Welcome to ICC

We're Insurance Claim Consultants, and for 35 years we've been helping neighbors across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia navigate smoke damage claims. We handle everything—documentation, restoration coordination, settlement—so you can focus on recovery. We're not here to dramatize what you're going through. We're here to help you rebuild.

Ready to unlock your policy's full potential? Click the ICC logo below to talk with us live via phone or video. We're here when you need us.

Why Choose a Public Adjuster for Smoke Claims

Insurance companies have adjusters working for them—shouldn't you have someone working for you? A public adjuster is your advocate, working solely on your behalf to maximize your smoke damage settlement. We know the tactics insurers use to minimize smoke claims, and we know how to counter them.

In 2024 alone, we helped a Charlotte homeowner recover an additional $67,000 that their insurance company initially overlooked for smoke damage throughout their home after a kitchen fire. After a Raleigh townhouse fire, we helped a family secure $89,000 for comprehensive smoke damage and odor remediation that adjusters tried to minimize. That's the difference an experienced public adjuster makes—we find what others miss and fight the battles you can't.

What Smoke Damage Insurance Covers

Most homeowners policies cover smoke damage comprehensively, but understanding what's included prevents surprises:

• Structure damage: Walls, ceilings, floors damaged by smoke penetration, soot deposits, and acid corrosion from combustion byproducts
• HVAC system contamination: Ductwork, air handlers, and mechanical systems that distributed smoke throughout the property require professional cleaning or replacement
• Contents losses: Furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances damaged by smoke exposure—even items not directly touched by flames
• Odor remediation: Professional deodorization using thermal fogging, ozone treatment, or hydroxyl generators to eliminate persistent smoke odors
• Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Hotel, meals, and living costs while your home undergoes smoke damage restoration
• Temporary relocation: Extended displacement is common for comprehensive smoke remediation—coverage continues until restoration completes

A 2023 Greenville family we worked with recovered $94,000 for comprehensive smoke damage and contents losses after a garage fire filled their home with smoke. Proper documentation of smoke migration throughout the property made the difference.

How to Document Smoke Damage Properly

Documentation is your strongest tool in securing a fair smoke damage settlement. Here's what we do for every client:

• Comprehensive photography: 300+ photos capturing smoke staining, soot deposits, and damage in every room—smoke travels far beyond the fire's origin
• Video walkthroughs: Room-by-room documentation showing smoke migration patterns and the full extent of contamination
• Detailed inventory: Every smoke-damaged item with purchase dates, values, and documentation of smoke exposure
• Air quality testing: Professional testing documenting smoke particulate levels and identifying contamination requiring remediation
• HVAC inspection documentation: Ductwork examination showing smoke distribution through mechanical systems
• Odor documentation: Professional assessment of smoke odor penetration in porous materials—carpets, upholstery, clothing, drywall

We've learned through 35 years of smoke damage claims that proper documentation can increase settlements by 40-50% on average compared to inadequate documentation.

City-Specific Smoke Damage Resources

Smoke damage restoration needs and response resources vary by location. We've created detailed guides for 21 cities across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, including local fire departments, restoration companies, and region-specific claim strategies:

Immediate Actions After Smoke Damage

Immediately after smoke exposure, protecting your property and health is critical—and it's covered by your insurance:

• Ventilate safely once fire department declares the property safe—open windows and use fans to exhaust smoke-laden air
• Document before cleanup with extensive photos and video showing smoke staining, soot deposits, and odor sources
• Protect undamaged items by removing them from smoke-contaminated areas—secondary damage spreads through prolonged exposure
• Turn off HVAC systems to prevent smoke circulation through ductwork until professional cleaning occurs
• Claim Additional Living Expenses immediately—smoke odor makes homes uninhabitable even when structurally sound
• Professional assessment before attempting cleaning—improper methods can set smoke stains permanently

In 2024, we helped a Columbia family secure $18,500 in ALE coverage for four months of temporary housing while comprehensive smoke remediation occurred. Professional restoration for smoke damage takes significantly longer than property owners expect.

Common Smoke Damage Claim Mistakes to Avoid

We've seen these mistakes cost homeowners thousands in smoke damage claims:

• Attempting DIY cleaning: Improper cleaning methods can permanently set smoke stains and odors—professional restoration is required and covered
• Underestimating smoke migration: Smoke travels through HVAC systems, wall cavities, and attic spaces far beyond visible damage—missing hidden contamination reduces settlements by 40%+
• Accepting quick settlements: Initial estimates routinely miss HVAC contamination, hidden soot deposits, and long-term odor remediation needs
• Missing contents documentation: Smoke damages contents through odor absorption and chemical exposure even without visible staining—document everything exposed
• Inadequate odor remediation: Surface cleaning doesn't eliminate smoke odor in porous materials—professional thermal fogging or ozone treatment is necessary
• Ignoring HVAC systems: Smoke-contaminated ductwork and air handlers require professional cleaning or replacement—simply changing filters isn't adequate
• Rushing back home: Smoke exposure creates health hazards—ALE coverage pays for safe temporary housing during proper remediation

Don't navigate smoke damage claims alone. ICC has recovered over $18.7 million in denied or undervalued claims for homeowners just like you.

How ICC Helps You Recover

As your public adjuster, we handle every aspect of your smoke damage claim:

• Free initial consultation to review your policy and smoke damage
• Comprehensive damage assessment with professional documentation of visible and hidden smoke contamination
• Detailed claim preparation with accurate restoration estimates including HVAC cleaning and odor remediation
• Air quality testing coordination to document smoke particulate levels requiring professional remediation
• Direct negotiation with your insurance company on your behalf—we handle all communications
• Maximum settlement recovery for structure, contents, living expenses, and complete smoke remediation
• Contractor coordination to ensure quality smoke damage restoration by certified professionals

We work on a contingency basis—we only get paid when you do. No upfront costs, no risk to you.

For over three decades, Insurance Claims Consultants has helped property owners recover from smoke damage across the Southeast. We understand smoke migration patterns, proper remediation protocols, and the documentation insurers require. Our public adjusters handle the entire claims process so you can focus on your family and recovery.

Ready to get started? Call us at (864) 497-2151 or click the ICC logo to start a conversation. We're standing by to help you recover what you deserve.