Public adjusters in Malibu, CA

Ares Public Adjusters helps Malibu homeowners document fire, smoke, water and wind damage to custom, high value homes and push the insurance company for a fair settlement.

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Serving
Malibu, CA
Phone
(818) 918-3332
California license
No. 6012529
Claim review
Free

Your Malibu public adjuster

Malibu homeowners deal with wildfire, wind, slides and coastal conditions that few other places in Los Angeles County match. We work for you, not the insurance company, and we travel to the property to inspect, document and build a claim that reflects what it really costs to repair or rebuild.

If your claim was denied, underpaid or delayed, or you are not sure the insurance company's number makes sense, call us before you agree to a settlement or sign anything.

What shapes insurance claims in Malibu

The Woolsey Fire in 2018 and the Franklin Fire in December 2024 both tore through parts of Malibu, and the Palisades Fire in January 2025 caused more damage along the coast. Even homes that were not burned can carry smoke, ash and soot in the HVAC, attic and walls, and insurance companies often underestimate cleaning.

Malibu homes are often custom built, on hillsides or bluffs, with high replacement costs and specialty finishes. Estimates that price a home like typical construction usually come up short. Many owners also carry high limits, multiple structures or FAIR Plan coverage, which makes a careful policy review important.

Winter storms bring mudslides, debris flows and roof leaks along the canyons and the coast road, and salt air and strong winds are hard on roofs and exteriors. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood and earth movement, so sorting out what is covered is a common source of disputes.

Claims we handle in Malibu

How it works

  • Free claim review. Tell us what happened. We look at your policy and the insurance company's position and tell you where you stand.
  • Documentation. We inspect the property, document the damage and prepare a detailed estimate and photo report.
  • Negotiation. We deal with the adjuster, respond to their estimate and push back on anything that was left out or undervalued.
  • Appraisal if needed. When the two sides cannot agree, we can invoke the appraisal clause in your policy.

Public adjusters are paid a percentage of the amount recovered, and the fee is spelled out in a written contract before you sign anything.

Serving Malibu and nearby areas

We work with property owners across Malibu, including Point Dume, Carbon Beach, Serra Retreat, Paradise Cove and Trancas Canyon. We also help clients in Pacific Palisades and Los Angeles and across Los Angeles County.

Our office is at 414 N Orange St, Unit 107, Glendale, CA 91203. Get directions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does homeowners insurance cover mudslide damage in Malibu?

Usually not under a standard policy, which generally excludes flood and earth movement such as landslides. Other coverage may apply, and a slide after a fire can raise complicated questions. We review your policy and the cause of loss before anything is decided.

Do I need a public adjuster for a claim in Malibu?

You do not have to hire one, but it can help when the damage is large, the claim was denied or underpaid, or the insurance company's estimate is far below your contractor's. A free review can tell you whether it makes sense for your claim.

How much does a public adjuster cost?

Public adjusters are paid a percentage of what is recovered. The fee and everything else about the work is written into a contract that you can review before you sign. We are happy to go over it with you during a free review.

What should I do first after damage to my Malibu home?

Make sure everyone is safe and stop the source of the damage if you can. Take photos and video before any cleanup, keep damaged items when possible, save receipts for emergency costs and report the loss to your insurance company. Then call us before you agree to a settlement or sign anything.

My Malibu home survived the fire. Can I still claim smoke damage?

Yes. Smoke, ash and soot can damage a home that was left standing, including the HVAC system, attic and contents. Coverage depends on your policy, but the damage does not have to come from flames.

How do you handle high value homes and custom finishes?

We document the actual materials, finishes and custom work in the home instead of accepting generic square foot pricing, and we use contractor estimates and photo reports to support the real cost of repair or replacement.

Get a second look before you sign.

A free review shows you what the insurer left out, what your policy covers and whether your claim is worth pursuing further.