Insurance Claims Help & ServicesFor Insurance Claim Disputes, Independent Appraiser, Insurance Appraisal Process, and Appraisal Umpire Services!

To the highest degree all people purchase an insurance policy  – whether it is homeowners insurance or another – without reflecting much about what they are actually purchasing. The most common thing is the premium or the cost one pays. Premium is the biggest cause of the insurance coverage purchase that seems to concern most people. When it comes to other basics of the insurance product people buy, the concerns are usually absent. Many purchasers seem to think that the policy we shop for is the same, no matter which company you buy it from. This attitude is based from a fundamental misunderstanding of what an insurance product is – and how the insurance underground is functioning. It can also cause insurance disputes.

Of course it is of the utmost importance not to pay more for any insurance products than is necessary. However, on occasion we are unaware of the coverage we have with our property until we file a claim. That is when you discover that there was not an efficient amount of coverage available for the loss. Unfortunately, many people find this out after it’s too late. Such large loss claims like fire or flooding can lead to very costly repairs in the tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Owners of motorcycles, boats or motor-homes can be surprised to learn that neither their homeowners policy nor their auto insurance policy covers them for any damage affiliated with such property.

Non-traditional (or inland marine as some are called) policies is a custom sector of insurance. Such type of insurance deals with property and items that would not traditionally fall under the typical property or automobile insurance policies. Such items include boats, snowmobiles, ATV’s and non commercial watercraft. You will find that your current insurance company does not issue coverage for these types of goods, in this case you should inquire about a specialty insurance company.

Accidents happen, be it in your home, car or even riding our ATV. By making sure you have adequate coverage we can prevent a small accident from causing a financial nightmare. Imagine having a large fire or tornado claim that cost $250,000… and only being covered for $150,000. We encounter such tragic events everyday when we assist families with their insurance disputes. Educating yourself about your policy can protect you from costly situations at a later date.

(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE as part of our FREE Insurance Claim Consulting Service – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Insurance Claim Help and questions about Independent Appraiser Services is available by visiting Insurance Claims Group | Insurance Appraisal Services | Insurance Appraisal Process | Insurance Appraisal Umpire | Fire Insurance Claims

Oklahomans, who already pay among the highest insurance rates for homeowners insurance, have a couple of reasons to take comfort despite recent hail storms that caused millions of dollars of damage.

A state law prohibits insurance companies from canceling or failing to renew a homeowners policy or raising the premium because the property owner filed a first claim against the policy.

“That first claim you have an opportunity to file without any impact on the policy,” said Marc Young, state assistant insurance commissioner. “That’s why it’s important that you view that policy as an insurance policy for umbrella protection, and not simply as a maintenance policy.”

Insurance companies providing coverage in Oklahoma are prepared for major storm damage claims, Young said.

“In Oklahoma, we also have a very competitive market, particularly on the property and casualty side,” he said. That provides Oklahomans with an opportunity to shop around if an insurance provider does raise rates.

The Sunday hailstorm potentially could produce greater insured losses than last week’s tornadoes because much of the hail damage was in heavily urban areas, Young said.

Jerry Johns, president of Southwest Insurance Information Service, estimated last week’s tornadoes will amount to “tens of millions of dollars” in insured losses.

Insurance companies typically set rates by evaluating losses over a period of several years. Oklahoma’s turbulent weather is the major reason its residents already pay among the highest homeowners rates in the nation.

“We might see modest increases. It’s dependent upon the company and their exposure in these recent events,” Young said. “They do price for these events over a three- to five-year period of time so I don’t anticipate any disruption at all to the Oklahoma insurance market.”

Oklahomans in 2007 paid the fifth-highest rates for homeowners and renters insurance, according to a survey by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The average premium for homeowners insurance paid in Oklahoma was $1,054; nationally, the average premium was $822.

Johns said while each individual company will determine, based on its losses over time, whether to raise rates, Oklahomans will continue to pay more than most.

“Oklahoma is subject to just about every weather-related disaster known to man,” Johns said, “including earthquakes.

“It’s a state that has and probably will continue to be ravaged by severe weather.”

If you have suffered hail damage from hail stroms, tornado damage or any other weather damage insurance claims in Oklahoma, (OK) and need help with your insurance claim or to dispute your insurance companys estimate, please contact Joe Brennan at the numbers below.

(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE as part of our FREE Insurance Claim Consulting Service – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Insurance Claim Help and questions about Independent Appraiser Services is available by visiting Insurance Claims Group | Insurance Appraisal Services | Insurance Appraisal Process | Insurance Appraisal Umpire | Fire Insurance Claims

What damages can a tornado cause to policyholders?

Based from Wikipedia, a tornado is “a violently rotating column of air, in contact with the ground, either pendant from acumuliform cloud or underneath a cumuliform cloud, and often (but not always) visible as a funnel cloud. The word “Tornado” comes from the Latin word tonare meaning “to thunder”. Tornadoes are commonly known as twister for many.

When hot air and cold air are mixed, the clouds grow larger and larger. Finally, a thunderstorm is brewed up with a strong updraft. The moisture in the warm air rises and condenses into large clouds which form different kinds of tornadoes. Most tornadoes take on the appearance of a narrow funnel, a few hundred yards (meters) across, with a small cloud of debris near the ground. Tornadoes may be obscured completely by rain or dust. These tornadoes are especially dangerous, as even experienced meteorologists might not spot them. Tornadoes can appear in many shapes and sizes.

Tornadoes are known to be one of the most unpredictable forces of nature and the only warning you might get is the dark clouds you see coming your way. Tornadoes can bring devastations which can bring burdens to many people. It can destroy building and anything in its path, bring death, flooding, hail damage, wind damage that can reach to almost 140 mph and lastly, tornadoes can also cause fire.

There are also instances wherein, not only people and building get destroyed. But also, it gives bad effects in our own surroundings. Many trees can to be uprooted and killed. Thus, this contributes to global warming as the trees take in carbon and dioxide and gives out oxygen during photosynthesis. The ecosystem will become imbalanced as the animal population would most likely be wiped out. Dirt and debris from the damaged and collapsed infrastructures and buildings will circulate in the environment, resulting in pollution.

Many would say that areas near rivers, lakes, and mountains are safe from tornadoes. Myths like this are basically not true. No place is safe from tornadoes. In the late 1980′s, a tornado swept through Yellowstone National Park leaving a path of destruction up and down a 10,000 ft. mountain. One would also say that windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage. But actually, opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place.

Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes despite advance warning. Some did not hear the warning while others received the warning but did not believe a tornado would actually affect them. Being prepared could save your life in the event a tornado threatens your area. After you have received the warning or observed threatening skies, YOU must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives. It could be the most important decision you will ever make.

If you need help with a tornado damage claim or tornado damage claim help, visit the websites listed below or call us at the number below.

(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE as part of our FREE Insurance Claim Consulting Service – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Insurance Claim Help and questions about Independent Appraiser Services is available by visiting Insurance Claims Group | Insurance Appraisal Services | Insurance Appraisal Process | Insurance Appraisal Umpire | Fire Insurance Claims

Unexpected events really do occur, in spite of our natural tendency to anticipate or prevent them. Dealing with damages caused by fire, water or tornadoes is one of those unpredictable incidents. Due to their foreseen nature, such events are the most alarming and destructive, both from a financial point of view and from a generally human one. Flooding, due to astronomically influenced phenomena such as high tides frequently coinciding with the occurrence of heavy rainfall, while fire damage mainly occurs in deadly combination of grease, open burner fire, water and electricity that causes heat combustion. In most cases, these incidents can be accidental, or involuntary, even premeditated.  Where Tornadoes are more unpredictable.

Unfortunately, once the damage is done, there is no turning back. Fire damage, water, flooding, and tornado damages are usually covered under most insurance policies. Some insurance companies give you the feeling of protection, but wen you need them the most, they fall short of providing the services and coverage you believed you had.  Many policyholders unfortunately find out too late that they are NOT… “In good hands,” there is NO… “Like a good neighbor,” and there is NOT… anyone “On your side.”

Many insurance companies have been know under estimate the damages associated with fire damage, flood damage, and tornado damage. This is know in the industry as “low-balling.”  It’s essential that a proper repair is carried out on your property, so all traces of damage associated with the insurance claim will be fixed.  You have paid to have all damages repaired by a professional contractor to a pre-loss condition. Many insurance companies will use engineers to “sister,” beams or trusses, using the “band-aid,” approach. Prior to the loss you did not have a repaired or sistered beam, you had a full, undamaged beam. The policy you purchased provides you with a repair to a pre-loos condition. Prior to the fire, flood, or tornado you did not have a band-aid… and you should be sure you do not have one after.

If you have suffered a fire damage claim, a water or flood claim, even tornado damage, you may find yourself fighting with your insurance company on the repairs. Your insurance policy can actually protect you via the Insurance Appraisal Clause. Get free information and insurance advice on how to use an independent appraiser to settle your insurance claim dispute by visiting Insurance Claims Group, Inc. or Insurance Appraisal Process .com

(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE as part of our FREE Insurance Claim Consulting Service – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Insurance Claim Help and questions about Independent Appraiser Services is available by visiting Insurance Claims Group | Insurance Appraisal Services | Insurance Appraisal Process | Insurance Appraisal Umpire | Fire Insurance Claims

Independent insurance appraisers provide an unbiased evaluation of claim damage based upon what the policy provides. Individuals and businesses purchase insurance policies to protect against monetary losses. In the event of a loss, policyholders submit claims, or requests for payment, seeking compensation for their loss. When a disagreement on the amount the repairs will cost arises; each party can hire an independent appraiser via he insurance appraisal clause.

Their main role is to investigate claims, negotiate settlements, and reach an agreement on the amount of loss. Some even investigate claims by interviewing the claimant and witnesses, consulting police and hospital records, and inspecting property damage to determine how much the company should pay for the loss. They may consult with other professionals, such as accountants, architects, construction workers, engineers, lawyers, and physicians, who can offer a more expert evaluation of a claim. The information gathered—including photographs and statements, either written, or recorded audio or video—is set down in a report that is then used to evaluate the claim.

When is the right time to hire an independent appraiser?

An independent appraiser is not needed until you actually have a dispute. Most of the time an independent appraiser is needed hen serious damages occur from fire, floods, earthquake,tornados, lightning strikes and hail.  If you want an independent opinion or are having problems collecting money on your loss, you can consult with an Independent Insurance Appraiser to determine if you should consider the appraisal process.

If you find your self in this unfortunate situation, Insurance Claims Group, Inc. provides a Free Insurance Claim Review.

(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE as part of our FREE Insurance Claim Consulting Service – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Insurance Claim Help and questions about Independent Appraiser Services is available by visiting Insurance Claims Group | Insurance Appraisal Services | Insurance Appraisal Process | Insurance Appraisal Umpire | Fire Insurance Claims

Home insurance covers a variety of things that can go wrong in a home.  A fire damage claim is one of them, that can cause tragedy by losing personal belongings that are irreplaceable.  When fire damage happens, there is often not just fire damage, but water damage caused by:

1. Fireman’s efforts to put out the fire by using fire hoses
2. Broken water pipes that burst from the high temperatures

Although the loss may be from fire damage, another side effect of the water damage is that a restoration crew may be needed to clean up the mold left afterwards.  Any time there is water damage, mold can and usually does occur as a side effect. Most mold can grow in less than 24 hours.  A restoration team then needs to come in an address any mold issues associated with the loss.

The restoration crew will set up a time to come to the location to assess the fire damage first.  They would include many things in this assessment, like what type of damage has been done by the fire and water and which areas will need to have mold cleaned.  Although this is not as simple as it seems, hiring the right crew should make it a very easy job.  A very complete site inspection should be done.

Once the inspection of site has been completed and repairs that need to be completed is recognized, the next thing to do would be to find the main source of the problem.  For example, the electrical or plumbing may have been of inferior quality, or just located too closely to the fire.  The restoration team would now proceed with repairs.

Once the assessment is completed, the team would need to move on to cleaning up the damage by the water first.  This includes:

1. Removing traces of toxic airborne particles by using air filtering and fogging techniques
2. Clearing trash and debris from un-salvageable items
3. Using a pump to get standing water out of the building

There could be a heavy mold buildup if the damage was extensive or a lot of time has passed before clean up.  There is a specific set of steps that go with the clean up process for mold.  These steps include:

1. Finding heavy moisture areas in the house and determine reason for moisture
2. Finding out if rooms have enough ventilation to control moisture levels
3. Determining levels of mold to find out how intensive of a treatment is required
4. Identifying the type of mold and levels of toxicity.

Some types of mold are very dangerous and can cause illness or death. Restoration and repair for water damage can be a very time consuming and tedious task, but having a proper team with experience will make you feel much more comfortable that the damages are being assessed properly.

If you have experienced a fire and are going through a fire damage claim, we can help you.

(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE as part of our FREE Insurance Claim Consulting Service – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Insurance Claim Help and questions about Independent Appraiser Services is available by visiting Insurance Claims Group | Insurance Appraisal Services | Insurance Appraisal Process | Insurance Appraisal Umpire | Fire Insurance Claims

Natural disasters can change the face of the world. Believe it or not, the strongest earthquake ever recorded in the United States was located in Missouri, not California. This earthquake was so powerful that it actually changed the Mississippi River’s course. We do not have the power to stop them from happening, but we can do a much better job preparing ourselves from the consequences and protect ourselves from an insurance claims dispute.

Every state that borders the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, which is twenty states including Hawaii face hurricane threats on a yearly basis. The population of the United States continues to grow exponentially, and so does the threat of facing a catastrophe. Tornado, Hurricanes, Floods, and Earthquakes happen all over the United States.

Home values have decreased in some areas that have a lot of natural disasters. Most homeowners have a large amount of their money tied up in their homes. This puts them at huge risk with their finances. Recent natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Rita and Katrina showed us that we are not prepared for natural disasters.

There are many great ideas to help Americans prepare for these natural disasters, and national coalitions like protectingamerica.org advocate these. These organizations are made up of first responders as well as emergency management officials.

One basic solution to this is the emergency of privately funded, but sponsored by government funds for catastrophe. This money would accumulate before a disaster occurred, and is a combination of insurance premiums and government money. This way, the states can fund their own restoration from natural disasters. If property owners can’t be covered by one state, then the federal government would step in. Money would be designated for this one purpose, and could grow every year it wasn’t used.

Another solution includes training and strengthening first responders, better land use policies, and better building codes. A better solution is not going to happen overnight, so here is what you can do in the meantime to prepare yourself:

1. Familiarize yourself with your town’s disaster plans and come up with a family disaster plan.
2. Create an emergency supply kit that has plenty of nonperishable food, can opener, paper plates and utensils, lots of bottled water, first-aid kids, flashlight and radio, and plenty of batteries
3. Put everything important in water and fire proof containers; wills, insurance policies, passports, birth certificates, financial information, phone numbers, etc.
4. Create a video inventory of your personal property and keep as many receipts as possible.

As stated earlier, “We do not have the power to stop Natural Disaters from happening, but we can do a much better job preparing ourselves from the consequences and protect ourselves from an insurance claims dispute.

(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE as part of our FREE Insurance Claim Consulting Service – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Insurance Claim Help and questions about Independent Appraiser Services is available by visiting Insurance Claims Group | Insurance Appraisal Services | Insurance Appraisal Process | Insurance Appraisal Umpire | Fire Insurance Claims

Many policyholders will rely on the adjuster sent by their insurance company to arrive for a meeting, inspect the claim damages, and provide an estimate for what they believe is a fair settlement of the claim. This is a mistake of enormous proportion that should almost NEVER HAPPEN! Insurance advice rule number one is… Don’t Let It Happen!

I’m not insinuating that there isn’t any good, hard working, professional adjusters remaining out there. I’m also not insinuating that all the adjusters are not trustworthy, or that all adjusters are trying to cheat people. There are many professional and courteous adjusters that go above the call of duty for many policyholders. However, are we so blind an delusional to think that an adjuster can’t make mistakes, that there will never be an adjuster that misses hidden damages, or that every adjuster who works for your insurance company has multiple years of experience with the type of claim on your building? Not Very Likely!

Have you ever obtained a second opinion before having a mechanic do major work on your car? Have you, or anyone you know, ever secured a second opinion before having surgery? A second opinion when hiring a landscaper, when buying a computer, or when hiring a contractor? Have you ever obtained more than one estimate to have work done on your home? Excuse me for assuming that you’ve answered a very loud and proud “YES,” to more than one of these questions, or all for that matter. Then why will policyholders (homeowners and business owners) allow the insurance company’s adjuster to out-right “TELL THEM,” what the damages of their insurance claim will cost without looking into themselves?

Many insurance company adjusters have attended classes to pass an insurance exam and have also attended classes to use insurance claim estimating programs. However, these same adjusters have never worked for a construction company, nor have they ever repaired or built a home, and many have never repaired any damages at their own home. If you end up with this type of adjuster to assess your insurance claim damages, chances are, they will likely miss items, materials, or construction procedures that are required to properly repair the damages.

Simply put, this is what you have been paying for all this time. To be protected when you have a claim. No one would require insurance advice from a professional to realize that this is YOUR money, it is YOUR insurance policy, it is YOUR property, which in turn makes it YOUR responsibility to protect yourself from mistakes or from being taken advantage of. Again, the insurance company adjuster could be 100% accurate with the final analysis and estimate numbers for your claim damages. Regardless of what you think may be true, YOU should be sure. Policyholders need to have an independent insurance appraiser or contractor provide them with a line item, detailed estimate that will ensure their adjuster was correct.

What Qualifies As A Line-Item, Detailed Insurance Claim Estimate?

Many contractors may use a square foot cost to replace a roof or siding on a home. However, insurance companies usually require an estimate that has been detailed by separating each line-item individually. By using the replacement of a damaged roof in our example; the insurance companies will require that each process and layer of the repairs be listed. They need to view each type of material being used to ensure the insured is not upgrading what they had. Surely the insured can upgrade, but, the insured pays for the difference between what they had and what they are upgrading to. That’s the reason they wish to see all items listed separately. Here’s an example of a detailed, line-item insurance repair estimate;

Although the numbers in the example are fictitious; it shows the basics of a Line Item, Detailed, Insurance Damage Estimate. Each of the line-items has been separated in complete detail. The estimate also breaks-down the descriptions, quantities, unit costs, and totals for each item as well. This type of detail is required and needed, so the insurance companies can compare and review each of the items unit costs with their adjusters numbers. Submitting the claim estimate in the format requested by your insurance company will result in a much faster settlement of the claim.

In events when their is an insurance dispute; by issuing a more detailed estimate – provides a much smoother, less time consuming process. It’s much more difficult for your insurance company to dispute an insurance claim estimate that is presented in the exact format that they have requested.

Watch out for yourself, protect and educate yourself, and always seek insurance advice by obtaining a second opinion. This should be the first thought on any and all insurance claim damages you happen to incur. If you fail to look out for yourself… Nobody Will?

(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE as part of our FREE Insurance Claim Consulting Service – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Insurance Claim Help and questions about Independent Appraiser Services is available by visiting Insurance Claims Group | Insurance Appraisal Services | Insurance Appraisal Process | Insurance Appraisal Umpire | Fire Insurance Claims