Licensures
Licensed Public Adjuster in 16 states (CT, DE, GA, LA, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT, ME, and DC) and expanding to get more licenses
JAMES SOUTHARD
Licensed Public Insurance Adjuster
James Southard has been providing high-level expertise to policyholders since 2016, working closely with them to ensure the correct execution of policy language. With a Master of Science in Accounting from Hofstra University and certifications in appraiser and umpire roles through IAUA, James brings a detailed and analytical approach to his work at United Public Adjusters.
James’ background in accounting gives him a unique advantage, especially when dealing with business interruption claims and financial evaluations. James’ ability to understand and interpret policy language ensures that policyholders receive the full benefits they are entitled to.
James’ role at United Public Adjusters has evolved significantly over the years. Today, he is involved in a wide range of responsibilities, including policy reviews, evaluating claims, and moving claims forward. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to ensuring that every document is scrutinized and every meeting advances the claim towards the highest and fairest compensation possible.
One of James’ notable strengths is his ability to communicate effectively with insurance companies and their representatives. He is skilled at reviewing and interpreting policy language to ensure it is applied correctly, which is crucial in advocating for policyholders. James is not one to take things at face value; he performs independent calculations to verify the accuracy of insurance evaluations, often uncovering errors that could cost policyholders money.
James is proud of the growth he has experienced at United Public Adjusters and the trust that his colleagues place in him. His peers rely on his knowledge and ability to read and interpret complex policy language. He is driven by a strong work ethic, instilled in him by his father, and a commitment to working hard and putting his all into everything he does. James currently leads the business interruption team at United Public Adjusters, personally overseeing and mentoring multiple CPAs and supervising insight adjusters.
In addition to his office work, James is actively involved in the field. He meets with fire investigators (cause and origin investigators), and insurance company adjusters to represent the policyholder’s side. James is a great negotiator who can ask vital questions, present why things should be repaired or replaced, and support his client’s position. He is a highly experienced adjuster who works directly with Philip and Michael Malthagati and has been involved in over $500 million in property damage claims.
James’s commitment to thoroughness extends to checking the accuracy of insurance company calculations. He recalls instances where simple errors, like transposed numbers, resulted in incorrect compensation amounts. By catching these mistakes, James ensures that policyholders receive the correct amount, even if it’s just a few dollars more. This attention to detail sometimes annoys the insurance companies, but James stands firm in rectifying these errors to benefit his clients.
One memorable case for James involved advocating for a client whose insurance company was reluctant to approve additional living expenses for artwork in a rental property. Through persistent communication and presenting evidence from the policy, James was able to secure approval, bringing a sense of normalcy and comfort to the client during a difficult time.
As an instrumental part of the company, James is licensed in approximately 15 states, allowing him to work with clients who own properties in multiple states and property owners (referred by existing clients) based outside New York. He enjoys the supportive and collaborative environment at United Public Adjusters, where a team of like-minded professionals works together to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.
James is dedicated to being there for his clients from the start of a disaster until the repairs are completed. His commitment to helping policyholders restore their normal standard of living and smoothly handling business interruption claims is unwavering. He is an integral part of the team at United Public Adjusters, always ready to do whatever it takes to win for his clients and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.