Navigating Insurance Claims: The Benefits Of Hiring A Public Adjuster

Dealing with insurance companies can be stressful, especially when you've experienced a disaster such as a fire, earthquake, flood, or hurricane. This is where a public insurance adjuster comes in.

A public insurance adjuster is an independent trained insurance professional that helps individuals with the insurance claim process. They work for the policyholder, not the insurance company, to ensure their claim is settled in a fair and efficient manner.

Here are some reasons why you might want to hire a public insurance adjuster:

- You need to document, file, and prove a claim.

- You don't fully understand the insurance policy's language or depth of coverage.

- You don't have time to deal with the insurance claims process.

- The insurance company is not answering in a timely manner, or you feel they are not adequately evaluating your claim.

- Your claim is large or damage is severe.

- You find working with insurance companies to be stressful.

- You've had a poor claims experience in the past.

- You are too busy to correspond with your insurance company.

- You feel that the claim settlement is too low.

However, there are also some negatives to consider when hiring a public adjuster:

- They often only work on large-scale claims where they can earn a bigger payday.

- They get paid a percentage of the final claim payout, which can be as low as 3% or as high as 30%.

- Having more people involved can sometimes slow down the claims process.

Public adjusters can save you money by ensuring your insurance company pays the full amount it's responsible for

A public insurance adjuster is a licensed professional who can be hired by individuals and businesses to evaluate property loss and help file insurance claims. They work on behalf of policyholders and are experts in the details and language of insurance policies.

Public adjusters can save you money by carrying out an independent evaluation of your property loss and ensuring your insurance company pays the full amount it is responsible for. They have prior experience in construction or a related field, allowing them to accurately assess the damage and estimate repair costs. They also have sophisticated software to help with their evaluation.

Public adjusters can be particularly useful if you have a large claim or if you've had a poor claims experience in the past. They can also save you time and labour by handling the entire claim process, including all communication and negotiation with your insurance company.

However, it's important to note that hiring a public adjuster will incur an additional cost, typically a percentage of the total claim payout. Despite this, a public adjuster could still save you money overall by ensuring you receive a fair and accurate payout from your insurance company.

They are experts in insurance policies, filing and adjusting claims

Public insurance adjusters are experts in insurance policies, filing, and adjusting claims. They are licensed professionals who work on behalf of policyholders, helping them file a claim or ensuring they receive the correct claim amount from their insurance company.

Public adjusters have prior experience in construction or a related field, allowing them to perform an independent evaluation of a client's property loss. They use sophisticated software to do this and gather highly detailed claim information, which can be challenging for a policyholder to compile alone. They also log and submit initial and supplemental claims on a policyholder's behalf.

Having a public adjuster throughout the claims process saves the policyholder time and labour, and they help to protect the policyholder from any pitfalls due to inexperience. They can also help clients negotiate with contractors and insurers.

They save you time and labour, and protect you from pitfalls due to inexperience

Hiring a public insurance adjuster can save you time and labour in several ways. They can help you with the entire claim process, from evaluating the damage to your property to determining the cost of repairs. They can also help you understand your insurance policy, track the claim, file documents, and meet deadlines.

Public insurance adjusters are experts in the language of insurance policies and are trained to identify and negotiate the best settlement for you. They can help you avoid the pitfalls of inexperience, such as not knowing the ins and outs of insurance claims or the complex provisions, processes, clauses, and legal terms involved. They can also save you the time and effort of learning the lingo, doing the math, and ensuring your claim is fully investigated and fairly paid.

Public insurance adjusters can also save you time and labour by acting as a liaison between you, your insurer, and any other third parties such as attorneys or witnesses. They can handle all the communication and negotiation with your insurance company, so you don't have to. This can be especially helpful if you find working with insurance companies stressful or don't have time to deal with the claims process.

Additionally, public insurance adjusters can help ensure that no damage is overlooked and that you receive a fair and accurate settlement that covers all necessary repairs. They have the experience and knowledge to identify hidden damage that you might not be aware of, and they can negotiate with your insurance company to get you a higher payout if needed.

They can help if you don't understand your insurance policy's language or depth of coverage

Insurance policies are often filled with legal jargon and complex language, making them confusing and intimidating to understand. These policies are legally binding contracts that outline the rights and responsibilities of both the insurance company (insurer) and the insured. While it can be tempting to gloss over the details, it is crucial to thoroughly understand your insurance policy to avoid costly coverage gaps and frustrations with your insurer in the event of a claim. Here are some tips to help you navigate the language and depth of coverage in your insurance policy:

• Declarations Page: Start by reviewing the declarations page, which is usually the first part of an insurance policy. This page identifies key information such as the insured, covered risks or property, policy limits, and the policy period. It also includes details like insured drivers, vehicles, coverage types, deductibles, and premiums.
• Definitions Section: Insurance policies often have a definitions section that explains the specific terms used. Pay close attention to this section as it will help you understand who is insured, what is insured, and when the insurance applies. Some common terms to understand include "premium," "deductible," "coinsurance," and "out-of-pocket maximum."
• Insuring Agreement: This section summarizes the major promises and commitments of the insurance company. It outlines what is covered, what is excluded, and any conditions that must be met for coverage to apply. Understand the differences between named-perils coverage and all-risk coverage.
• Exclusions and Conditions: Exclusions are specific situations or causes of loss that are not covered by the policy. Common exclusions include intentional damage, property damage to your own property, and certain types of natural disasters. Conditions, on the other hand, are provisions that qualify or limit the insurer's promise to pay. Make sure you understand these conditions to avoid issues with claims.
• Endorsements and Riders: Endorsements and riders are amendments or additions to the original insurance contract. They may add, delete, or modify the provisions, so it's important to review them to understand how your policy has changed over time.
• Understanding Coverage Limits: Different insurance policies have varying coverage limits. For example, health insurance policies may have different deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums. Auto insurance policies may have different liability coverage limits and comprehensive or collision coverage options.
• Seek Clarification: If you encounter terms or clauses that you don't understand, don't hesitate to reach out to your insurance agent or company for clarification. They are there to help you navigate the complexities of your policy and ensure you have a clear understanding of your coverage.

By taking the time to review and understand your insurance policy, you can make informed decisions about your coverage and ensure that you are adequately protected in the event of a loss. Remember, insurance policies vary, so it's essential to carefully read and comprehend the specific language and depth of coverage provided in your particular policy.

They can act as a liaison between you, your insurer, and any third parties

A public insurance adjuster can act as a liaison between you, your insurer, and any third parties, such as attorneys or witnesses. They can help you understand your insurance policy, track the claim, file documents, and meet deadlines. They can also help you negotiate with your insurance company to achieve a fair payout.

Frequently asked questions