In a few words, you can say that life partners Renee Dominique and Brian Smith have been through it — and then some.
Almost a year ago, the couple’s home in Eagle Rock was destroyed by fire, thrusting them into a confusing whirlwind of insurance companies, adjusters, inspectors, architects, pushy sub-contractors and as Smith put it, even some shysters.
It’s an experience they’re still working out, living in their second temporary dwelling, while awaiting word on recently submitted plans to rebuild their home. While their thoughts and prayers are with thousands who’ve lost homes from the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, they wanted to do more. For those now in the same boat, they’ve kept a checklist of do’s and don’ts they’ve offered to share.
“You have to be your own advocate. And yes, it becomes a full-time job,” said Dominique on Jan. 13, speaking from their temporary residency in Pasadena. They were not affected by the Eaton fire in north Pasadena and Altadena.
“We want to help people who are going through this experience to maybe make things go smoother,” she added.
The couple’s general advice to those navigating what to do next is to simply slow things down.
Almost immediately after Dominique’s family home burned on Feb. 4 and the two escaped with their dog Kirby, they got offers from independent adjusters and sub-contractors, many who sweet talked them and offered to help — but for a steep price. Smith said don’t sign anything. Talk to your insurance company first.
“You don’t know who is coming at you,” he said, “You don’t know who is a fraud or who is legit. You just have to pull back from everything because you don’t know if these people are from your insurance company, or independent. You are not going to make good decisions under duress.”
“There are a lost of shysters in this business. You have to be very careful,” Smith added.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger said on Tuesday that while visiting the shelter at…
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