Fire - 2 units (complete loss)...how to deal with insurance?

[Megan Arzt]

So I had a fire destroy two of my houses. One 3 bed, 2 bath, and an ADU that is 2 bed, 1 bath. I have insurance and the adjuster just came out today (it took some time for the town to do asbestos testing and allow access). The adjuster said it looked like a total loss, but to wait on his report. He doesn't actually work for my insurance company - he is a separate agent hired because I live "in the middle of nowhere". I've never had to file a claim before. I've browsed through the forums here to help me out, but I'd love any advice from please who have either gone through this before or have worked on the insurance side of things.

I do have loos of rent in my coverage for up to 12 months which is what will save me here. I have replacement cost coverage with additional debris removal of up to an additional $10k. I do live in an expensive market. The code has changed since the buildings were built. The main house is in the flood plain and the ADU is in the floodway. The town will let both be rebuilt because it was a disaster situation (8 homes , plus a bunch of other outbuildings were lost in this fire), but they will both need to be elevated. I believe there is some coverage in my policy for that too.....

Will the insurance company work in my best interest or not?  How do I protect myself?  What do I need to be on the look out for?  Is it possible to change the placement of the buildings on my property (from the insurance standpoint) so that they are both in the flood plain, but not the floodway?

Honestly any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks!

P.S.  Everyone is okay.  Even the dogs....