🔥 From $20K to $1 Million: Fire Damage Claim Victory for a Florida Gun Range
VIP Adjusting secured a $1 million settlement for a Vero Beach gun range after a fire claim. The insurer initially offered just $20,000, but with our representation, the business owner and tenants received full coverage across all policies.
When most people think of “fire” at a gun range, they imagine gunfire — not smoke, soot, fire trucks, and major structural damage. But that’s exactly what happened to a Vero Beach gun range after a member discharged a banned ballistic round.
The shot struck a pile of rubber pellets designed to absorb impact, but the round was far hotter than standard ammunition. Within seconds, the pellets ignited, starting a fire that spread downrange.
The Aftermath
The owner quickly called the fire department, who extinguished the blaze. Over the weekend, he attempted to clean and reopen for business. On the surface, the fire seemed contained, but the real damage was more extensive:
Fire charred one tenant’s unit,
Smoke and soot traveled through cracks in the firewall, infiltrating neighboring businesses,
The building envelope itself sustained serious damage.
When the owner filed an insurance claim with Lloyd’s of London, the insurer inspected and wrote a check for just $20,000. For a commercial property with widespread fire and smoke damage, this amount was nowhere near sufficient.
VIP Adjusting Steps In
At that point, VIP Adjusting was retained to represent the building owner and business tenants. Our team:
Documented the full extent of fire, smoke, and soot damage across the property,
Demonstrated how smoke migration caused hidden damage in multiple units,
Advocated for coverage across all relevant policies, including both the building envelope and tenant spaces.
The Result
Through persistent negotiation and expert documentation, VIP Adjusting secured policy limits across all coverages. The final recovery totaled $1 million, with the gun range’s portion alone exceeding $600,000.
Compare that to the initial $20,000 offer from the insurance company, and the value of having a licensed Public Adjuster is undeniable.
Why This Matters
Commercial fire claims are complex — multiple policies, multiple tenants, and hidden smoke damage can make recovery difficult. Without representation, property owners often accept a fraction of what they’re owed.
This case proves the difference: a quick insurer payout of $20,000 versus a full, justified recovery of $1 million.
Call to Action
If your commercial property has been damaged by fire, smoke, or water, don’t settle for less. Contact VIP Adjusting Inc. — we fight insurance companies on behalf of business owners and property managers to maximize settlements and restore properties fully.