Has a major fire damaged your home or business? Expertises LMS helps you prepare your insurance claim and represents your interests when dealing with your insurer, throughout Quebec.
We work to document and pursue all losses covered by your insurance policy. Compensation depends on the coverage, terms and limits that apply to your claim.
Our role is to review your policy, document the damage, prepare your claim and negotiate your settlement. You have someone to help you understand the process and present a claim supported by clear information.
Why consult a public insurance adjuster after a fire?
Once the firefighters have left, there are many questions to address. How do you prepare an inventory of damaged belongings, understand a building damage assessment or review a settlement offer? Managing the documents and decisions alongside everyday responsibilities can be demanding.
A public insurance adjuster is retained by the policyholder to assist them. This is a separate role from that of the adjuster assigned by the insurer. At LMS, we help you organize your claim and present documented losses in light of the coverage provided by your policy.
A consultation may be useful when:
- the fire has affected several rooms, a substantial part of the building or many belongings;
- you are having difficulty gathering documents and preparing an inventory;
- some damage appears to be missing from the assessment you received;
- you want to understand a settlement offer before making a decision.
How LMS helps with your fire insurance claim
1. Reviewing your insurance policy
We examine the coverage and policy terms relevant to your situation. This review helps guide the claim preparation process and identify both the losses to document and any coverage questions that need clarification.
Learn about our insurance policy review service.
2. Documenting building damage and damaged belongings
We assess the property affected by the fire and gather information for the claim: site observations, photographs, an inventory and available supporting documents. Depending on the situation, this includes examining the effects of smoke and soot.
Understand the damage assessment process.
3. Preparing an organized claim
We organize the information and documents supporting your claim. The aim is to present the claimed losses and their supporting evidence clearly, and to identify any points that require additional information.
Explore our insurance claim preparation service.
4. Reviewing and negotiating the settlement
We compare the assessments and documents, discuss discrepancies with the insurer and help you review the offer. The outcome depends on factors including your policy, the damage and the evidence available. No settlement amount can be guaranteed.
Learn about insurance settlement negotiation.
What should you prepare for your first consultation?
Gather what you already have. You do not need a complete file to contact us:
- your insurance policy and endorsements;
- your claim number and your insurer’s contact details;
- available photographs, an initial inventory of affected belongings and relevant receipts;
- any assessments, estimates, written correspondence or settlement offers received.
Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the loss. Keep receipts for expenses and discuss permanent repairs with your insurer before starting them. See the Autorité des marchés financiers guidance on insurance claims (in French).
Questions about getting help after a fire
My insurer has already sent an adjuster. Can I still consult LMS?
Yes. You can contact us to discuss support on your side of the claim. The Chambre de l’assurance de dommages explains the role of a public insurance adjuster (in French).
I have already received a settlement offer. Is it too late?
Contact us and explain the current status of your claim, including any documents you have signed. We can review your situation and determine whether we can take on a mandate. The appropriate next steps depend on how far the claim has progressed.
Does a free consultation mean the entire service is free?
No. The initial consultation is free. If you retain us, LMS’s fees are deducted from the insurance settlement paid at the end of the settlement process, as set out in the written engagement agreement. You are responsible for these fees. Take time to understand the services included and the payment terms before signing.
In past claims handled by LMS, additional settlement amounts obtained have offset our fees. Results vary from case to case; this outcome is not a guarantee for your claim.
Do you assist both homeowners and businesses?
Yes. LMS handles major property loss claims for homeowners and businesses throughout Quebec, including fires, explosions and collapses. We do not handle water damage claims.
Tell us about your fire insurance claim
Explain what happened and where you are in the claims process. This first conversation will help us determine how LMS can assist you.
Prefer to call? 1 844 843-9128.
Belongings, expenses and business activity after a fire
How can I document destroyed items without receipts?
Older photographs, purchase records, warranties or order emails can supplement your inventory. Identify what is known and what still needs confirmation. Read more about documenting damaged belongings.
Can the effects of smoke be examined?
Visible traces and observations about smoke, soot or odours can form part of the information to document. The review of affected items and proposed work depends on the circumstances; a general description cannot establish coverage.
What should I keep if I need temporary accommodation?
Keep receipts and correspondence about expenses incurred. Ask your insurer what terms may apply before making commitments. LMS does not provide temporary accommodation; this general information does not confirm reimbursement.
What if my business has to suspend operations?
Keep information about the interruption period, affected activities and expenses incurred. Whether financial losses can be claimed depends on the policy coverage. See our page on business property insurance claims.
Example: A shop has to close after a fire. Accounting records may help examine lost income under the policy coverage.