Public Adjuster Claim Services
What types of claims do Public Adjusters handle?
Public adjusters help people get fair settlements in a variety of potentially costly insurance claims. Here are the most common ways PAs assist policyholders.
Fire Damage
Fire damage is the most common costly threat to homes, families, and businesses. Fires or explosions can quickly destroy or damage thousands of dollars worth of property. Fires not only burn but can lead to additional damage related to smoke and water. Often, the water firefighters must use to put out a fire adds significant expense to the loss and rebuilding expense. Smoke can also damage ceilings, walls, and clothing that survived the flames but still must be cleaned or replaced. The costs of restoration and clean up can add to be a significant portion of the claim expense. Fortunately, most policies cover these costs.
Storm Damage
Downed trees, branches, wind, snow, ice, heavy rain, and stormy weather account for a lot of the work public adjuster handle. One general rule regarding insurance policy coverage is that damage from water “coming down” is covered. However, damage from water “coming up” is not. However, policy coverage is not always clear, and a PA can help to achieve a favorable settlement that includes coverage for all damages. Public adjusters typically assist policyholders with detailed estimates for damage repair costs and itemized damage inventories. PAs can also recommend reputable service companies and contractors.
Vehicle vs. Building Damage
You see the pictures in the news almost every week – a driver loses control of a car or truck. The results can be expensive structural damage to a building in just a few seconds. These types of accident insurance claims can become very costly very quickly. As we said earlier, PAs are most helpful with complicated property damage insurance claims.
Flood & Water Damage
Many home and business owners have policies that do not provide coverage for flood damage. However, most policies do cover water damage in a wide variety of circumstances. Failure to properly clean and rebuild following flood or water damage can lead to mold and serious health issues for building occupants. Claims resulting from a leaky roof, pipe or sewer can be tricky. Often, the home or business owner is unfamiliar with plumbing, roofing, or other potentially costly problems. Additionally, repairs for large losses may require permits, utility companies, and private contractors. Flood repairs can involve asbestos abatements, and it can be tricky negotiating fair settlements for these complicated claims.
How Public Adjusters help homeowners who must rebuild:
- Public adjusters can help organize facts for your insurance claim at the site of the loss.
- Public adjusters provide proof of loss without relying on the findings of the insurance company’s adjuster assigned to your claim.
- PAs help policyholders to secure property to prevent further damage and expense.
- Public adjusters can assist in all aspects of the rebuilding process, including debris removal, clean up, restoration, structural repair, and temporary relocation for the insured.
- Public adjusters manage all communication with the insurance company on behalf of the insured. PAs can schedule all necessary appointments for your claim and represent your interests at those meetings.
- Public adjusters will negotiate with your insurance company to reach the best possible settlement on your behalf.
Public adjusters can assist with the following issues:
- property damage appraisal
- damaged contents coverage
- claim denial reversal
- replacement analysis
- rebuilding estimates
- insurance coverage analysis
- business interruption
- extra expense claim
- living expense coverage
- claim documentation
- claim negotiations
- hurricane damage
- smoke damage
- snow damage
- furnace puff back damage
- hail damage
- home heating fuel spills
- wind damage
- fire damage
- water damage
How Public Adjusters help business owners and property managers:
- Public adjusters can save both business and investment property owners valuable time by assuming responsibility for the insurance claims process.
- Public adjusters utilize seasoned insurance industry professionals to estimate and itemize building and content losses.
- Public adjusters have contacts with local professionals and officials and can expedite required permits and remediation.
If you negotiate your rate, do so with care!
A public adjuster is an insurance professional who anyone can hire for help with a property insurance claim. Public adjusters are sometimes required to be licensed in the state or states where they work. A public adjuster can assist a policyholder who holds home, rental or business property insurance.
Public adjusters typically work for 10 to 15 percent of the total value of the claim settlement. Some states set limits for what public adjusters can charge. Connecticut, for example, requires its public adjusters to be licensed. Connecticut also limits its public adjusters to a rate not higher than 10 percent of the claim settlement.
Sometimes, a policyholder can negotiate a lower percentage with the public adjuster. Be aware that the “bargain” adjuster does not always offer the best available service.