Josh Altman Warns: Why Many Wildfire Victims Can’t Return Home

When wildfires devastate California communities, the loss goes far beyond the flames. Celebrity realtor Josh Altman, star of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, recently issued a sobering warning: many wildfire damage victims will never return home, not because they don’t want to, but because they can’t afford to.

The Hidden Crisis: Underinsurance & Low Payouts

Altman highlighted two issues every homeowner should know:

• Underinsurance: Underinsured home insurance is a key reason why many with wildfire damage claims cannot return home. Too many families discover after a disaster that their policy limits don’t match today’s skyrocketing construction costs. Even a policy with substantial coverage often falls hundreds of thousands short of what’s really needed to rebuild.
• Inadequate Claim Payouts:  Insurance carriers frequently delay, deny, or undervalue claims. By the time a settlement arrives, it’s often only a fraction of the actual loss.

As Altman put it: “The reason so many people won’t go back isn’t the fire itself — it’s the money.” 

Why This Hits Home in Pacific Palisades

At United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc., we are actively representing families in Pacific Palisades facing exactly what Altman described. Despite obvious wildfire damage and destruction, their insurers are telling them:

• Their Coverage A (Dwelling) limits are too low.
• Their Additional Living Expenses (ALE) benefits are expiring before repairs are finished.
• Their true rebuild costs aren’t being acknowledged.

These aren’t isolated cases, they’re part of a systemic problem where insurers minimize payouts unless challenged.

What Every Homeowner Should Do Now

Altman’s warning isn’t just for California. Whether you live in California, New York, Florida, or anywhere in between:

• Review your policy limits now. Don’t assume you’re fully covered. Remember,  underinsured home insurance is a leading reason why wildfire damage claim settlements do not provide sufficient funds to rebuild.
• Expect insurer tactics like depreciation, exclusions, and scope reductions.
• Recognize that delays are often intentional, designed to pressure policyholders into accepting less.
  
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If celebrities and high-net-worth families are blindsided, everyday homeowners face even greater risks.

How We Protect Policyholders

Unlike company adjusters who work for the insurer, we work only for you. Our licensed Public Adjusters:

• Conduct comprehensive policy reviews to uncover every dollar of available coverage. We will advise if we find that you are potentially underinsured for home insurance and other key coverages.
• Prepare, document, and present claims to maximize settlement.
• Push back against delays, denials, and lowball offers.
• Ensure Additional Living Expenses and rebuild costs are properly accounted for.
  
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We level the playing field so you don’t have to face your insurance company alone.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Josh Altman’s words highlight a harsh truth: most wildfire damage victims can’t rebuild because their insurance falls short, and their carrier drags its feet. But you don’t have to be another statistic.

If you’re dealing with fire, water, storm or wildfire damage, or if you simply want peace of mind that your coverage is truly sufficient, contact United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. today. We fight to protect your recovery and secure the settlement you deserve.

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CITATIONS

Fox Business – Josh Altman: Why wildfire victims won’t return home
LA real estate agent reveals No. 1 reason why Pacific Palisades residents won’t return | Fox Business