San Jose Earthquake Damage Insurance Claims

San Jose earthquake damage claims typically take 60-120 days for minor damage with clear coverage and deductibles met. Major structural damage claims often take 6-12 months due to engineering assessments, permit requirements, and contractor availability. Disputed claims involving coverage interpretation or deductible calculations can extend 9-24 months. CEA and private earthquake insurers have specific claim procedures that differ from standard homeowners insurance. Our San Jose adjusters navigate these specialized requirements.

San Jose earthquake damage settlements vary based on damage extent, policy type, and deductible. Minor damage (cosmetic cracks, chimney damage) may not exceed the deductible. Moderate foundation and structural damage averages $125,000 before deductible. Major structural damage requiring substantial reconstruction can settle for $400,000-$1M+ before deductible. CEA deductibles (5-25% of dwelling coverage) significantly impact net recovery - for a $1.4M San Jose home, deductibles range from $70,000-$350,000. Our adjusters maximize the claim to ensure you recover as much as possible above your deductible.

You should hire a public adjuster for earthquake damage in San Jose if: (1) damage appears to exceed your deductible, (2) you have foundation settlement or structural damage, (3) your property is in a liquefaction zone, (4) the insurer disputes whether damage is earthquake-related, or (5) you have a CEA policy with complex coverage provisions. Earthquake claims involve specialized engineering assessments, unique policy provisions, and high deductibles that require expert navigation. Our adjusters ensure every covered element is documented and claimed.

California public adjusters work on contingency, typically charging 10-15% of the insurance settlement for earthquake damage claims. Our fees are paid only from your settlement - no upfront costs. If we don't recover money for you, you pay nothing. Given high earthquake deductibles, our value is ensuring maximum recovery above that deductible. For example, if an insurer offers $150,000 (after deductible) and we recover $500,000 (after deductible), our fee would be $50,000-$75,000, but you net $425,000-$450,000 compared to accepting $150,000.

San Jose earthquake insurance (CEA and private) typically covers: structural damage to dwelling, foundation damage, chimney damage, interior damage (drywall, flooring), personal property (with limits, often $25,000-$200,000), and loss of use/temporary housing (with limits). Coverage typically excludes or limits: pools, patios, driveways, fences, retaining walls, landscaping, and pre-existing conditions. Deductibles are high (5-25% of dwelling coverage). Fire-following-earthquake is covered by standard homeowners, not earthquake policy. Our adjusters review both policies to identify all available coverage.