Smoke damage to your home or business

Have you experienced smoke damage at your home or business?

Smoke from adjacent fires or a fire in your property can be devastating.

What was once a pristine environment is now ruined. It’s overwhelming to deal with the fallout from commercial or residential property smoke damage.

There’s soot and ash cleanup to deal with. Soot and ash can be very hazardous to your health. Additionally, it can go everywhere and ruin more than you realize. Soot leaves an oily residue and sometimes restoration of your property is impossible because of it. There’s a lot of paperwork, phone calls and details to cover with your insurance claim. This can be time consuming and complex.
Then there’s the question of what does your insurance policy cover?That’s where we come in.

Call Clarke & Cohen. We specialize in insurance property claims from fire and smoke damage. Your business or homeowners insurance can get complicated.
Is it a partial or total loss?
What’s the ‘hidden’ damage from this event?
Is there water damage or chemical damage from the fire retardants that helped put out the fire?
And, How do you calculate ‘replacement costs’ of your losses?

Above all, our expert adjusters will help you handle the claim process from start to finish so your loss will be settled appropriately. Including:

*Assistance in determining the most professional solution for remediation and cleaning.

*Bringing in industry-specific professionals to evaluate the damage.

*Taking inventory of your lost property and belongings.

*Handling the negotiation & settlement process with your insurance company, resulting in a suitable claim payment.

Our main goal is to alleviate your stress during what is a very anxiety-ridden process.

Clarke & Cohen’s professional loss consultants are here to guide you and do the work for you when you experience smoke damage to your home or business. We want you to focus on getting back to business or your family life.

We are a fourth-generation family-owned property loss consultant business, managing complex claims in the Philadelphia region and throughout the country.

Introducing Tequilas Casa Mexicana

Rising from a Tragic Fire, A New Tequilas Emerges

Philadelphia, PA — The Suro family proudly announces the re-opening of Tequila’s their Mexican restaurant at 1602 Locust Street. After a tragic fire in February 2023, the restaurant officially opens for dinner reservations on Resy on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Tequilas is a cultural and culinary hub, offering a fresh, contemporary take on Mexican hospitality and culinary artistry.
Tequilas fosters a symbolic connection between the Suro family’s native Guadalajara and Philadelphia. David, 64, opened the restaurant with his late wife Annette in 1986.

A Philadelphia Institution Faces Disaster

Tequilas was Philadelphia’s first authentic Mexican restaurant and quickly became more than a dining destination: it was a cultural movement. For nearly 40 years, Tequilas served as a bridge to Mexico, sharing authentic cuisine, educating guests about agave spirits, and celebrating the rich traditions of Mexican culture. In February 2023, tragedy struck when a devastating fire destroyed the kitchen at Tequilas and caused extensive damage throughout the historic building. What could have been the end of an era instead became the beginning of a powerful new chapter.

“After two years of rebuilding, we are honored to reopen our doors and welcome
Philadelphia back to Tequilas. This journey has been one of resilience and dedication, and we could not have done it without the unwavering support of our community,“ said David Suro Sr. “For almost four decades, Tequilas has been a place where tradition, hospitality, and authentic Mexican cuisine come together. My children and I are humbled to begin a new chapter, continuing that legacy with the same passion and commitment as before.”

The new, 75 seat, white tablecloth Tequilas Casa Mexicana blends fine dining with festive, celebratory hospitality and authentic Mexican flavors, ingredients and techniques. The Suro’s children, Elisa, Dan and David Jr. are all participants and partners in the business. Through their sister company, Siembra Spirits, they have long been champions of the agave industry, offering American consumers a deeper understanding of Mexican culture through their spirits that are sold in 45 states. David Sr. is the co-author of Agave Spirits, The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals, for which he won the 2024 James Beard Foundation’s Award for Beverage Writing without Recipes.

Clarke & Cohen Steps In

The Suro family engaged Clarke & Cohen, a fourth generation, family-owned Philadelphia public insurance adjuster, to help them with the sensitive and historical loss. Clarke & Cohen had worked with many noteworthy property losses, including the fire that swept through Jim’s South Street.

Don’t Wait Until the Waters Rise to Consider Flood Insurance

Why Flood Insurance is Crucial for Homeowners and Business Owners: Insights from Clarke & Cohen

Flooding is one of the most common and devastating natural disasters that can affect homeowners and business owners alike. Whether you’re a coastal city or a seemingly dry region, floods can occur unexpectedly due to storms, hurricanes, or even sudden heavy rainfall. As licensed public adjusters with extensive experience, Clarke & Cohen has seen the full spectrum of flood insurance claims—ranging from relatively minor water damage to complete devastation. The complexity of these claims, combined with the ever-changing landscape of insurance policies, makes it critical for homeowners and business owners to understand the importance of flood insurance fully.

Understanding Flood Risk: Why It’s Not Just a Coastal Issue

Many people mistakenly believe that they aren’t at risk for flooding if they don’t live near the ocean or a river. However, floods can happen almost anywhere. In fact, according to FEMA, over 20% of flood insurance claims come from areas considered to have a low to moderate risk of flooding. The risk is even more significant for business owners because even minor flood damage can severely disrupt operations. Severe flooding leads to lost revenue and expensive repairs. Additionally for homeowners, a flood can mean the loss of irreplaceable personal belongings and a long recovery process.

Clarke & Cohen has handled flood claims in diverse areas, including those not traditionally considered high-risk. Time and time again, we’ve seen the same theme: homeowners and business owners who lacked flood insurance suffered more significant financial hardship than those who were insured. Flood insurance can be the difference between a quick recovery and a financial catastrophe.

Why Standard Property Insurance Isn’t Enough

A common misconception is that standard homeowner or commercial property insurance covers flood damage. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Flooding is typically excluded from standard insurance policies, meaning any damages caused by a flood—structural damage, ruined inventory, or waterlogged personal belongings—are not covered.

This exclusion can be particularly devastating for business owners. Imagine a retail store that floods after a storm, leaving thousands of dollars in ruined inventory and a building that requires extensive repairs. Without flood insurance, the business owner is left covering these costs out of pocket. For homeowners, the out-of-pocket expenses to repair flood damage can be just as overwhelming, often running into tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

At Clarke & Cohen, we’ve helped countless policyholders navigate the confusing landscape of flood insurance. We’ve seen the enormous financial toll of not being covered and the complexities that arise when handling claims alone. That’s why we urge every homeowner and business owner to evaluate their flood risk and consider purchasing a dedicated flood insurance policy.

Navigating the Complexities of Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is a highly specialized form of insurance, often backed by the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The program offers both building property coverage (for the physical structure) and personal property coverage (for belongings inside the structure). While this may sound straightforward, flood insurance policies are notoriously complex.

As public adjusters with decades of experience, we have seen how overwhelming it can be to understand the fine print in a flood insurance policy. For example, NFIP policies limit how much they’ll pay out for certain types of damages. Not all types of water damage are considered “flood damage.” Knowing what is and isn’t covered before disaster strikes is vital. This is particularly crucial for business owners, who may need to account for additional risks like damaged inventory and specialized equipment.

When a flood does occur, navigating the claims process can be even more complicated. Insurance adjusters often look for ways to minimize payouts, leaving policyholders frustrated and under-compensated. Clarke & Cohen’s expertise comes into play here—our role as public adjusters is to advocate for you. We take over the claims process, ensuring that nothing is overlooked and that you receive the total compensation you’re entitled to under your policy. With over a century of experience in flood claims, we’ve built strong relationships with insurance companies. Our experience allows us to know how to approach even the most complex situations.

The Impact of Climate Change on Flood Risks

Flood risks are evolving due to climate change. Coastal areas are experiencing rising sea levels. Inland regions are seeing more frequent extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall that can overwhelm drainage systems. Even areas previously considered “low risk” are facing new flood threats.

For business owners, the stakes are high. Without insurance coverage, a flood could shut down your business for weeks or months. Businesses that never anticipated a flood can reopen with the funds to repair their property. On the other hand, companies with comprehensive flood insurance could recover quickly and continue operations.

Clarke & Cohen continuously monitors trends in climate change and flood risks to provide our clients with up-to-date advice on flood insurance. We recommend reviewing your policy annually to ensure that it meets your current needs. Make sure that you’re adequately covered for new or increased risks.

Protecting Your Investment with Flood Insurance

Homeownership and business ownership are significant investments, and protecting those investments is critical. While flood insurance requires an additional premium, it’s a cost worth considering. With it, you may avoid substantial out-of-pocket expenses that could threaten the future of your home or business.

As public adjusters with over 100 years of experience, Clarke & Cohen is uniquely positioned to help policyholders make informed decisions about their flood insurance coverage. We’ve been through some of the most devastating floods in history. And we are working on behalf of our clients to maximize their claims and ultimately get them the funds they need to rebuild and recover.

Flood Insurance Tips from Clarke & Cohen

To help you navigate the world of flood insurance, here are some essential tips we’ve gathered over our long history in the industry:

Understand Your Risk: Even if you’re not in a high-risk flood zone, you may still be vulnerable to flooding. Speak with a floodplain expert or use FEMA’s flood maps to understand your risk level.
Don’t Rely on Standard Policies: Standard property insurance won’t cover flood damage. Make sure you have a separate flood insurance policy, especially if you own a business.
Consider Additional Coverage: For business owners, basic flood insurance may not cover all the risks you face. You may need excess coverages which can be critical in helping you stay afloat after a disaster.
Review Your Policy Annually: Flood risks change, and so do insurance policies. Review your coverage annually to ensure it aligns with current flood risks and the value of your property.
Work with a Public Adjuster: If you experience a flood, the claims process can be challenging to navigate alone. Working with an experienced public adjuster like Clarke & Cohen can make the process smoother and essentially help ensure that you receive the total compensation you’re entitled to.

Flood Insurance is Essential Protection

Flood insurance is not just a wise investment—it’s essential for protecting your home or business from one of nature’s most destructive forces. At Clarke & Cohen, we bring extensive experience with all types of property loss and are thoughtful, sensitive, efficient, and tenacious. We help policyholders navigate the complexities of flood insurance and the claims process. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to protect your family’s future or a business owner focused on minimizing risk, flood insurance should be a top priority.

Don’t wait until the waters rise to consider your options. Contact Clarke & Cohen today to discuss how flood insurance can protect your property and your livelihood from the unexpected.

Protect your Property from Philadelphia Area Flood Risks

Our Philadelphia public adjuster firm, Clarke & Cohen, has seen firsthand the increasing flood risks affecting residential and commercial properties in our area. Climate change has amplified this threat, bringing more intense storms, rising sea levels, and frequent flooding. Understanding these risks and taking proactive steps to protect your property is crucial to Protect your Property from Philadelphia Area Flood Risks.

Understanding Flood Risks in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s flood risks are multifaceted, involving coastal storm surges, flash floods from heavy rains, and unexpected flooding from blocked storm drains. The Schuylkill and Delaware rivers and the city’s extensive urban infrastructure make certain areas particularly vulnerable.

In recent years, the remnants of hurricanes like Sandy and Ida have caused significant damage and even fatalities. The city’s robust infrastructure sometimes fails under extreme conditions, as seen with the Vine Street Expressway flooding during Ida. These events highlight the necessity for preparedness.

How to Protect Your Property

Assess Your Flood Risk: Start by identifying if your property is in a high-risk flood zone. FEMA provides maps that can help you determine your flood risk. Understanding your property’s vulnerability is the first step toward adequate preparation.
Purchase Flood Insurance: Standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers protection policies against flood losses. Even if you’re not in a high-risk area, consider purchasing flood insurance, as 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate-risk areas.
Implement Flood Mitigation Measures:

- Elevate Important Utilities: Ensure that your electrical systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units are elevated above potential flood levels.

- Use Water-Resistant Materials: When renovating, use flood-resistant materials for walls, floors, and insulation.

- Install Sump Pumps and Backflow Valves: Sump pumps can remove water accumulating in your basement, and backflow valves prevent sewage from backing up into your home.

4. Create a Flood Emergency Plan:

- Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and have a plan for reaching higher ground.

- Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, and a hand-crank radio.

- Communication Plan: Establish a family communication plan to ensure everyone knows how to reach each other during a flood.

Protecting Commercial Properties

For business owners, flood preparedness involves additional layers of complexity:

Business Continuity Plan: Develop a comprehensive business continuity plan that includes procedures for protecting data, relocating operations temporarily, and communicating with employees and customers during a flood event.
Protect Inventory and Equipment: Elevate inventory and critical equipment above potential flood levels. Consider using water-resistant storage solutions for important documents and digital backups.
Flood Barriers and Shields: Install removable flood barriers and shields to protect entry points such as doors and windows. These can be particularly useful for businesses located on the street level.
Insurance: Review your commercial insurance policy to ensure it covers flood damage. If it doesn’t, consider purchasing additional coverage through the NFIP or a private insurer.

Community and Government Support

Philadelphia offers resources to help residents and businesses prepare for flooding:

Emergency Alerts: Sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia to receive emergency alerts about severe weather and flooding. These notifications can provide critical information and time to implement your flood plan.
Community Resources: The city and local organizations often offer sandbags and other materials before significant storms. Take advantage of these resources to bolster your property’s defenses.
Grants and Financial Assistance: Look into federal, state, and local grants for flood mitigation projects. Programs like FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) can fund property improvements that reduce flood risk.

Personal and Family Safety

During a flood event, personal safety should be the priority:

Avoid Floodwaters: Never walk or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and a foot can sweep a car away.
Evacuation: If local authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it promptly. Staying behind to protect property can be extremely dangerous.
Stay Informed: Keep a battery-operated or hand-crank radio updated on weather conditions and emergency instructions.

The increasing flood risk in Philadelphia necessitates proactive measures to protect lives and property. We urge residents and business owners to take these risks seriously. By understanding the threats, investing in appropriate insurance, implementing flood mitigation measures, and preparing emergency plans, you can significantly reduce the impact of flooding on your home or business. Stay informed, stay prepared, and prioritize safety to navigate the challenges of our changing climate.

For more detailed information on preparing for floods and available resources, visit the WHYY guide on Philadelphia flooding.

Navigating Business Interruption Insurance

Ensuring Stability for Your Business with Clarke & Cohen Public Adjusters

Picture this: your business is thriving, operations are running smoothly, and suddenly, disaster strikes. A severe property damage incident occurs, leaving your business paralyzed.

How can you continue paying your employees and covering expenses during this challenging time? That’s where business interruption insurance steps in, and Clarke & Cohen Public Adjusters is here to guide you through this process.

Understanding Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance is a vital component of any comprehensive risk management plan. It is designed to protect businesses from the financial fallout that occurs when they are forced to halt their operations due to property damage caused by a covered peril, such as fire, water damage, or certain natural disasters. This type of insurance coverage helps ensure that your business can continue to pay its key employees, meet other payroll obligations, and cover ongoing necessary expenses during the restoration and recovery period. It may also cover emergency and ongoing extra expenses that occur such as temporary work locations and marketing and advertising to help your customers find you.

Securing Stability for Your Employees

Your employees are the lifeblood of your business, and ensuring their financial stability during a crisis is paramount. Business interruption insurance allows you to continue paying your employees, ensuring that they can meet their personal obligations while you work towards getting your business back on track. The policy provides coverage for employee wages and benefits based on their pre-interruption earnings, helping to ease the burden on both your staff and your company.

At Clarke & Cohen Public Adjusters, we understand the importance of maintaining a supportive and motivated workforce during a difficult period. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to assess the impact of the property damage incident on your business and ensure that your employees’ financial well-being is prioritized.

Continuing to Cover Business Expenses

When disaster strikes, the bills don’t stop. From rent and utility payments to loan installments and supplier invoices, your business still has financial obligations to meet, even if operations are temporarily suspended. Business interruption insurance provides coverage for necessary expenses that your business would typically incur. This will ensure that you can keep up with your financial responsibilities during the restoration period.

Clarke & Cohen Public Adjusters dedicated team is well-versed in navigating the intricacies of business interruption claims. We will meticulously assess your business’s expenses and work diligently to negotiate with insurance carriers to maximize your coverage. We will also work hard for you to secure the funds needed to sustain your business operations throughout the interruption period.

Proving Business Interruption Losses

When it comes to making a successful business interruption insurance claim, meticulous documentation and accurate financial records are crucial. Clarke & Cohen Public Adjusters understands the complexities involved in proving business interruption losses. Our team will help you compile all the necessary documentation. This includes financial statements, tax records, and other supporting evidence, to substantiate your claim and ensure that you receive fair compensation for the losses you have incurred.

Navigating the Claims Process with Clarke & Cohen Public Adjusters

The claims process can be overwhelming, especially during a time when your focus should be on restoring your business. That’s where Clarke & Cohen Public Adjusters comes in. Our expert team specializes in handling business interruption insurance claims and will serve as your trusted advocate throughout the entire process.

We will conduct a comprehensive analysis of your policy, ensuring that you understand the coverage and limitations in place. Our adjusters will assess the extent of the property damage, evaluate the financial impact on your business, and carefully calculate your losses. With our vast experience and in-depth knowledge of insurance policies, we will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, working tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Business interruption insurance is an essential safeguard for every business owner. It ensures that your employees are taken care of and that your business can weather the storm during times of property damage and operational disruption. Clarke & Cohen Public Adjusters is committed to supporting you through these challenging times, offering the expertise and dedication needed to navigate the complex world of business interruption insurance claims successfully.

Don’t face the aftermath of a severe property damage incident alone. Contact Clarke & Cohen Public Adjusters today, and let us be your trusted partner in securing the stability and financial well-being of your business. Together, we’ll overcome the challenges and emerge stronger than ever before.

Why hire a public adjuster after severe property damage?

Why should a business hire a public adjuster after severe property damage?

There are several reasons why a business might want to hire a public adjuster after suffering severe commercial property damage.

First, a public adjuster can help the business accurately assess the extent of the damage and determine the full amount of the claim. This can be especially helpful if the damage is extensive or if the business owner is not familiar with the insurance claims process.

Gets your claim paid in a timely manner

Second, a public adjuster negotiates with the insurance company on the business’s behalf. They will help ensure that the claim is paid in full and in a timely manner. If the insurance company is disputing the claim or offering a lower settlement than the business believes is fair, the public adjuster will move the claim forward with beneficial results.

Third, a public adjuster can provide valuable advice and guidance throughout the claims process. This helps the business avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that can delay or reduce the amount of the claim.

Overall, hiring a public adjuster after suffering severe property damage can help a business to recover more quickly and more fully from the loss, allowing it to focus on rebuilding and moving forward.

These are just a few reasons why a business should hire a public adjuster after severe property damage.

Established in 1921, Clarke & Cohen is a fourth generation, family-owned Philadelphia public insurance adjuster and a professional member of NAPIA. We provide 24/7 emergency service, immediate response and a consultative approach. We aim to settle claims to the benefit of our clients.

Contact us at 610-668-0144 for professional help with your commercial property claim.