Tag Archive for: insurance claim

When Should a Policyholder Hire a Public Insurance Adjuster?

If you aren’t getting the property damage insurance claim settlement you deserve, don’t fully understand the policy language, coverage, benefits, exclusions, or terms. Or, if you don’t have time to deal with the insurance claims process. Or if your insurance company is not reasonably responding to your requests, or if you feel your insurer is not correctly evaluating your claim.

The truth is, if you seek the maximum settlement you deserve with minimum time delays and stress, you may want to consider hiring an ICRS public adjuster to negotiate your insurance claim at the beginning, when a dispute arises, or to supplement a claim as a non-litigious option to settle a property damage insurance claim.

Engaging a good public adjuster at the beginning of a claim is typcially the best time. Especially if the claim is a partial loss, large or complex. The reason why is that insurers are required to give consideration to any evidence which supports the policyholder’s interests equal to their own in the spirit of acting in good faith. Unrepresented policyholders who don’t have anyone representing their interests run risks of poor documentation, misunderstanding of policy terms and claims submissions, improper inspections, delays, underpayments, financial stress, errors, omissions, bad faith tactics, and improper claims-handling practices.

Reasonably preventing property from further damage as well as performing a “timely and thorough investigation” of claims is an absolute MUST for a policyholder. Getting a prompt and fair settlement versus delays, underpayments, controversy, adversity, and unnecessary litigation can be achieved by hiring a professional public adjuster at the beginning of a claim to get fairly indemnified. Good, experienced public adjusters will assist policyholders to navigate the insurance claim process from mitigation efforts to the recovery of withheld depreciation.

Public insurance adjusters are essentially policyholder advocates who act as private, independent, licensed, bonded, and professional claims adjusters that settle property damage insurance claims exclusively on behalf of the insured. They work solely on behalf of policyholders. Individuals and businesses hire these licensed professionals when they need help filing a claim or if they believe a claim amount offered by their insurance company was incorrect.

Public adjusters can file and negotiate claims for flood, fire, smoke, wind, and hurricane damage, as well as damage due to other perils, and loss of business income caused by property damage. They are legally authorized to act on behalf of an insured policyholder.   Practices, responsibilities, and duties of a public adjuster include:

1) Review policy language – some coverages and exclusions are open to interpretation.  Analysis of conditions and knowledge of the terms of your indemnity contract are key.
2) Assist the policyholder in meeting their burden of proof of claimed property damages.
3) Perform a Timely and Proper Investigation – Inspect and assess physical damages.
4) Match up losses with the appropriate property coverages for a fair settlement demand.
5) Review and respond to carrier correspondence addressing any omissions, misrepresentations, wrongful denials, violations of policy, and violations of insurance code statutes.
6) Compile and Submit a Pro-Policyholder Claim Package to your insurer with supporting evidence that documents your damages, the estimated scope of work, estimated costs, occurrence data, 3rd party reports, photos, news stories, policy language, statutes, bulletins, proper forms and present a proof of loss.
7) Incorporate reasonable arguments to trigger coverage under your insurance policy and in compliance with the insurance code statutes of your state.
8) Proactively remove objections, roadblocks, and wrongful withholding of coverages.
9) Expose the insurer’s liabilities and potential violations of the statutory insurance codes.
10) Reasonably argue with a credible degree of certainty any questionable allegations of an insurer’s view for underpayment, delays, or wrongful denial of your property damage insurance claim.
11) Negotiate a fair and prompt settlement.
12) Prepare, complete, and/or file a complaint to the state department of insurance on your behalf.
13) Refer legal counsel, expert engineers, hygienists, or other professionals when necessary.
14) Avoid unnecessary litigation and appraisal.

Multifamily, Apartment and Commercial business policyholders who engage Insurance Claim Recovery Support LLC public adjusters have vastly benefited from the outcome of the claim settlement we deliver as a result of our pro-policyholder representation. We work on contingency and often policyholders actually save a lot of time and pay the same fee by hiring us at the beginning of a claim rather than waiting for problems. Learn how we help settle property damage insurance claims fairly & promptly for policyholders at www.insuranceclaimrecoverysupport.com

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What is a good public adjuster?

What is a good public adjuster? How do you qualify a good public insurance adjuster from a bad one?

Searching for public adjusters near me? A public adjuster is an independent insurance professional that a policyholder may hire to help settle an insurance claim on his or her behalf. How do you know a good public insurance adjuster versus a bad one? This podcast gives some qualification questions that every policyholder should ask a public insurance adjuster before hiring them to represent you in settling your property damage insurance claim. Many policyholders don’t know about public adjusters. Assuming your insurance company will settle your claim fairly and promptly on your behalf can result in financial disaster. Policyholders seeking professional, licensed representation to handle their property damage insurance claim following a hail storm, hurricane, fire, or other disaster researching “what is a public adjuster”, may come across an overwhelming amount of information. Finding and hiring an expert public adjuster near you who is trustworthy, credible, and experienced can be a challenge. Understanding what a public adjuster does and if you should hire one can depend on several variables including the state your property is located, deductible, amount of damage, when the damage occurred, and whether your insurer has wrongfully denied your claim or acted in bad faith. If you hire a public adjuster, the sooner in the claim process, the better.

Bonus question: Have you ever worked directly or indirectly for an insurer while licensed as a public adjuster? We exclusively represent policyholders so you know there’s never any conflict of interest.

Tips For Filing Insurance Claims

How To File Insurance Claims With Your Insurance Company

This content originates from the article “Insurance Strategies For Texans With Winter-Weather Problems”, by John Egan and Amy Danise of Forbes.

  1. Review your policy. Figure out what’s covered when filing insurance claims; what’s not covered, and what the deductibles are. If you’re unclear about coverage, contact your insurance agent or insurance company.
  2. Document the damage. Take photos and videos of damage caused by the winter disaster.
  3. Hang on to receipts for any temporary repairs, which may be covered by your policy. However, don’t make any permanent repairs until an insurance adjuster has evaluated your damage, as that could jeopardize the payment of a claim.
  4. Keep track of all of your communication with the insurance company. This should include the date, name, and title of each person you speak with and what was discussed.
  5. If an insurance claim adjuster is scheduled to visit, plan to be at your property at the time so you can point out all of the damage.
  6. Obtain repair bids from several contractors and compare them with the insurance adjuster’s report before settling your claim.
  7. Save proof that you paid the deductible on your claim. State law in Texas prohibits contractors and roofers from promising to waive a deductible or provide a deductible rebate. The law lets insurance companies request proof, such as a receipt or canceled check, that you paid for repairs in the amount of your deductible.
  8. Paying for repairs out of your own pocket if the claim payout will be less than your deductible. This way, you can avoid filing that will go on your record but that won’t result in a check.
  9. Stand up for yourself. Give your insurer a chance to do the right thing, but politely assert your right to the full protection you paid for.
  10. Be prepared to negotiate for a fair settlement of your claim.
  11. If you have a large claim, such as extensive building damage, consider hiring a public adjuster to help you with the paperwork and advocate on your behalf.
  12. Be patient. Some insurers will go above and beyond to ensure your claim is paid promptly and adequately, while others may vigorously fight a claim. “You will learn a lot about your company when you file a claim,” he observes.

Winter Storm Will Yield largest Claims Event In Texas History

Texas Winter Storm Will Yield largest Claims Event In History

Texas Winter Storm Will Cause $18 Billion In Estimated Damages

With billions of dollars in damage expected from the historic Texas winter storm, a state regulator plans to collect data from property insurers to assess costs stemming from a crippled electrical grid, roofing collapses, broken pipes, and other problems, a spokesman said on Friday, February 19th.

Texas insurers expect “…hundreds of thousands of claims…” said Camille Garcia, Insurance Council of Texas spokeswoman on Thursday.

Bitter cold weather and snow have paralyzed Texas since Sunday, February 14th, shutting down much of the state’s electricity grid and freezing pipes and waterways, leaving communities across the state either without water altogether or forced to boil it for safety.

“We expect this to be a large event, but we just don’t know how large it will be,” said Texas Department of Insurance spokesman Ben Gonzalez, noting that the data inquiry mirrors the regulator’s process after other major storms, such as hurricanes.

The process, set to begin in the coming weeks, comes as one firm that models catastrophe risk estimated at an $18 billion tab for property insurers.

Do you have additional questions on filing a claim? Ready to get started? Reach out to ICRS for more information today!

See the full article by CNBC news here.

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Winter Storm Damage and Your Insurance Claim

Winter Storm Damage and Your Insurance Claim

What To Do After A Winter Storm Hits Your Home

 

Feb 21, 2021 (PRLog via COMTEX) — Policyholders Survival Report for “Largest Insurance Claim Event In History”AUSTIN, Texas – Feb. 20, 2021

PRLog — As Texas thaws from severe winter weather, including snow, ice and freezing temperatures, insurers are facing hundreds of thousands of claims filed for significant property damage to homes and commercial properties. In 2019, the Insurance Information Institute reported $2.1 billion in insured losses caused by winter storms, 2021 will likely exceed $19 billion.

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The good news is that most insurance policies cover damage caused by snow and ice. However, understanding your policy and avoiding disputes between insurance carriers and policyholders concerning what an insurance policy covers and what is excluded can be complex.

“Our advice,” says Insurance Claim Recovery Support CEO, Scott Friedson, “is to review your insurance policy to determine your specific coverage. Some areas of damages often covered by residential or commercial property insurance policies due to snow and freezing ice conditions may include water damage, pipe bursts, business interruption, building or roof collapse, and ice dams.”

Virtually every region of Texas has been hit which could make this storm the most expensive in U.S. history. “The honest truth about insurance claims,” said Public Insurance Adjuster Friedson, with over a decade of experience settling large loss insurance claims, “is that Policyholders bear the burden of proving their claim while insurers have a duty to indemnify the insured in good faith. You can hope or you can plan but either way, if you have a claim, your insurance company’s representatives will adjust your claim, ‘their way'”.

Engaging a trustworthy Public Insurance Adjuster at the beginning of the claim process can make a big difference. Click here for more information on what you need to know about coverage and exclusions on your Winter Storm Damage Insurance claims.

Read the full article here.

7 Tips for Thawing Frozen Pipes

Don’t get caught in the cold! Read our tips for thawing frozen pipes, and prevent damage to your home.

 

The first step you need to take is to shut off your water at the main shutoff valve, usually located at your water meter somewhere near the street, and open (turn on) all of your faucets (inside and outside). This step is very important because what causes burst pipes is the build-up of pressure in the lines; opening the faucets will help release that pressure once the pipes thaw.

1. How do I know if my pipes are frozen?

First, temperatures outside typically need to be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for pipes to have the potential of freezing.

The first indicator of frozen pipes is that you have lost your water supply or it is flowing slower than usual, but your neighbors still have water. If your neighbors are also out of water, it could be that your water provider has cut water to the neighborhood; contact your provider for updates.

Try turning on all of your faucets. If some of them have flowing water while others don’t, you have a localized issue that is not impacting your entire plumbing system. If some water is coming out, although slowly, leave it running; sometimes this is enough to melt the ice in the line. If there is no water, try to trace the plumbing line from that faucet back to where your water line comes into your home to determine where the blockage is located. It will most likely be in an uninsulated area.

If all of your faucets don’t have water when you turn them on, your main service line out in your yard (carries water from your water meter at the street to your foundation) could be frozen. This will only occur in extremely cold situations, typically below 20 degrees Fahrenheit with or without wind chill.

2. What should I do if my pipes are frozen? How important is thawing frozen pipes? The first step you need to take is to shut off your water at the main shutoff valve, usually located at your water meter somewhere near the street, and open (turn on) all of your faucets (inside and outside). This step is very important because what causes burst pipes is the build-up of pressure in the lines; opening the faucets will help release that pressure once the pipes thaw.

3. How do I start thawing frozen pipes? We repeat: keep your faucets open and your water turned off while pipes thaw! Keeping the faucets open will also expedite the thawing process and allow the thawing ice to run through the pipes.

While it is important to try to thaw a frozen pipe as quickly as possible to avoid further damage, doing so yourself does come with risks. If possible, locate the section of pipe that is frozen and thaw it yourself using gentle heat (slowly warm it up). If you heat the pipes up too quickly, they can crack or melt due to the quick change in temperature! Try wrapping an electronic heating pad around the pipe, heating the area with a hairdryer, or both. Towels soaked in hot water will help as well. Apply until water runs normally.

If possible, locate the section of pipe that is frozen and thaw it yourself using gentle heat (slowly warm it up). If you heat the pipes up too quickly, they can crack or melt due to the quick change in temperature!
If you cannot locate the location of the blockage, increasing your home’s temperature may help (above 55 degrees Fahrenheit). Open all cabinet and closet doors to increase the temperature in these enclosed spaces. If you suspect that there are pipes in or above the garage, use space heaters to heat up that space as well. Make sure to keep heaters away from anything potentially flammable!

Your pipes will eventually begin to thaw on their own once the temperatures rise above freezing. As they do so, you may begin to hear your pipes making gurgling, clanging, or banging sounds as the ice begins to move. The hot water heater may do the same.

Slowly turn the water back on at the main shutoff valve and inspect for leaks. If there are leaks, be prepared to turn the water off again immediately. If frozen pipes have cracked, homeowners may need to seek a plumber as soon as possible.

4. Can my irrigation system freeze too? What about my pool lines? Yes and yes. It is best to winterize these systems in advance, but at minimum, turn off the system at the main controller. It’s also beneficial to shut off the system at your backflow device. If you have an above-ground backflow device then be prepared for it to be busted. Make sure you know where to turn it off at.

5. Can my sewer lines freeze too? This is very rare since typically only pressurized lines freeze, but it is possible. If there are foul odors escaping from your drains, it could indicate ice is blocking the drain. Follow the above recommendations for thawing frozen pipes.

6. Will my insurance cover the damage? Until you are able to contact your property insurance agent for details, document everything, from the time you notice the problem and every step you take to repair it. According to The Balance Small Business, if you have the proper insurance, they should help cover some of these costs, but not all policies cover damage from frozen pipes. Some policies have specific requirements you must follow in order to be covered, such as maintaining the heat at a certain temperature in your home or shutting off the water supply during absence from your home to prevent a potential flooding issue. An insurance company wants to see that you took reasonable measures to prevent a problem from occurring. Our insurance adjusters can help you with this process.

7. How do I prevent my pipes from freezing in the future? Unfortunately, infrastructure in southern states is not built for extreme cold, so rarely are your plumbing lines insulated well enough to handle below-freezing temperatures for extended periods of time.

Should you file a claim? It depends on your deductible, extent of damage, and coverage for these types of winter weather losses which can vary depending on your specific insurance policy. If your property is damaged, be sure to reasonably protect and mitigate against further damage, contact your insurance agent right away and tell them you have a loss. Keep financial records of expenses you incur, take photos and be safe! For help with your insurance claim, click here>> https://www.insuranceclaimrecoverysupport.com/free-claim-evaluation/.