A public adjuster is a licensed professional that property owners hire when they experience property damage. Their primary purpose is to represent the insured’s best interest during a claim to assure they receive their entitled insurance settlement.
FAQs
COMPLEX COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE ADJUSTERS
Why should I hire a public adjuster?
Navigating an insurance claim is often a complex and daunting process. Public adjusters are experts in navigating insurance coverage, negotiating with carriers, and maximizing claim settlements. Hiring a public adjuster assures that a claim will receive the attention it requires and prevents insurance companies from denying or underpaying on the settlement.
When should I hire a public adjuster?
You should hire a public adjuster as soon as a claim occurs. The earlier a public adjuster gets involved in the process, the less likely you will feel overwhelmed and stressed. Public adjusters work with insurance carriers to navigate the damage and help you understand what coverage you have in place and the amount of settlement of you deserve.
My insurance carrier already assigned an adjuster; can I use them to settle my claim?
You can, but the insurance carrier’s adjuster is an employee of the company. They are trained to look out for the carrier’s best financial interests, not the insured’s. Hiring a public adjuster is the best way to protect your financial interests. Since public adjusters are experts at settling claims, they can negotiate a higher settlement than most individuals can accomplish on their own.
Can I rely on my insurance agent to settle my claim?
While insurance agents are experts on coverage, in most cases they are not trained to appraise and assign value to property damage. Public adjusters have the necessary education and knowledge to review claims and assign an appropriate value for damage repair.
How much does it cost to hire a public adjuster?
The best part about hiring a public adjuster is we only get paid when you receive a settlement, so you have little to lose. We collect a small percentage of the settlement received from the insurance carrier. Not collecting any fees upfront assures that we are always working with your best interests in mind.
How does a public adjuster know how much to make a claim for?
As a licensed public adjuster, it is our responsibility to get you the settlement you need to rebuild. We review the property damage and calculate the costs of rebuilding and repairing.
I’m not satisfied with my insurance settlement, is it too late to hire a public adjuster?
It is not too late to hire a public adjuster. In many states, insurance claims can be re-opened within three years. If you aren’t happy with your settlement, call us today. We can review the claim, damage, and go back to the carrier as your advocate to negotiate a better outcome.
Will my insurance carrier increase my premium if I file a claim?
Insurance carriers vary with their stance on claims and rate hikes. There is a chance your premium will go up.
Will my insurance carrier cancel my coverage if I file a claim?
It is not likely, but every insurance company is different. If they decide to cancel coverage, you will receive a notice in advance.
How long will the insurance carrier take to pay my claim?
Insurance carriers can take up to ninety days to settle claims. This time may be reduced by hiring a public adjuster to manage the claim for you.
What do I do after I put in an insurance claim?
If you filed the claim on your own, contact your carrier and speak with your assigned claims adjuster. The insurance adjuster may request more documentation and/or information regarding the claim, then you wait to hear from your carrier who will contact you with their settlement offer, a process that can take weeks, even months.
Who do I call for a low insurance settlement offer?
United Public Adjusters & Appraisers should be your first call. Do not accept the low offer. Allow our professionals to negotiate on your behalf with your insurance carrier to bring about a settlement that is more in line with your policy’s allowances.
Will I receive a higher settlement if I hire a public adjuster?
Statistically speaking, especially if your claim is large or complex, yes, United Public Adjusters & Appraisers’ experts will review your case, obtain any necessary information, and negotiate with your insurance carrier. Industry-wide, using a public adjuster can bring about a settlement that is 25% to 40% higher than if you handle the claim yourself.
If my claim has been closed, is it too late to hire a public adjuster?
That depends; if you have signed a final release with your carrier, then your options for taking further action will be very limited. Either way, United Public Adjusters & Appraisers can review your claim and help you to appeal the decision, or, if you have not signed the final release, to file a supplemental claim if we believe that you were underpaid.
What is the difference between a public adjuster and an insurance company adjuster?
Yes: The primary difference is who we work for. Insurance carrier adjusters are paid by and therefore work in the best interests of your insurance company. Public adjusters, such as United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, work on your behalf and only on your behalf to resolve your insurance claim equitably.
Is my damage claim too small to hire a public adjuster for assistance?
Public adjusters can work with small damage claims to ensure that your submission is properly documented to receive a fair payout from your insurance carrier. We can also determine if there is hidden damage or coverage disputes where our input can be invaluable.
What would I do if my damage claim was denied?
Contact United Public Adjusters & Appraisers immediately so our team can review the denial reasons to understand why your claim was rejected. We can assist you to dispute the denial, by obtaining/providing additional documentation to file an appeal, then negotiate with your carrier to reverse the denial and bring about a just settlement offer.
Water Damage FAQs:
How do I file a claim for water damage?
Report the damage to your carrier, then contact United Public Adjusters & Appraisers to review your policy to ensure the source is covered, then assist you to provide your insurance company with all documentation to support your claim as well as a list of damaged/destroyed items. We will also negotiate with your carrier as needed.
How do I make a successful water leak insurance claim?
Stop the leak, then report the issue to your carrier. Next, contact United Public Adjusters & Appraisers. We will review your policy, and help you to thoroughly document with photos/video and obtain estimates to repair/replace damages/losses. Once submitted, UPA will oversee the claim process and negotiate your settlement offer as needed.
What is covered under water damage?
It depends on what has been damaged or lost. For example, homeowners’ policies will generally cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes or overflow from washing machines, but not damage from forces of nature such as floods or neglected maintenance or repairs such as to an older hot water heater.
Is water in the basement covered by insurance?
Again, what initially caused the water in the basement matters. Many homeowners’ policies do not cover flooding by natural causes, but burst pipes, and washing machines hoses likely are, whereas damages caused by a neglected or old hot water heater may not be covered.
How do you maximize recovery on a water damaged claim?
Your best option to receive a maximum settlement is to partner with United Public Adjusters & Appraisers. We will oversee every aspect of your claim process. And, while now two claims are alike, our expertise ensures that your settlement offer will likely be higher than if you decide to “go-it-alone” and submit your claim yourself.*
What does a public adjuster do for a water damage claim?
As your public adjuster, United Public Adjusters & Appraisers acts as your representative with your insurer. We assess the damage, review your policy, assist to prepare and submit your claim, and to locate temporary housing/office space, and negotiate with your carrier as necessary to bring about the highest settlement your policy allows.
What information should I provide to a public adjuster?
To facilitate the processing of your claim we request your name, address, phone, and policy number, the date and time the damage occurred, a detailed description of the damage, all emergency services you contacted, a list of damaged items and their estimated value, photos/videos of the affected area, and any repair estimates received.
*Be aware that no two claims are alike and while most claims handled by public adjusters realize a higher payout than those prepared by home and business owners without professional assistance, this cannot be guaranteed.