If you experience damage to your property, you’ll have to submit a claim to your insurance company. This process can be long and complicated, especially if you go it alone. If you are filing a claim, it’s important to know what to expect as a policyholder!
The public adjusters here at Liberty Adjusters are here to place your claim or walk you through each step of the claim process so you’re prepared. What to do, what not to say, and when to lean on the support of the experts when/if the insurance is giving you the runaround. Or, we can handle the claim from start to finish for you!
Welcome to Insurance Claims 101!
Take a Lot of Photos
The first thing you should do when something gets damaged is to take photos! The sooner you can document the damage, the better! Take a lot of pictures, it’s better to have more than you need, rather than not having enough and possibly harming your claim!
Bonus points if you are able to capture the cause of the damage as well! Capturing both the damage and the cause will show the insurance company the whole story, leaving little room for confusion.
We recommend documenting the big items of your home so you have a record of their condition and what the original value was. Keep in mind, when you go to make a claim, insurance will base the settlement on the depreciated or actual cash value.
Minimize The Damage
Your insurance policy will require you to minimize the damage and do what’s possible to prevent further problems from happening. Shutting the water off, the power supply, putting a blue tarp on the roof. In some cases, this may require a call to emergency services. Don’t put yourself at risk, wait until it’s safe to attempt any fixes.
Your insurance company will likely give you a hard time if you don’t attempt to minimize the damage. For example, if you ignore a water-damaged floor and it develops mold, it will be hard to negotiate the coverage of that damage with your insurance company. And with the ways policies are written now, it’s already hard enough to get what’s needed to repair water damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The sooner we let your insurance company know the better!
If you want to work with a public adjuster, you should contact us before you file your claim, as public adjusters usually have a specific process for filing claims the right way. Plus, we know how to talk the same language as the insurance company so your own words don’t come back to haunt you later. Of course, you can also typically submit claims online, or if you can speak directly and call your insurance company. Again, be prepared because if unsure or your statements are confusing you could end up getting your own claim undervalued or denied.
You may be eligible to receive emergency funds from your insurance depending on damages, such as a hotel stay or car rental. These are referred to as ”ALE” or “Additional Living Expenses”. All the more reason to not delay and make contact right away with either your insurance or a public adjuster.
Learn More > Questions Your Insurance Company is Going to Ask
Filing the Paperwork
Before filing, you’ll want to review your insurance policy and get a good understanding of it. It’s not in plain English, there may be complex wording and industry jargon that you don’t understand. There can be other factors that aren’t immediately clear. For example, if you live in a co-op or condo, you may have to list co-insured parties on your claim.
Don’t guess! If you aren't sure about any information or if the policy seems overly complicated, it’s a good idea to contact a public adjuster to review the policy and guide you through the rest of the claim.
Getting Your Own Evaluation
The insurance company may send out a claims adjuster to evaluate the damage and determine how much should be paid out. It’s best to hire a public adjuster and have them present during the evaluation, representing you. Taking this step protects you from being taken advantage of and having your claim undervalued.
We’re here to represent YOU! Submit your claim today with Liberty Adjusters.
When Your Insurance Approves (or Denies) the Claim
After the evaluation, your insurance company will either deny your claim or approve it and offer a settlement. Insurance companies are legally obligated to reply promptly to a claim, and not doing so leaves them open to legal action. If your insurance company is not working with you properly, you should contact a public adjuster or an attorney and discuss the next steps.
There are many cases where the insurance company will undermine certain damages and attempt to pay out less. Some policies will even include specific clauses and loopholes that allow the insurance company to deny your claim! Although you shouldn’t be afraid to negotiate and get what you deserve, these disagreements can lead to a very lengthy process.
Avoid this by working with a trusted public adjuster, such as Liberty Adjusters, who have extensive knowledge and experience working with insurance companies to get you exactly what you are owed!
Learn More > Denied for Wear & Tear... Now What?
Rely on Liberty Adjusters to Get Your Settlement Right
Finally, now that all this is complete, you will receive your settlement either by mail or direct deposit. Any deductible will typically come straight out of your settlement, without further action required. If you work with us and we help increase your claim amount then our service will also be deducted.
From evaluating the damage to negotiating your offer, the process can be a lot to tackle on your own.
To avoid the headache and ensure the job is done right, contact Liberty Insurance Adjusters to walk you through every step of the process!
Submit your claim online today or contact us at (813) 922-5129 and we will be there to represent your best interest!