
The Insurance Claim Process After Fire Damage
The insurance claim process following a devastating house fire often becomes a second disaster for homeowners. When flames destroy a family’s most valuable asset, navigating complex policy language and negotiating with insurance adjusters can quickly turn overwhelming.
That was exactly the case for the Schwartz family in Galloway Township, New Jersey. What began as an ordinary Thursday morning turned into a nightmare when lightning struck their home, sparking a fire that reduced their house to ashes.
If you’ve suffered fire damage, don’t face the insurance company alone. Call Young Adjustment at 800.345.8321 for a free consultation.
The Fire That Changed Everything
A bolt of lightning ignited attic materials in the Schwartz family home on July 10, 2014. Flames spread quickly, damaging not only their residence but also a neighboring property. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the family returned to find their home uninhabitable, with heirlooms and belongings destroyed.
Firefighters contained the blaze, but water and smoke damage compounded the devastation.
The Struggle With Insurance
Like many homeowners, the Schwartzes initially trusted their insurance company to help them recover. Instead, they were met with delays, requests for duplicate paperwork, and pushback on coverage. The assigned insurance adjuster seemed more focused on minimizing payouts than rebuilding the family’s home.
This emotional and financial strain left the family frustrated, displaced, and unsure of what to do next.
Searching for a public adjuster near me? Young Adjustment has over 100 years of experience fighting for homeowners, not insurers.
Why the Family Chose Young Adjustment
Through a referral from a neighbor, the Schwartzes connected with Mike Reiter of Young Adjustment Company. From the first meeting, the difference was clear. Mike thoroughly explained the family’s insurance policy, documented every detail of the fire damage, and assured them that Young Adjustment would handle “each and every step of the process.”
As trusted Philadelphia public adjusters, the Young team brought expertise, persistence, and compassion at a time when the family needed it most.
Turning the Claim Into a Success
Young Adjustment immediately took action:
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Conducted a complete structural and contents damage assessment
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Documented evidence with photos, video, and contractor estimates
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Analyzed the insurance policy line by line to reveal overlooked coverage
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Negotiated directly with the insurer to challenge lowball estimates
When the insurance company disputed parts of the claim, Young Adjustment countered with documentation and policy references—eventually securing a full replacement settlement that included:
✅ Complete rebuilding costs
✅ Replacement of damaged contents
✅ Temporary living expenses
✅ Code upgrade coverage for rebuilding to modern standards
Outcome: A Full Recovery
With adequate funds secured, the Schwartzes rebuilt their home with modern safety upgrades and energy-efficient systems. Most importantly, they achieved peace of mind knowing their family was safe and financially secure.
The family later wrote:
“Your handling of our claim far surpassed any expectations we had regarding a recovery for our loss.”
Need a trusted partner for your fire damage insurance claim? Contact Young Public Adjusters today at 800.345.8321 or request a free consultation online.
Lessons for Homeowners
This case demonstrates key lessons for any homeowner facing fire damage:
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Engage a public adjuster early to ensure evidence is preserved and claims are filed correctly.
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Never accept the insurer’s first offer without a professional review.
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Choose an experienced adjuster who specializes in fire claims and communicates regularly.
Whether you’re in Philadelphia, New Jersey, or Eastern Pennsylvania, Young Adjustment Company has the experience to turn overwhelming setbacks into recoveries.