Frequently Asked Questions
What is a
Public Adjuster?
A Public
Adjuster is a highly-skilled, professional insurance expert
with a vast knowledge of insurance policies, co-insurance,
depreciation, building and personal property damage
assessments, repair and replacement costs and negotiation.
What
should I look for in a Public Adjuster?
You
should look for the same qualities you would look for in any
other professional, which includes experience and proven
performance. Your Public Adjuster should be
licensed and bonded and should also employ its own staff of
adjusters, appraisers and other professionals.
Who
uses the services of Public Adjusters?
Public Adjusters are utilized by individuals, businesses and
professionals including banks, churches, restaurants,
accountants, attorneys and even insurance adjusters and agents
on their own losses. Once a client has experienced the
benefits a Public Adjuster has to offer, it is rare that they
will attempt to settle a claim without us afterwards.
Do I
have to pay up front?
No. We are not paid until money is collected from the
insurance company. In fact, we spend our own money and time
documenting and resolving your claim before we are paid
anything.
Am I
assured a higher settlement if I use your services?
Almost always. The more thorough and complete the claim, the
higher the settlement will be. We meticulously inspect the
loss site and document the damages. On severe losses where all
or most of the contents are destroyed by fire, stolen or blown
away, we will go over a variety of checklists with you to help
recap, on a room by room basis, what was in the property at
the time of the loss. Having a professional who is looking out
for your best interests and who understands the "tricks of the
trade" is invaluable.
Will my
loss be settled faster with the services of a Public Adjuster?
A
Public Adjuster knows exactly what to provide to the insurance
company in order to expedite the settlement of your claim. A
great deal of time can be saved by having our professional
Public Adjusters handle your loss. With your cooperation we
will quickly have your claim filed and the settlement process
underway.
How can
a Public Adjuster better serve me over an insurance company
adjuster?
The
insurance company adjuster is employed by the insurance
company and that is where their loyalties are. They must
strike a balance between your interests and those of their
company. A Public Adjuster works for a client's interests
exclusively.
Why
can't my insurance agent or broker handle my claim?
An agent or broker is well trained in determining your
insurance needs, and placing or writing insurance policies,
but they are not well trained in detailing insurance losses.
You can't expect your agent or broker, who is not paid to
adjust losses, to try and adjust one. They generally don't
have the time, training or facilities to render the
highly-specialized service of insurance adjusting. |