Filing an insurance claim can be a tough process, with so many different aspects to analyze, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Making a mistake can cost you time and money, and sadly in some cases, end up in a denied or undervalued claim.
When property damage occurs, you may expect to work with your insurance and their independent claim adjuster partners, believing that your monthly premium payments will be enough to have them on your side, but that is not always the case. As a property owner, you have options!
Today, the experts at Liberty Insurance Adjusters will go over some things you should know first and explain the difference between an independent adjuster and a public claims adjuster. If you’ve experienced damage at your home or business, don’t go it alone. If you need help, contact a professional about your claim to get the maximum settlement to make things right
What is an Insurance Adjuster?
If your home is damaged in any sort of accident or natural disaster, you’ll need to estimate the costs of damage for your insurance claim. Although on paper this may sound simple, you must ask yourself if you have the knowledge or resources to properly estimate it! Getting an insurance claim done right the first time ensures you get the right value for your property damage.
If your claim is deemed too high by the insurance company, they may request that an independent insurance adjuster give their own estimate, which may slow the process and even ultimately lead to larger insurance premiums in the future. All too often, these are partners of the insurance company and are on their side not necessarily yours.
Just as a claim can be too high, the claim could also be lower than it should! As public claims adjusters, we work for you and submit the claim and all the evidence needed to show why the repairs requested are needed and the appropriate value to make all the needed repairs.
Don’t do damage to your own claim by working solely with your insurance company. A public loss adjuster can often get significantly more for your claim while alleviating stress at an already difficult time. Submit your claim today.
What is an Independent Adjuster?
An independent adjuster is paid by your insurance company in order to make sure the claim is reasonable and realistic. Although independent adjusters abide by a code of ethics, there are still many cases where they may end up costing you more money, even if they don’t charge you for the services.
Let say, for example, any appliances are damaged to the point of being unidentifiable, the independent adjuster may claim the cheapest replacements for these items. Make sure to pay close attention to what is being claimed as many cheap substitutions may go unnoticed!
Learn More > Should I Accept the Insurance Companies Offer?
How Can a Public Adjuster Help?
On the other hand, a public adjuster works directly on your behalf, not the insurance company. That’s right, we’re your claims advocate.
The entire job of a public claims adjuster is based on getting the maximum settlement possible. Aside from just inspecting and adding up damages, a public loss adjuster will read through the legalities of your insurance policy and fight to get you every cent you deserve!
Using a public adjuster takes a load off your shoulders as they act as a mediator between you and your insurance company. They make sure all the forms are filled out accurately and can help proactively answer any questions along the way.
In addition to all this, public adjusters are paid a fixed percentage of your claim, only getting paid when you do! With the payment being based entirely on your payout, you can rest assured the adjusters are going to get the largest possible claim they can, while also keeping your future insurance premiums from going through the roof.
Working with a public adjuster can get up to 574% more to repair for your property so it’s clear why many people choose to submit a claim with a public claims adjuster.
When Should I Hire a Public Adjuster?
In a lot of scenarios, to get estimates of the damage, a home or business owner would call in numerous contractors to give estimates on each piece of damage. This can add up in cost, and as we mentioned earlier, the insurance company may still request an insurance adjuster.
Here are some good reasons to hire a public adjuster:
The insurance company has already sent their own adjuster in
You aren’t sure of what should/shouldn’t be claimed and don’t know how to explain the damage to your insurance
You feel your estimates were too high or low
You received notice that your claim was denied (‘wear and tear’ and improper maintenance are big reasons for insurance to attempt to not do the right thing)
Most of the time, hiring an insurance adjuster from the start will save the average homeowner time and money. Luckily, Florida law gives you five years to re-open your insurance claim! If you feel your settlement was too low on a past claim, it’s a great idea to call a public adjuster! It’s a win-win, as even if the original claim was accurate, you can have peace of mind that you got the correct amount.
Learn More > Common Claim Mistakes
Lean on Liberty Insurance Adjusters
It’s always better to get things done right the first time, especially when dealing with insurance companies. Although it may seem easier to go along with your insurances companies adjuster, taking the step to consult a professional public adjuster can save you a lot of time and stress!
Submit your claim today with Liberty Adjusters and see what we can do for you. We proudly serve Florida property owners and will work hard to get justice for your claim. If you need to reopen a denied claim or get a damage claim started, reach out to our public adjusters today at 813-922-5129. We’re on your side, always!