Question: What is the difference between public adjusters and the adjuster that my insurance company provides?
Answer: Both types of insurance adjusters are highly skilled at evaluating property losses and estimating the cost to return the property to its pre-loss condition. However, public insurance adjusters work for policyholders while insurance company adjusters work for insurance companies. Since the burden of proving your losses falls upon you, it’s smart to have a professional on your side helping.
Question: Are public insurance adjusters specially trained?
Answer: Yes, public insurance adjusters must pass a state licensing exam demonstrating their expertise in insurance as well as maintain the license through continuing education. In addition, many public insurance adjusters have insider experience, having worked as insurance company adjusters before moving to public service.
Question: What if the insurance company denies the claim even after a public insurance adjuster has compiled additional paperwork and documentation?
Answer: For starters, you won’t have to pay your public adjuster if a settlement is not reached. If a public adjuster cannot negotiate a settlement and you believe you have a legitimate claim, the next step may be the legal system.
Question: Isn’t it expensive to hire my own insurance adjuster?
Answer: Not necessarily. You do not pay anything out of pocket and you are not charged any upfront fees. Any payment the adjuster is entitled to comes out of the final settlement as a small percentage dictated by state law. In addition, public adjusters are skilled at increasing the settlement offer which often results in larger net settlements, even after paying the adjuster.
Question: If the burden of proof is mine, why do I need a public insurance adjuster? Should I just fill out the forms and be done with it?
Answer: You are correct: the burden of proof is yours. But, you do not have to bear that burden by yourself. Having a public insurance adjuster who knows the insurance claims process inside and out on your side is to your advantage. Not only is it easier on you because the adjuster does all the work, it can also be more profitable for you. Public adjusters work diligently to find every possible covered loss so that your final insurance settlement check is as large as possible and includes everything for which you are entitled. Public adjusters know what types of damage to look for as well as common ploys used to dismiss your claims. Having an aggressive, thorough professional on your side helps you to build a successful insurance claim.
|
