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Public Adjusting

Public Adjusters VS. Attorneys VS. Company Insurance Adjusters

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June 26, 2018 by percy Martinez

Public Adjuster VS. Attorneys

Before one can comprehend the various disparities between a public adjuster and a lawyer, one must understand the job functions that are performed by a public adjuster and how they help their clients in ways that an attorney may not be able to. When an individual is faced with property loss or property damage due to several reasons such as natural disasters, and even structural damage of their property, they might spend an enormous part of their time arguing with them insurance companies to be compensated for all the losses that they sustained, and that could be quite frustrating. At the end of the day, insurance companies do not want to pay them customers the maximum amount that they deserve for their losses; they try to avoid it at all cost; that is where a public adjuster steps in.

Public Adjusters VS. Company Insurance Adjusters

info graphic company insurance adjuster vs public adjusters

A public adjuster is an expert with insurance policies; they are professionals who do not work for the insurance companies, they work for the policyholders.  They know the language and details related to insurance policies and are quite knowledgeable in the field of construction and other related areas. They evaluate the property loss of their clients by using software that is specially made for their clients benefit by estimating the correct amount of property loss for the policyholder, logging initial and additional claims, and submitting them on behalf of the policyholder. In addition, public adjusters not only help businesses or individuals file a claim, but they also assist these individuals when their own insurance companies do not offer them the adequate amount of compensation for their damages. In other words, they fight for their client’s rights and are their voice against these lousy insurance companies that will stop at nothing to give their policyholders the least amount of money possible.

Why Choose a Public Adjuster?

Many individuals may be wondering to themselves: “why should I choose a public adjuster if I have my attorney?” Well, while to most it is a simple answer, others may not fully comprehend the scope enticed by these two professionals. If a victim of property damage or loss would want to attain the compensation that they deserve, then they are going to want to contact a skilled public adjuster. Unlike an attorney, a public adjuster does not steer from cases that involve detailed administrative work, of which property loss/damage cases are known to be. Only when an insurance company no longer acts in good faith or a wrongful denial is present will a lawyer take on a property damage case. An attorney will not decide to take on a property damage claim only because a low amount of compensation was offered by the company or due to the payment fee structure.To make things short, an attorney will only step in when they see it as an advantage for themselves, not when the policyholder needs them the most as a public adjuster would. Below are some key points of a public adjuster vs. an attorney:

  • A public adjuster will perform the case with the same or better results as would a lawyer for less money
  • No fees are incurred unless the settlement has been won; nothing is paid-out-of-pocket
  • No hourly rate is charged in addition to the percentage of the settlement
  • All the “dirty work” will be done for their clients due to their extensive knowledge of the matter that they hold

These above vital points are just some of the many disparities that a public adjuster and an attorney are composed of in their line of work. The best bet that someone who has endured property loss has would be to speak with a public adjuster who is ready to take the claim to the end. Just remember, a public adjuster is not an insurance companies friend, they represent their client.

What Can be Done for Their Clients?

A public adjuster can provide various services to their clients. They work hard to fulfill their clients’ needs and ensure that their client’s rights have been fought for extensively. Their primary goal is to acquire the compensation that their client merits, primarily through these difficult moments in their life; their client may have just lost everything they worked for: their home, their vehicle, their personal belongings, which is why a compassionate, yet experienced public adjuster will not rest until fairness has been reached. These are some actions and responsibilities that a client could expect to see done by a public adjuster:

  • Decoding of the legal jargon linked to the claim that may not be understood by the
  • policyholder
  • All of the damages incurred are researched and documented to ensure accuracy
  • Persistence by the public adjuster to ensure that the claim is pushed to the insurance
  • company
  • Value of damage sustained is determined by the adjuster
  • Estimates of the losses are prepared
  • The full extent of damage is made clear to the policyholder
  • Negotiation of settlements
  • Cases containing discrepancy could be re-opened if the public adjuster sees best
  • Expedite the claim
  • Achieve maximum settlement

A public adjuster wants what is best for their client. They will use their knowledge, valuable information, experience, and dedication to see the policyholder receive a fair settlement as fast as possible before having to reach litigation. The only time a policyholder should contact an attorney during a property loss claim is if the case has to reach court due to the insurance company not wanting to pay off their policyholder, other than that, a public adjuster will do just as good or even better than an insurance lawyer.

Which Types of Claims Could a Public Adjuster Take On?

Public adjusters are professionals and licensed in the area of property and related matter. They have extensive information on all types of property damages, how the damage was acquired, what can be done to gain the most out of the damages caused, and how they can make their clients lives less stressful. These are the common types of claims that public adjusters take on:

  • Explosions
  • Smoke and fire
  • Damage from hail
  • Wind and hurricane damage
  • Lighting
  • Mold
  • Power outage
  • Plumbing leaks
  • Roof damage
  • Hurricane Claims
  • Vandalism/theft
  • Flood/water damage (the most common type of claim)
  • Sinkholes; and
  • More

If unsure whether an individual’s damage could be taken on by a public adjuster before resorting to an attorney, do not hesitate in contacting a licensed public adjuster and consulting with them before making a final decision.

Myths That Have Been Linked to Public Adjusters

Every professional is composed of myths, stereotypes, and rumors. That is no different for a public adjuster. These are some myths that have been linked to the public adjuster that may steer someone away from seeking help in contacting a public adjuster vs. a lawyer. Some of those myths include:

  1. A considerable portion of the compensation is taken by the adjuster, and nothing is done for their clients – – The truth is that there is a cap by every state with the amount of money an adjuster can take and due to the strenuous amount of administrative work, these cases take time to process and require a lot of hard work, research, and time by the public adjuster.
  2. Public Adjusters are criminals – – The truth is that an extensive background and fingerprinting must be passed by a public adjuster before they can attain their license.
  3. If a public adjuster is hired, the insurance company will drop the policyholder – The truth is that retaliation by the insurance company cannot occur due to the state code of ethics.
  4. Insurance fraud is committed by public adjuster – The truth is that insurance companies just agree to pay the amount demanded by the adjuster; they do not commit fraud. At the end of the day, insurance companies are businesses and just want to continue receiving money without having to deal with claims.
  5. Premiums will go up when a public adjuster is used – The truth is that gauging is not allowed by insurance companies due to the regulation that the state code of ethics provides.

Do Not Fear; the Public Adjusters Are Here!

The information provided above was in the efforts in assisting those who are confused as to whether to elect an attorney or a public adjuster for their property damage claim. It hopes to provide the potential client a great deal of information and sense of understanding that offers them enough evidence that the job will and can be done by a public adjuster. A public adjuster should be chosen to deal with any matter that involves property damage; they know their stuff and do not back down, even when they might not see the light at the end of the tunnel, as an attorney would. Attorneys will only take on a case when they see it suited for them. A public adjuster will help their client from the beginning to the end. Because of the abundant amount of property loss cases handled by professional public adjusters, they understand the economic, along with the sentimental value that property damage can cause an individual. There may be no words that can make the victim of such loss feel better, but the actions taken by a licensed public adjuster in Florida will prove otherwise. Remember, Florida, along with many other states are victims of flood damage on a grand scale. At our office, we can help victims and do strive to attain the most out of each claim.

References:

  • https://www.valuepenguin.com/public-insurance-adjusters
  • http://www.advocateclaims.com/2012/attorneys-or-public-adjuster-who-should-you-hire-why.html
  • http://www.noblepagroup.com/2016/10/23/top-5-myths-public-adjusting-busted/
  • http://www.noblepagroup.com/2018/03/01/insurance-claim-problems-hiring-a-public-adjuster-vs-an-attorney/

 

Filed Under: Public Adjusting

Benefits Of Hiring a Public Adjusters

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June 26, 2018 by percy Martinez

Should I Hire a Public Adjuster?

Most recently, hurricane Irma brought devastation to numerous places, including the state of Florida in the year 2017. In fact, there was a total estimated loss of $9,701,252, and 978,767 claims filed for property losses. Many individuals were left without homes, nowhere to go, loss of words, and without anything but the shoes on their feet. Even now, individuals are still suffering the effects of such devastation that impacted Florida. When property loss and damage have been endured, insurance claims for such losses are imminent.

Despite the efforts of these victims, they may be faced with insurance companies that do not care for their losses but only for the money that they will lose for paying these claims. The irony behind it all is that policyholders of these policies pay to be covered by these disasters, yet when the time comes to be compensated, insurance companies give these victims a hard time during such difficult moments. Whether it is to file a claim of these damages or to fight a settlement that was not fairly given to a policyholder, a licensed public adjuster is skilled in the arts of property damage and losses and understands the full scope surrounding the seriousness of property damage.

A policyholder’s best interest will be taken by the hands of a professional public adjuster to handle their property insurance claim. The purpose of a public adjuster and its creation by the state was to ensure that an expert advocate would be provided for the policyholder and assist in leveling the playing field with the insurance company. Unlike the insurance lawyer that is sent out by the insurance company, a public adjuster works alongside the policyholder, not the insurance carrier. The victim of the property damage is not taken into consideration by the insurance lawyers that work for the insurance companies.

In the scope of the contract of the policyholder, an expert Floridian public adjuster will ensure that their client obtains the maximum allowed compensation within their agreement, effectively completes all the requirements to file the claim, and most importantly, helps their client manage the claim the best way possible. In addition, the most out of the settlement and avoiding to go to trial is another benefit that a public adjuster provides.

Top Reasons and Circumstances Why You Should Hire a Public Adjuster

When an individual goes through a traumatic event such as the total loss of their home, they might be confused and lost as to what to do or who to turn to during the aftermath. Because this event is a severe occurrence, it is essential to understand the various reasons that a public adjuster has that can give purpose to the victim to seek one. Below are some valid points and situations that could happen that should a public adjuster one of the very first professionals that a policyholder should research on and take the policyholder by total surprise:

  • Rebuilding a damaged house can be more expensive than filing a claim for the total loss of a home
  • Both you and your mortgage bank will receive checks; mortgage banks would most likely release settlement money in three installments, having you to use money out-of-pocket to fix damages
  • Checks marked as “final or full settlement” should not be cashed; if such checks are cash, the policyholder might lose their opportunity to obtain all the compensation they deserve
  • The home insurance claim should not be signed as released by the policyholder; this action could lead to the dismissal of any future claims or compensation
  • Items being replaced by cheaper versions; Public adjusters ensure that the property that their client lost is replaced by property of the same quality and value
  • Don’t go to a shelter if your home is at a total loss and mandates evacuation; Insurance companies cover “additional living expenses” this includes, food, transportation, and shelter
  • An out-of-state adjuster will be brought by insurance companies persistent to a widespread disaster; typically, an out-of-state adjuster will be hired by the company who does not understand the local building costs in your area and who are not licensed to practice in your state
  • Most people settle for less than what they deserve; the majority of claimants settle for less than they should obtain because they are exhausted with the case. That is the fact that insurance companies take advantage of, and one that can be avoided with the help of an expert public adjuster
  • The value that hiring a public adjuster has on a claim; with a public adjuster by the policyholder side, they are at an even field with the insurance company Fees charged by public adjuster; because public adjusters charge their fees in accordance with the percentage of the settlement, they have a great incentive to obtain the maximum amount

Above are just some situations that could happen after filing a claim for property loss and points that a public adjuster has that can help a policyholder throughout the whole process.

The Whole Process

Filing a claim for property damage is exhaustive. Not only is it tiring, but it is composed of numerous details, requirements, and specifications in order to successfully file one. Because of the strenuous nature involved with such claims, completing an insurance form accurately is most likely not to occur by the policyholder. The accuracy in which these forms are filled out could be obtained by a professional public adjuster. This is an example of what the cost of an insurance form would look like:

Item DescriptionQuantityUnit CostTotal Cost
Ceiling replacement plater155.00 SF@ $13.50 $2,591.50
Wall replacement plaster121.00 SF@ $11.50 $1,609.50
Wall insulation replacement216.00 SF@ $1.20 $243.00
Drywall wall walls replacement318.00 SF@ $2.00 $974.00
Base and trim replacement

 

51.00 SF@ $5.50 $360.00
Wood floor replacement

 

155.00 SF@ $9.50 $1,727.00
Carpeting replacement

 

20.00 SY@ $34.00 $782.00
Window replacement2.30 EA@ $565.00 $1,130.00

 

Knowing how to calculate and knowing what to input exactly in this form comes with knowledge and experience. Who better to correctly fill out this portion of the form other than a public adjuster? Just imagine, this is only one part of the whole process needed to be precisely filled out. Any claim that is improperly done could ruin the chances of the policyholder at being compensated fairly.

When to Turn to a Public Adjuster

There are various conditions and situations that should give a policyholder enough reason to turn to a public adjuster. If one or more of the following exists, contact a public adjuster in Florida:

  • The insurance company’s demands are taking up too much of your time; individuals have their lives and are filled with responsibilities. The requirements of the insurance company may be too much for the policyholder to handle alone.
  • The legal jargon of the policy is not understandable; typically, policies are made for the policyholder not to understand. The uncertainty of coverage can arise from such confusing contracts. Turn to a public adjuster who will review your losses with no obligation and clarify any confusions within the agreement.
  • Lack of expertise; There may be a dreadful feeling when filing an insurance claim, mainly because of all the complicated and extensive damages that may exist. When in doubt, avoid mistakes that can diminish your chances of a settlement by speaking with an expert adjuster
  • A vast amount of damage; a number of complications arise when the damages that are caused are extensive. There may be damages that are due under the contract that are missed as a result. In addition, the categories where the expenses of the claim are placed could be incorrect. The valuables and possessions can impact the value of the claim, the value of the property, and any hidden structural damage.
  • A quick payoff is being offered; Statistics show that the policyholder is happier the faster that they are paid. Sadly, these quick actions cannot be overlooked. The majority of times when a policyholder is paid quickly is most likely to avoid paying them the maximum compensation. The insurance company just wants to get over with your claim by giving you the less amount as possible while making you think that they are providing you with excellent customer service. Property claim cases require time and patience. Being forced or rushed to sign anything should not occur.
  • The claim is appearing to be delayed; If a run-around with the claim is present, seek help from a public adjuster. Typically, claims are delayed when there are significant disasters, causing a jam in claims. Regardless, insurance companies have a specific time-frame that they must abide by when processing insurance claims for property.
  • The insurance company offering inconsistent settlement with respect to the coverage; the best interest of policyholders is often not taken by carriers and adjusters of insurance companies. They want to profit, and to profit, they must attempt to value the property of the policyholder much less than it actually is valued to be. Sometimes, the offers made do not even touch one fraction of the total loss endured by the policyholder. Due to this, a professional public adjuster that utilizes the same software for estimating property than does an insurance company can help their clients.
  • The insurance company is trying to steer you from hiring a public adjuster; it is a red flag when an insurance company is discouraging a policyholder to hire a public adjuster. The act alone should indicate that the insurance company is trying to avoid something and is without a doubt doing something they are not supposed to.

Public Adjusters Want Your Best Interest

Unlike insurance lawyers, and the adjusters set-out by the insurance companies, a Floridian expert public adjuster will always watch out for their client. Just remember that a public adjuster is paid based out of a percentage of the total settlement that their client acquires, this means that the professional representative will do all in their power to get the most out of every loss their client has suffered. Whether you decide to seek a public adjuster or not, it is always better to be safe than sorry and seek advice from one before making any life-changing decisions. There are many reasons why a public adjuster is the best option and road that a policyholder who is having a difficult time to acquire a claim, having their claim delayed, or being forced to sign documents should take. Don’t let this loss ruin your future. The public adjusters in Florida are knowledgeable and eager to assist these victims in combatting these fierce insurance companies.

References:

  • https://www.publicadjuster.com/need-an-adjuster/when-to-hire-a-public-adjuster
  • https://www.insure.com/home-insurance/secrets-of-insurance-adjusters.html
  • https://www.valuepenguin.com/public-insurance-adjusters
  • https://www.bankrate.com/finance/insurance/hiring-a-public-adjuster-1.aspx
  • https://www.floir.com/Office/HurricaneSeason/HurricaneIrmaClaimsData.aspx

Filed Under: Public Adjusting

15 Reasons Why Your Home can be Devalued

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June 10, 2018 by percy Martinez

Ever since the housing crisis of 2008, homeowners have done just about anything they could to maximize their property value, including adding pools, converting garages, and even adding a second story. Unfortunately, some of those things may not add to a home’s value but instead, take away from it, so it’s a good idea to know what helps and what doesn’t before someone starts making major changes to their house.

Home devaluation occurs when the price that someone sells their house for is less than the price they initially paid for it, which means they take a loss on their purchase. This can occur for any number of reasons, some of which are completely unexpected. Here are some of the most common reasons.

Unavoidable Home Devaluation Factors

Most homeowners invest money into their home to increase their value, the internal section of your home must be maintained and updated every so often to generate value, however, there are things which you cannot control an example of this would be property damage. To be sure, some damage can be coincidental and not impact the home value much at all. Things like tornado or storm damage can happen anywhere, so people tend to not associate those accidents with a specific location. Other forms of damages, however, tend to impact the home value because of the perception that they can occur again. Still, other issues may threaten the home value without the owner being able to do anything about it.

Sinkhole Damage 

Sinkholes are a natural phenomenon where the ground opens suddenly or over time, swallowing anything that stands on top of it. In some cases, these can prove to be fatal, but in other situations, they simply mean a destruction of the property. Whether or not they ever happen again is a toss-up, but once a property has been stigmatized with the perception of being on a sinkhole, it can be hard to sell. In fact, one Florida real estate agent said any house that is built on a sinkhole should expect to sell for nearly 30% less than what it is originally listed at.

Awful Neighbors 

Noisy neighbors are a nuisance, not only because they tend to throw wild parties that bleed over onto a neighbor’s lawn, but because they also make it nearly impossible to sell. Not every walk-through or house showing happens during the daytime, so if someone has potential buyers walking through in the early evening on a Friday night, they might be scared away because of the activity next door. If someone is living near a neighbor that likes to throw wild parties at all hours of the night, they should expect to receive anywhere from 5-10% off their sale price right off the top.

Dumpy Neighborhood 

Sometimes, it’s not just noisy neighbors that ruin a sale, but the entire neighborhood that contributes to a collective downfall. The old rule of “never being the most expensive house on the block” rings true in this instance because if a person has neighbors that obviously are hoarders or are otherwise messy, it can decrease a sale price by as much as 10%. Unless someone is influential enough to either enact a homeowner’s association (HOA) or orchestrate a neighborhood clean-up, that might just be a hit they have to take.

Noisy Area 

There’s a reason why areas near highways and airports sell for substantially less than ones that don’t, and it’s because very few people want to be woken up at 2 AM with the sound of an international flight coming in for a landing. While proximity to airports may be a key selling point for business travelers, living right next to the runway is a definite turnoff.

Other Foreclosures 

The housing crisis brought with it a slew of unfortunate bank foreclosures on homes in nearly every part of the United States, producing a snowball effect of homes that simply couldn’t sell once the bank had taken control. Once these houses start to creep into a neighborhood, it tends to drag the whole value market down with it, primarily because of the perception that only people who “can’t pay their bills” live in this neighborhood. The reputation of financial irresponsibility makes for an undesirable area to live into unless the family plans on buying it, renovating it, and flipping it for a substantial profit. If there are several houses in the area that are foreclosed on, however, it might be nearly impossible to get out of that house once they’re in.

Undesirable Schools 

Couples looking for an area to buy a house in where they can raise their new family will consider several unique factors in their consideration, such as safety and proximity to parks. One of the major influences, however, is the quality of the school district that they are moving into. While this may not have been an influence for the older couple that already has kids out of their house, a declining school system can kill the sale price. Conversely, if an average house is in an above-average school district, they can see their home value rise rather substantially.

Annoying Intrusions 

No one wants to look out their back window and see a forty-foot sign that is advertising a local fast food chain since it kills the whole relaxation and “home sweet home” vibe that so many homeowners desire. Additionally, the presence of a city dump, behemoth cell phone towers, and other undesirable obstructions can absolutely devastate a house value. Still, it can be difficult to avoid them once someone has moved in simply because of zoning laws and government-owned areas that allow them to put just about anything they want on those lots. Homeowners can try to fight it, but in the majority of those situations, they lose.

Criminal Activity 

One of the worst things that can develop in any neighborhood is the presence of criminal or otherwise illicit activity. Meth labs or drug houses are known spots not only for crimes but violence, which means anyone with a family or money to move elsewhere probably will. Even if those homes get raided, they still can have a hard time being relisted because of the negative association with them, so if someone starts to see their neighborhood head in that direction, it’s a good idea to look at other options. A big killer of home value is registered sex offenders moving into the area. While they may be totally rehabilitated, a neighbor that has been convicted as a sex offender can lower your housing value by up to 12%.

Energy Wells 

For those who haven’t heard, “fracking” is a term that describes forcefully pushing liquid at extremely high pressures into rocks or underground areas to force oil and natural gas out of their coves to be mined and developed. It’s a controversial practice by some, but an extremely effective and common tactic used by energy companies to extract their products. Most recently, it has been possibly linked to unsafe drinking conditions, making a house anywhere near a fracking site a potential health hazard. If a house uses groundwater and lives within a couple miles of a fracking site can expect a decrease in property value by an astounding 24%.

Things a Homeowner Can Avoid to Prevent Home Devaluation

While there are several factors that can severely impact a home value and are almost completely unavoidable in some instances, there are several more factors that can do the same thing that the homeowner can and should steer clear of. In many cases, the things below are either done through neglect or in good faith that they will help the value of the home, but if the new owner doesn’t like it as much as they do, the price will take a hit as a result. Best practice is to study the market trends and only put the money in on renovations if the owner views it as a personal decision and not as a potential investment move.

Over-Exaggerated Personalization 

Putting up a few knick-knacks from someone’s travels around the world is not a problem, but when a homeowner decides to knock down walls, put up tough siding that is bolted to the structure, and turn their 2012 build into a vintage art deco feel, they might have difficulty selling it. Personalization is fine, but homeowners that are even remotely concerned about home value would do well to make sure they don’t do anything that can’t be removed later.

Loud Colors 

Once again, personalization is one of the greatest parts of home ownership; the ability to make a space their own is what people love most about the process. But if a homeowner has decided to paint the entirety of their house a variety of rainbow colors, such as hot pink, bright yellow, and teal, make sure it’s painted back over before the house goes on the market, otherwise, it’ll be a turn-off. The home must appeal to as many as people as; neutral colors such as beige or white accomplish that very well.

Illegal Renovations 

Nearly every city in America requires anyone who decides to make renovations to their house (big or small) to obtain a permit in order to ensure that the house meets current standards, but not everyone always does. Someone who tries to slip past government standards may find themselves in a tough spot when trying to sell the house and a savvy buyer asks about the permits for the various renovations. If the government finds out, they could force the homeowner to either rip out the renovation, levy a fine, or both.

Converted Rooms 

Turning the garage into an extra bedroom sounds like a great idea to so many people, but no matter how great it sounds on paper, to many people who walk through, it will always feel like nothing more than a large, cold room. This presents a bigger problem in areas where inclement weather such as hail or rainstorms are a part of everyday life and people want a garage in order to keep their vehicles indoors. Contrarily, many people also prefer bedrooms on the inside to be left where they are at the expense of more living or dining room space. Walls that are blown out to remove a bedroom and add an extra 15 feet for kitchen space are seen as a negative for potential homebuyers who want to keep that option for themselves.

Installed Pool 

For homeowners with teenage children, having a pool is a great investment. Not only do they get hours of outside playtime, but it affords a nice gathering point for parties and the occasional bar-b-q. Anyone that’s ever actually had a pool, on the other hand, can attest to what a massive pain in the neck it can be if it’s not properly maintained. In some parts of the country where the weather stays warm year-round (like Florida, for example), having a pool is not an inconvenience; indeed, in many cases, it’s expected. But for people who have never had a pool before and don’t want the headache of maintaining it, the presence of a pool can be an instant deal-breaker. If someone is considering adding a pool, in most cases it should be because they want it and not because they think it will increase the cost of the house.

Obvious Repairs 

Before a house ever goes on the market in the first place, the homeowner should make every effort to fix the obvious (and not-so-obvious) issues with their house. Potential buyers who come in and see several thousand dollars’ worth of damage will normally insist that that cost be deducted from the sale price, which can add up to a lot if much is needing to be done.

Filed Under: Public Adjusting

6 Steps To Claiming Insurance For Storm Damage

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May 25, 2018 by percy Martinez

When it comes to processing claims for disaster insurance, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken to ensure the proper response and actions for the best outcome of the insured. Below are a few key points to remember when processing a claim for storm insurance coverage.

Step 1: Assessing the Damages of Your Home Properly
Assessing the property is the first step to correctly filing a claim. The entire property must be adequately evaluated to obtain an accurate estimation. Not correctly evaluating the property can result in an underestimate or overestimate. Either way, those are two situations you do not want to find yourself in when you are trying to seek relief from natural disasters. To accurately assess the property most efficiently, you should start by taking pictures of the damages.

Step 2: Review Your Policy
Reviewing your policy is a very critical step, keep in mind all home insurances are different. You may believe the first step is to review your insurance policy when trying to file a claim, when in fact it should be second. Once you have taken photos of your losses, notated the damages, and started reading through your insurance policy, you can go through the deductibles and figure out whats covered or not. There are some instances wherein the loss was not above the deductible and the individual filing the claim had to pay the costs to fix the home.

Step 3: Proof of Property Before The Storm
This third step is vital in that you may have all the assessments done, appraised the home and the property in question and fail to show proof of all the items in a state before the damage by the disaster. Having evidence of this will make the claim process much more manageable. It’s imperative to take pictures in advance of all the items of importance in the home beforehand as a preventative measure. Especially if you live in an area where hurricanes often hit or in an area where there are tornadoes or floods as such, then the first thing to be done is to make sure that pictures of all the valuables are kept somewhere safe.

Step 4: Contact The Insurance Broker
The insurance company will more than likely send an assessor out to the property in question. By contracting a public adjuster, they will help you by arguing the claim of you before the insurance company. The Public Adjuster will not seek to protect the insurance but rather the individual or the company that has the claim before an insurance company. Knowing the role of this person will make your claim a lot easier. Many people fail to realize just how vital such a figure is until they need one or is at the mercy of an insurance agent.

Step 5: Knowing The ins and out of the Insurance Claim
Knowing whether the damages done to your home were sudden or accidental is imperative to file the proper claim. See, most insurance companies will try to deny the way the damages happened, and they will always protect their best interest in this case “money.” However, every claim is different; therefore, it is essential to know the correct terminology when dealing with an insurance claim. Understanding your policy and legal jargon associated with your insurance claim and save you many headaches. Its always recommended seeking the help of a public adjuster who specializes in home insurance.

Step 6: Recap The First Five
If you are seeking reimbursement of the insurance company and are attempting to recover the money yourself you can; however, it is not ideal especially when you have public adjusters and attorneys at your disposal who are willing to help. Ensuring that the proper documentation is given, having the right estimation of damages and handymen who are willing to give their professional input on the matter will become the basis of your insurance claim.

Summary
The steps mentioned above has no particular order, but at least you have a firm understanding of the essential information you need to file your claim. Its always suggested hiring a licensed public adjuster to help you file an insurance claim against your insurance company to help to save time and complications which may arise from fighting with your insurance company.

Filed Under: Public Adjusting

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