Top 3 Things Insurance Won’t Tell You About Fire Damage Claims

What San Diego homeowners need to know before filing

Experiencing a house fire is traumatic enough, but dealing with the insurance claim afterward can be just as overwhelming. Most policyholders assume their insurance company will handle everything quickly, fairly, and thoroughly. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. If you’ve had a fire or want to be prepared, here are three things your insurance company probably won’t tell you. These are insights based on handling fire damage claims in San Diego every week.

At Jakobsen Restoration, we’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners across San Diego who were caught off guard by the complexities and limitations of fire damage insurance claims. If you’ve had a fire or want to be prepared, here are three things your insurance company probably won’t tell you, but we will.

1. You’re Responsible for Documenting Everything Immediately

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the insurance adjuster will come in, assess all the damage, and handle the details. In reality, you’re responsible for proving your losses.

That means detailed photos, inventory lists, receipts, and sometimes even expert reports. The sooner you document damage, before cleanup begins, the stronger your claim will be. Our team at Jakobsen Restoration helps clients in San Diego neighborhoods like Chula Vista, La Mesa, and Pacific Beach properly document fire, smoke, and water damage before any work starts. It’s a critical step most homeowners don’t realize until it’s too late.

2. Not All Damage Is Covered, Even If It’s Fire-Related

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that not everything destroyed in a fire is automatically covered. Policies often have strict limits for:

• Smoke damage in areas not directly burned
• Structural damage that predated the fire
• Water damage from firefighting efforts
• Temporary housing or displacement expenses

Insurance companies may also push back on claims that include mold growth following fire suppression. That’s why working with a licensed fire restoration company in San Diego is essential. We know how to advocate for what should be included and how to present the findings clearly to adjusters.

3. You Can Choose Your Own Restoration Company, Not Theirs

This is a big one. Insurance carriers often recommend their own preferred vendors for cleanup and repairs, but you are not required to use them. These contractors may be more focused on controlling costs than doing thorough, lasting work.

By hiring your own independent, licensed team, like Jakobsen Restoration, you maintain control over the quality of work, materials used, and the timeline. We work for you, not the insurance company, and we’ve built a reputation across San Diego for clear communication, proper repairs, and fighting to make sure clients receive the full value of their policy coverage.

Don’t Let the Claim Process Burn You Twice

House fires are devastating. Navigating the insurance process doesn’t have to be. When you call Jakobsen Restoration, we bring more than tools and technicians. We bring experience, documentation support, and peace of mind.

From emergency board-ups and soot removal to full-scale rebuilds, our team is here 24/7. If you’re facing a fire damage insurance claim, let us help you make the most of it.

Schedule a Fire Damage Inspection Today

Call (800) 880-2848 or contact us online to schedule a free same-day inspection. Jakobsen Restoration serves all of San Diego County, with rapid response and expert service when you need it most.