F.A.Q: Frequently Asked Questions about Public Insurance Adjusting
Do I need a public insurance adjuster?
You will, especially if the losses are substantial. For example, you wouldn’t need a Public Adjuster for a small claim like one broken window. This type of loss will likely be less than your policy’s $500-$1,000 deductible. On the other hand, you will need a Public Adjuster if the insurance company has denied your claim or if the settlement seems low. It’s important to get a Public Adjuster’s opinion before reporting your claim, remember, you might not even need to make a claim with your insurance company. Our inspections and consultations are always FREE. Why risk it? Why do I need to hire a public insurance adjuster? The insurance adjuster represents your insurance company, not you. His financial duty is with his employer. A public insurance adjuster’s financial duty is with you. We are thorough and we work for you. Reporting a “non-covered” loss will affect your insurance premiums. A free thorough inspection by a licensed public adjuster could prevent you from making a costly mistake. Who do you represent? We are public insurance adjusters who represent you, the insurance policyholder What about my insurance agent – shouldn’t he represent my interests? First: there is an inherent conflict of interest with your agent While your insurance agent is likely a nice person and highly skilled in finding an insurance policy that meets your needs, your agent is not trained (and most likely not licensed) in the field of public insurance adjusting. Not only that, insurance agents are often employed by the insurance company. Will you help me receive a faster, more satisfying insurance settlement? It’s not unusual for our clients to receive larger insurance settlements – and receive them faster than expected. Our team of adjusters and inside staff are prompt and thorough. We take great care in preparing your claim, documenting the damage, and preserving evidence. Insurance companies tend to settle complete and thorough claims much faster than those that are missing forms or information. Can’t I negotiate with the insurance company myself? How good are you at estimating building and reconstruction costs? Do you know your local building codes? How well do you understand your insurance coverage and its exclusions? How confident are you in your negotiation skills? How much do you enjoy filling out insurance claims forms? Sure, you could attempt to negotiate a better settlement offer. However, if you’re serious about getting a larger settlement, you’re better off with a professional who specializes in insurance adjusting. Hiring a professional who has the specialized skillset and knowledge to work for you is an investment not an expense. |