How to Maximize Your New Jersey Property Damage Claim Settlement

When your property, either residential or commercial, sustains damage, you might think the best thing to do is sit down and fill out a claim form to submit to your insurance carrier. If you have no experience preparing and submitting a property damage claim however, this route guarantees you’ll be disappointed with the outcome. Instead, before you even think of contacting your insurance company, contact United Public Adjusters & Appraisers. As your New Jersey public adjuster, we can guide you through the important first steps to take. Once your claim has been submitted, our team of experts can oversee your entire claims process, and even negotiate fiercely with your carrier on your behalf, to bring about an optimal outcome in as short a time as possible.

When you call your UPA team for assistance, we go to work for you, not your insurer. To maximize your New Jersey property damage claim settlement, it is most important to document damages and losses with photos and videos. In certain instances, such as flooding from a storm, there may be hidden damage behind your walls -from mold to electrical issues- that may not be immediately apparent. We can review your policy, especially coverage limits, and help you to gather repair/renovation/replacement estimates from independent contractors. Here is a brief overview:

Step 1: Document All Damages Thoroughly

• Take photos and videos on your cell phone. If you have any before images, that will be helpful to let claims adjusters see what has been damaged, destroyed, or lost.
• Gather all relevant documentation, such as police or fire department reports. Also include any receipts for the lost assets as well as receipts for any expenses incurred due to the damage such as temporary housing, clothing, bedding, etc.

Step 2: Obtain Independent Estimates

• United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, serving as your New Jersey public adjusters, can help you obtain repair estimates from reputable contractors in your area. We have real estate and construction experts on our team and know what reasonable and realistic estimates are for the work to be performed. These can be used as a benchmark against the estimates provided by your insurance carrier which may not be current and therefore not adequate to restore your property.

Step 3: Review and Understand Your Policy

• The UPA team will help you familiarize yourself with your policy, its coverage limits, endorsements and any exclusions for a better understanding of what is covered and what is not.
• Our team will help you to understand the difference between Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV) and how it will impact your settlement offer.

Step 4: After You Submit Your Property Damage Claim

• Our team oversees every remaining step of your claim process. Should you receive an unacceptable, “low ball” offer, United Public Adjusters & Appraisers will negotiate with your insurance carrier to bring about a just settlement offer, in line with your policy’s coverage limits and repair cost estimates.

If you are reading this, have already submitted a property damage claim but your claims adjuster is not returning your calls requesting updates, or, if you have received an inadequate settlement offer, it is not too late. Do not delay, or sign anything. Call United Public Adjusters & Appraisers for assistance. To date we have successfully obtained over $500 million in settlements for home and business owners and will be glad to step in and negotiate on your behalf. The guidance and assistance you deserve is a phone call away! Call us at 800-718-5677.