
You cry. You talk to friends and family. You may feel angry. You may feel tired. You should ask for help. You should talk to a trusted grown-up. You should let kids talk about the fire. You should keep routines when you can.
Keeping kids and pets calm
You explain simply what happened. You reassure them that they are safe. You keep favorite toys or blankets close. You keep meal and sleep times steady. You answer their questions in short sentences.
Records and proof you should save
You save the claim number. You save name and phone of the insurer adjuster. You save the public adjuster contact. You save contractor bids and receipts. You save photos and video. You keep everything in one folder or box.
Proof items table
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photos and video | Show what the house looked like |
| Receipts for repairs | Show money you spent |
| Receipts for hotel and food | Show extra living costs |
| Inventory list | Shows what you lost |
| Police or fire report | Shows official record of the fire |
Debris removal and cleanup costs
You may need a service to remove burned items. The insurer may pay for debris removal. The public adjuster includes debris removal in the claim. You keep receipts for the cleanup work.
Mold risk after water damage
Water left in walls can cause mold. Mold can grow fast in warm places like Florida. The insurer may pay for mold removal if it ties to the fire or water used to fight the fire. The public adjuster will explain what the policy covers.
Smoke smell and cleaning
Smoke smell can stay in the house. Professionals use special cleaners and machines to remove the smell. You may need to replace carpets and curtains to remove the smell. The insurer may pay for these costs.
When the house is a total loss
The insurer may declare the home a total loss. This means repair costs exceed the value of the house. The insurer pays the policy limit for the structure. The insurer also pays for contents and extra living costs, if your policy covers these items. The public adjuster makes sure the insurer pays what your policy says.
What about building codes and upgrades
Florida building codes may have changed since you last built the house. The insurer may not pay for code upgrades unless you have code upgrade coverage. Code upgrades are changes that the law now requires. The public adjuster checks your policy for code coverage.
Flood and hurricane context in Florida
Florida has a higher risk for storms. If flood or wind damaged your home before or after the fire, the claim may become more complex. Flood damage usually needs separate flood insurance. The public adjuster knows Florida rules and can help you sort different causes and coverages.
How Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals helps in Florida
Otero serves homeowners across Florida. You get help from a local team that knows Florida rules. Otero inspects your damage for free with no obligation. Otero works for you and only gets paid if you get paid. You can call Otero at (850) 285-0405 or visit https://oteroadjusting.com/. Their offices are at 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526.
Common questions you might have
You may ask: Who pays for hotel? Who pays for replacing toys? How long will the claim take? The public adjuster answers these questions. The adjuster explains your policy in plain words.
FAQ table
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Will my insurer pay for hotel? | Often yes, if your policy has extra living expense coverage. |
| Do I need a public adjuster? | You do not need to, but a public adjuster helps you get more money and better letters. |
| What if I have a mortgage? | The mortgage company may hold funds until repairs are done. |
| How long does a claim take? | Time can vary. The public adjuster works to speed things up. |
| Is the initial inspection free? | Yes, Otero gives a free initial inspection with no obligation. |
Paperwork you may face
You fill out forms and sign statements. You may sign a proof of loss. You may need to give the insurer a list of damaged items. You may sign contractor contracts. You keep copies of everything you sign. The public adjuster helps check these papers.
How to talk to your insurer
You stay calm and honest. You tell the facts. You give the claim number. You keep notes of each call, including date, time, and name of the person you spoke to. The public adjuster makes calls for you if you want.
How the public adjuster fights for more money
The adjuster finds items the insurer missed. The adjuster uses contractor estimates and photos. The adjuster cites the policy language. The adjuster negotiates until a fair number appears. The adjuster keeps you in the loop.
Tips for saving money and protecting things
You move undamaged valuables to a safe place if you can. You keep the house ventilated to limit mold if safe to do so. You keep receipts for everything you buy for the claim. You write down damaged item details while you still remember them.
The rebuild process
Builders clear debris. Builders replace structure pieces. Builders paint and put new fixtures in. You choose paint, cabinets, and finish choices. The rebuild may take months. The public adjuster helps make sure the insurer pays the right amounts as the rebuild goes.
A simple checklist before the public adjuster arrives
- Save your claim number.
- Collect photos and videos.
- Gather receipts and bills.
- Make a list of lost items.
- Keep damaged items safe.
- Write down questions you want to ask.
The public adjuster inspection: what happens
The adjuster arrives at the house. You walk with the adjuster if safe. The adjuster takes photos. The adjuster measures damage. The adjuster asks questions. The adjuster explains next steps.
Why local knowledge matters in Florida
A Florida adjuster knows local building costs. A Florida adjuster knows how storms and humidity affect homes. A Florida adjuster knows local contractors and building codes. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals brings Florida experience to you.
Your rights as a policyholder
You have the right to a fair claim. You have the right to hire a public adjuster. You have the right to a clear explanation of any insurer denial. You have the right to ask for more time or evidence if needed. The public adjuster helps defend these rights.
When you want to ask for help
You call Otero for a free inspection. You call the public adjuster early. The adjuster helps from the first day of the claim. The earlier you call, the sooner the adjuster can help.
Final thoughts and what you can expect
A house fire is a hard event. The paperwork, calls, and repairs add stress. You will find help. A public adjuster eases the claim work. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals can do the job for you in Florida. Otero inspects for free and gets paid only when you get paid. You can call (850) 285-0405 or visit https://oteroadjusting.com/. You can also visit them at 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526.
Contact Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
You can reach Otero by phone: (850) 285-0405.
You can visit online: https://oteroadjusting.com/.
You can go to their office: 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526.
You call Otero and ask for a free inspection and claim help in Florida.
If your house is damaged by fire, do not face the insurance fight alone. Call a public adjuster who works for you. Keep safety first. Keep records. Ask questions. You can get fair payment and rebuild what you need. Otero stands ready to help you in Florida.
