What not to say to the insurance adjuster?
It’s normal to feel shaken after a fire. In those first conversations with an adjuster you can help your claim by staying clear and factual. Saying the wrong thing can make the process slower or lead to confusion about the scope of damage. If your Sterling Heights, MI home or business has smoke and soot damage, here’s what to avoid and what to say instead.
Statements to avoid
- “It was my fault” or “I was careless.”
Admitting blame can complicate things. Stick to factual descriptions of what happened.
- “Everything is ruined, nothing can be saved.”
Don’t declare contents or structural elements unsalvageable. Professionals use content cleaning and pack-out plus soot and smoke residue removal to recover many items.
- “I already threw most of it away.”
If you’ve discarded items, the adjuster cannot inspect them. Describe what was removed but avoid saying you disposed of everything.
- “The smell will go away on its own” or suggesting household fixes.
Soot is corrosive and smoke odor needs odor neutralization with proper equipment. Never mention household cleaners or consumer remedies.
- “I don’t need a written report” or “I’ll accept whatever the adjuster says.”
A clear written scope is important. Verbal comments can be missed or misinterpreted.
Better things to say
- “I have photos and an inventory of affected items.”
Offer documentation. Note areas with visible soot and smoke residue and any damaged structural elements.
- “Please note that contents may need pack-out and professional cleaning.”
Mention content cleaning and pack-out so the adjuster documents it.
- “I’d like the report to list needed board-up, debris removal, and structural cleaning.”
This helps ensure safety measures and cleanup needs are on the record.
- “Can you clarify what you will be documenting today?”
Ask for specifics about what the adjuster will include in the report.
After the adjuster visit
Keep a copy of all documents. Avoid making promises about repairs yourself. Restoration often includes soot and smoke residue removal, odor neutralization with professional equipment, structural cleaning, content cleaning and pack-out, and reconstruction back to pre-loss condition. These steps protect materials and limit further corrosion.
If you want someone on site to explain the restoration process or help coordinate next steps in Sterling Heights, MI, Aaron Builders can walk you through soot and smoke cleanup, odor control, pack-out, and reconstruction. Call Aaron Builders at (248) 957-9660 or visit aaronbuilders.com for help getting started.