The Real Value of Thorough Property Inspections in Insurance Claims

When a storm, fire, or water loss impacts your property, the first step toward recovery is almost always an inspection. But here’s what most policyholders don’t realize: the quality of that inspection often determines how much of your loss actually gets covered.

In my work as a Public Adjuster, I’ve seen countless claims fall short — not because the carrier was unwilling to pay, but because the damage was never fully documented in the first place. A detailed inspection doesn’t just find damage — it protects your right to a full and fair settlement.

Why Quick Inspections Leave Money on the Table

Most insurance adjusters are skilled at identifying obvious damage, but they’re often limited by time, guidelines, and internal procedures. Their focus is on getting through the claim efficiently — not necessarily exhaustively.

That means subtle but significant issues often go unnoticed:

• Wind-lifted shingles that lost seal and water protection

• Moisture trapped beneath decking or insulation

• Smoke or soot residue in hidden structural cavities

• Code-required upgrades that trigger once repairs begin

When these conditions aren’t properly documented during the initial inspection, they’re rarely paid for later — leaving the policyholder to cover the costs out-of-pocket.

How My Inspection Process Works

When I’m brought onto a claim, my first goal is to document the entire scope of damage accurately and defensibly. I perform a detailed walkthrough of every affected area, often alongside the property owner and their chosen contractor.

Using photos, measurements, slope-by-slope mapping, and supporting building code references, I build a clear, evidence-based record that supports the contractor’s estimate. This ensures that no part of the loss is dismissed as “wear and tear” or “minor.”

When needed, I coordinate with engineers, roofing specialists, environmental experts, and restoration professionals in my network to confirm findings. These reports provide independent validation that strengthens the claim file and prevents unnecessary pushback from the insurer.

Staying in My Lane: Why I Don’t Argue Prices

I’m a policy expert — that’s where my focus stays. I don’t waste time arguing about line items or pricing with the insurance company, because that’s not where the true leverage comes from.

My job is to prove the loss through policy language, building codes, and documentation. The pricing? That comes from your contractor — the professional who actually takes things off buildings and puts them back on.

I don’t get compensated to perform repairs, so I’m not going to pretend I know better than the people who do. I rely on trusted contractors who understand the local market, material availability, and labor realities. They provide the estimate for what it takes to restore your property to pre-loss condition — I make sure the policy supports and requires payment for that scope of work.

It’s a partnership: your contractor establishes cost, and I ensure coverage. That’s how claims get settled fairly and efficiently.

Why Independent Documentation Matters

Insurance companies rely on their own adjusters and consultants — and that’s fine — but their documentation naturally favors their internal cost guidelines.

As a Public Adjuster, my job is to balance the scale by ensuring the insured’s side of the story is equally well-documented. A claim supported by detailed photos, code references, and third-party reports is difficult to dispute.

Thorough documentation doesn’t just speed up the claim — it keeps the settlement honest. It creates transparency, accountability, and proof that the requested repairs are both necessary and justified under the policy.

Protecting Long-Term Value, Not Just Immediate Repairs

Incomplete inspections lead to incomplete repairs — and incomplete repairs lead to long-term problems. When water-damaged materials are left untreated, when unsealed shingles aren’t replaced, or when smoke residue isn’t remediated correctly, those issues come back as new claims or reduce the property’s value later.

A proper inspection ensures every damaged component is identified and repaired according to manufacturer standards and local codes. This isn’t about “getting more money” — it’s about restoring your property correctly the first time.

Collaboration, Not Confrontation

I believe in working with insurance carriers — not against them. When an inspection is well-documented, organized, and transparent, it helps everyone.

Insurance companies appreciate claims that are supported by facts, evidence, and professional communication. My approach is always cooperative but firm — keeping the conversation focused on what the policy covers and what the documentation proves.

The Takeaway

The inspection sets the tone for your entire insurance claim. If it’s rushed or incomplete, your settlement will reflect that. If it’s detailed, supported, and verified, you stand a much better chance of being fully restored to your pre-loss condition.

That’s the standard I work by — thorough, ethical, and backed by real expertise.

If you’ve experienced storm, fire, or water damage and want to ensure your loss is properly documented, reach out to me. A second opinion could mean the difference between a partial payout and a full recovery.

— Austin Fowler

Public Adjuster, Webb Consulting LLC

Advocating for Utah policyholders with clarity, honesty, and results.