Protecting Property Owners, One Claim at a Time
How We Handle Your Claim – Residential Earthquake Losses
How We Handle Your Claim – Residential Earthquake Losses
How We Handle Your Claim – Residential Earthquake Losses
- Damage Documentation – We perform a methodical, on-site evaluation of your property immediately after the quake and at strategic intervals to capture both immediate and emerging damage. High-resolution, date-stamped photographs, Matterport 3D scans, and drone roof inspections document everything from foundation cracks and roof separations to broken chimneys and wall fractures.
- Detailed Loss Inventory – We prepare a comprehensive inventory of damaged property, covering both structural components and personal belongings. This includes furniture, appliances, electronics, collectibles, and sentimental items, all valued using market-accurate replacement costs. For high-value or specialty items, we coordinate with independent experts to ensure proper valuation.
- Precise Repair Estimates – Using Xactimate, we prepare detailed repair estimates that include demolition, reconstruction, finish restoration, and all necessary code-compliance upgrades. These estimates are supported by photographic evidence and engineering reports to reduce insurer challenges.
- Code Compliance & Upgrades – California building codes often require additional work after earthquake damage, such as seismic retrofitting, shear wall installation, or foundation reinforcement. We ensure these necessary upgrades are included in your claim so repairs meet safety standards and future risk is reduced.
- Additional Living Expenses (ALE) – We calculate and claim all costs associated with displacement, including hotel stays, temporary rentals, increased commute expenses, storage fees, and pet boarding when applicable. We make sure ALE benefits last for the full restoration period, not just an arbitrary insurance timeline.
Common Residential Properties We Represent
How We Handle Your Claim – Residential Earthquake Losses
How We Handle Your Claim – Residential Earthquake Losses
- Single-Family Homes – From hillside estates in Malibu to suburban residences in the San Fernando Valley, we represent homeowners facing cracked foundations, structural shifts, chimney collapses, and roof separations. These homes often require comprehensive engineering evaluations and staged reconstruction.
- Condominiums & Townhomes – Multi-unit buildings face dual damage risks: unit-specific interior destruction and shared structure failures such as cracked exterior walls, displaced staircases, compromised parking garages, and broken plumbing systems. We coordinate with HOA boards and property managers to ensure both individual and shared claims are handled efficiently.
- Luxury & Custom Homes – Properties with imported materials, high-end finishes, and custom architecture require careful documentation to ensure replacements match original quality. We negotiate aggressively so insurers cannot substitute cheaper materials or workmanship.
- Rental Properties & Multi-Family Buildings – Duplexes, triplexes, and apartment complexes often have both physical repair needs and tenant displacement costs. We manage claims that cover repairs, ALE for tenants, and lost rental income for property owners.
- Historic & Older Homes – Structures with unreinforced masonry, vintage finishes, and outdated mechanical systems are particularly vulnerable in earthquakes. We ensure restoration work respects historic integrity while meeting updated seismic safety codes.
Common Damages in Residential Earthquake Claims
How We Handle Your Claim – Residential Earthquake Losses
Common Damages in Residential Earthquake Claims
- Structural Damage – Earthquakes can cause serious harm to a home’s structural integrity, including cracked or collapsed walls, foundation fractures, shifted support beams, and roof separations. Structural instability often requires a licensed structural engineer’s inspection and extensive reconstruction to restore safety and meet California building codes.
- Exterior & Facade Failures – Brick, stucco, siding, stone veneer, and exterior glass can crack, chip, or detach, creating falling hazards and exposing the home’s interior to weather damage. Broken windows, displaced doors, and detached roofing materials are common, often requiring urgent repair to maintain security and habitability.
- Interior Finishes & Fixtures – Earthquake shaking can damage drywall, ceilings, flooring, cabinetry, and built-in shelving. Kitchens and bathrooms may sustain cracked countertops, broken tile, or displaced plumbing fixtures, while fireplaces and chimneys can shift or collapse entirely.
- Personal Property & Appliance Loss – Furniture, electronics, home appliances, and valuable personal items can be damaged or destroyed when toppled by seismic activity. Fragile items such as glassware, art, and collectibles often suffer irreparable damage, and heavy appliances may be rendered inoperable due to impact or disconnection.
- Utility & Mechanical System Failures – Gas line ruptures, damaged electrical panels, broken water pipes, and compromised HVAC systems can make a home unsafe and uninhabitable. These failures often require immediate repair to restore essential services and prevent secondary hazards.
- Secondary & Related Losses – Burst pipes or damaged sprinkler systems can cause flooding, while breaches in the building envelope may allow rain or debris to enter. Prolonged displacement can lead to mold growth, pest intrusion, and increased repair costs if not addressed quickly. Loss of use may require temporary housing, covered under Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage.
The Paramount Difference
Turning Complex Earthquake Claims Into Maximum Settlements
At Paramount Public Adjusters, we don’t just file claims — we strategically build them. Earthquake losses are complex, and in Southern California, insurers often scrutinize or underpay them due to the high cost of structural repairs and seismic retrofitting. Our approach ensures every detail is documented, every code upgrade is claimed, and every dollar you’re owed is pursued.
- Local Seismic Expertise – Based in Southern California, we understand the unique earthquake risks facing the region — from hillside soil movement in Malibu to fault-line fractures in the Inland Empire.
- Engineering-Backed Inspections – We work with licensed structural engineers, geotechnical experts, and seismic retrofit specialists to identify both visible and hidden damage.
- Advanced Documentation Tools – Matterport 360° imaging, drone surveys, and moisture/structural scanning create indisputable evidence of your loss.
- Full-Coverage Claim Strategy – We claim not just structural repairs, but also ordinance & law/code upgrades, personal property loss, Additional Living Expenses (ALE), and business interruption when applicable.
- Aggressive Negotiation – We deal directly with the insurance company’s adjusters, engineers, and legal teams to ensure your settlement reflects the true cost of restoring your property to pre-loss condition.
- Proven Track Record – Our history of maximizing settlements in high-value earthquake claims means you get representation that knows how to win — even when the insurer pushes back.
With Paramount Public Adjusters, you’re not just hiring a claims handler — you’re partnering with a dedicated advocatewho understands the stakes, the process, and the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts.