If you have ever had to file a property insurance claim, you know that it can be a long and daunting process. There are many steps involved, and each one can lead to its own set of complications. Even if you think your damage or claim may be simple, filing a claim is always more confusing than it needs to be. This is by design, and although it is frustrating, there is something you can do about it.
Our insurance adjusters explain each step that happens after you file a property insurance claim so you can be informed throughout the process. Of course, the easiest way to file a claim? Call a public adjuster like us here at Liberty Adjusters. We will handle the entire claim for you from start to finish and make sure you get the most money possible for your damages.
Filing the Claim
First, the claim will have to be filed with your insurance. To do this, you'll need several things:
Explanation of the damage
Receipts for anything you had to buy in the meantime
Any estimates for repairs you have received
The process for filing is typically more complicated than it needs to be. If filing online, you will have to create an account and fill out a long form. If filing by phone, you likely will be on hold for a long time waiting to talk to someone. Either way, it is not enjoyable.
Although we are on step one, just simply getting your claim filed can be a time-consuming and headache-inducing task. However, it doesn't need to be this way! Just call Liberty Adjusters, and we will file the claim for you. We have years of experience filing claims, so we know exactly what to say.
The Insurance Company's Investigation
After your claim is filed, the insurance company will send out an adjuster to investigate the damage. The adjuster's job is to determine how much the insurance company should pay out for the claim.
The adjuster will typically:
Take pictures of and physically inspect the damage
Make a list of what was damaged or needs to be replaced
Get estimates for repairs
Ask questions about what happened
The investigation process can be long and frustrating and in many cases a bit scary. Especially if the claim is for your home; the idea of a stranger coming in and going through everything can be unnerving. If they begin to ask you questions or doubt the origin of the damage, it can quickly feel like an interrogation.
At Liberty Adjusters, we work for you, not the insurance company. So, you can be sure that we have your best interests at heart during the entire claim. We will meet with the adjuster on your behalf and make sure that they are thorough in their investigation.
The insurance company has a financial incentive to pay you as little as possible for your claim; while a public adjuster is incentivized to get you, the homeowner, the most money possible.
Learn More > Public Adjuster vs Independent Adjuster
A Decision is Made
After the adjuster has completed their investigation, they will compile all of their information and make a decision on your claim.
If the insurance company approves your claim,
They will typically send you an estimate for the repairs. This is the amount of money they are willing to pay for the damages. It is important to note that this is not always the final amount, as there may be additional negotiations later on.
If the insurance company partially approves your claim,
They will usually send you an estimate for the damages they are willing to pay. This means that they are not paying for all of it, and you will have to negotiate with them to get the rest of the money you need.
If the insurance company denies your claim,
It can feel like a real kick in the gut. All your hard work and waiting have been for nothing, and now you are left with nothing but a damaged home or property. However, don't give up just yet! You still may be able to get the settlement you deserve.
Even if you've been on your own up until this point, a public adjuster can still help! We will review the insurance company's estimate and negotiate with them to get you a fair settlement. In many cases, we can get our clients settlements that are thousands of dollars higher than what the insurance company originally offered. Call Liberty Adjusters today!
No Response?
Your insurance company might take weeks or months to respond to you. Sometimes they might be justified in doing this, but most of the time they are not. There are rules and laws in place that your insurance company must follow when it comes to time frames in responding to you.
Denied? > Read this blog
Liberty Adjusters Has Your Back
Hopefully, you have a solid grasp of what to expect after filing your claim. You could spend the time going through the process yourself, potentially risking your claim's approval and a nasty headache. Or you could simply call Liberty Adjusters... and that's it!
If you have a claim you’re about to file, or a claim that didn’t go your way, give Liberty Adjusters a call today.