Project Overview

Fire Restoration Claim Success

A restoration contractor in Austin was brought in to remediate a residential property after a kitchen fire caused significant smoke and soot damage throughout the home. The contractor conducted a thorough assessment and submitted a detailed scope of work. However, despite the evident damage, the insurance company delayed their response and offered a significantly underpaid settlement, creating unnecessary roadblocks, project delays, and financial strain for both the contractor and the homeowner.

Challenges and Our Process

Challanges

The insurance carrier offered a low settlement of just $24,500, omitting critical fire restoration tasks such as HEPA vacuuming, HVAC duct decontamination, odor control treatments, and replacing smoke-damaged drywall in nearby rooms. Coverage was also denied for contents cleaning and temporary housing for the homeowner. These exclusions left the contractor unable to proceed, triggering homeowner dissatisfaction, project delays, and mounting financial pressure on both the contractor and their crew.

Our Process

We took over the claim negotiations and built a solid case to ensure the contractor received a fair settlement.

Utilized thermal imaging and smoke migration mapping to uncover hidden damage, supporting findings with photographic evidence and code compliance documentation.

Developed a comprehensive, standards-based estimate and negotiated directly with the insurer—challenging denials to secure full coverage.

Results

Outcomes and Insights

Our strategic intervention led to a successful settlement that fully supported the contractor’s scope of work.

  • Final payout increased from $24,500 to $61,300

  • All denied remediation items were approved, including HEPA cleaning and odor control

  • Contents cleaning and temporary housing expenses were covered

  • The contractor resumed work promptly with full client satisfaction

Key Takeaways

This case highlights how The Claims Ninja helps contractors overcome underpaid fire restoration claims. With expert documentation, negotiation skills, and deep knowledge of insurance policies, we ensure fair settlements. Contractors can rely on us to protect their interests and keep projects moving without financial roadblocks or delays.