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

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

Many homeowners really don’t understand how important flood insurance is until it is too late. The most important thing to realize is that even if you are not required per your homeowners insurance policy to carry flood insurance, that dosen’t mean you are immune to flooding and flood damage claims.  The FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) states that 25-30% of flood damage actually takes place in areas that only have low to moderate risk of flooding.  Flood damage repair can cost more than a house is worth.  In order to avoid this tragic loss, consider purchasing flood insurance.

What is your risk
Virtually no home is immune from flood damage claims, but each has it’s own risk.  Some homes on the coast are at high risk with routine hurricanes and floods.  Other homes may be further inland, but dams, lakes, and rivers still provide a big risk.  There is a map available through FEMA that you can check your own risk on.  Still, although these maps are fairly correct and well researched, there is no such thing as a 10)% guarantee that your home will not be damaged by a flood.  There is always that ‘fluke of nature’ that not one person at FEMA can predict, and you will need adequate coverage beforehand.

Get Quotes
Before purchasing flood insurance from your home, you may want to consider getting multiple estimates to get the best coverage and price.  Get a variety of quotes from different providers, because they differ vastly.  Sometimes, one quote may be double the price of another for the same exact location and property.  Find out what the competition is before adding flood coverage onto your homeowners insurance policy.

Purchase the Policy
Once you have found the quote you want to go with, you have two options.  First, is talking to your insurance agent to make the final arrangements.  If you are going with the same company that has your home insurance, that would be the easiest.  You may be able to get  bulk discount, if you have several services there like homeowners and auto insurance.  You could also go with an online vendor.  Online insurance sites are growing in popularity and a great option for good coverage.  That requires filling out a form online and submitting it.  You will be notified if you are approved.  This is a great option for those who want to add flood insurance without having to take time out of your day to meet with an agent.

(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

An increasing number of insurance policyholders have found themselves involved deeply in an insurance dispute about claim damage. Insurance disputes can be financially devastating. A common feeling of most policyholders is that insurance companies are there to actually help them in times of need. Sometimes, that is completely true, however with larger claims, it can feel like you are being taken advantage of.

A house fire, tornado, tree through the roof, or busted pipe can cause large amounts of damage to a home and it’s belongings. People often feel reassured because they have homeowners insurance coverage or business owners insurance. That relief could be premature. Yes, your damages are covered by your insurance policy, but how much will your company pay versus what you have to pay out of pocket?

The policyholder often thinks that if they have been with a company for a number of years and never submitted claim, they will get a fair settlement. It should be that easy. You pay timely premiums, you find a good contractor and submit your claim properly, and it should be paid. However, larger claims dig deeper into the insurance company’s pockets. With more to pay out, any policyholders find out that they are NOT “in good hands,” the insurance company is NOT always “on your side,” and “like a good neighbor… there NOT always there.”

Everyone wants to believe that they will be taken care of in a time of need. That is not always true with more costly claims. These large claims become a huge, costly battle over what should and shouldn’t be replaced or repaired. Many insurance companies do wish to take care of their clients and give them a fair claim settlement for the needed repairs. Unfortunately, there are just as many companies who will do everything in their power to protect themselves financially… instead of protecting and taking care of their clients.

Not many policyholders are aware that there is a clause within their policy that protects them from insurance company greed. It’s called the insurance Appraisal Clause. The clause has a set process to settle insurance disputes that involve the “amount of loss.” If the two parties have two separate estimates and different opinions on how much money it will take to complete repairs or replacement, appraisal is the next step.

Appraisal settles disputes about damage to your home or property. If you suffer a natural disaster that destroys your home, the insurance company will send an adjuster. Disputes begin for many reasons. However, as an example, let’s say the adjuster estimates a fire damage claim at $300,000. Your contractor gives an estimate to repair the damage for $450,000. Obviously there is a dispute on the “amount of loss.” This results in a dispute between the two parties for both repairs and damages. An agreement can not be reached, as neither party is willing to budge. At that time, either party can demand appraisal in writing. Each party must appoint an Independent Appraiser to settle the insurance dispute.

For a more detailed breakdown of the Insurance Appraisal Process policyholders can educate themselves and obtain insurance dispute assistance from Insurance Claims Group.

(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

The global temperature is increasing and people are seeing more erratic weather patterns.  It may be possible in the future to see year-round flooding on a global scale.  In addition to the flooding, bush and scrub fires are becoming more severe.  We can no longer ignore these world events, nor the proof that we can wee with our own eyes, because thanks to the Internet, we see this devastation everywhere.

The good news is most people carry insurance to protect them in the event of a disaster.  They expect that in those circumstances, their claim will be handled efficiently and reasonably by their insurer.  Many families are forced to evacuate their homes due to these natural disasters.  In this situation, most people initially are overwhelmed with relief that they and their family members survived this ordeal, but as time goes on, their patience runs out.

The problem policyholders with claims are running into is that these insurance companies are overloaded with claims.  The adjusters hired by insurance companies are constantly faced with the pressure to produce high levels of service.  This level of service must be maintained on a very low budget and within limited time frames.  The people who suffer from this pressure on adjusters is the policyholder.

In Cumbria, NW England, approximately 270 families have been evacuated into temporary housing as a result of flooding.  The areas around Sydney, Australia as well as several places in the United States have suffered disastrous bush and scrub fires, and many other types of natural disasters occur all of the time.  Perhaps the most famous example of this is Hurricane Katrina, and of course South East Asia.  As global warming increases, so will the frequency of these natural disasters.

There are research figures that suggest that 40,000 families have had to leave their homes due to natural disasters.

How do you make sure your flood insurance claim is accepted?
This process begins with the selection of a policy. There are so man insurance companies to choose from, it’s hard to know the right one to pick for flood insurance.  Some may offer you incentives to buy from them, some may seem cheaper to purchase.  When it comes to insurance, the quality and value are much more important than the monthly cost.  Make a list of what you feel are the important issues and shop around until all of those issues are addressed.  Check out your current insurer as well, they may not be equipped to protect you in the event of a natural disaster or a flood.
You must be able to control and trust each of the supply chain contractors.  These include a variety of people who may be repairint different parts of your home.  Do not forget that even if you have had to evacuate or it is totally destroyed, it is still your home and you are in charge.

What is a loss adjuster?  Can I trust them with my flood insurance claim?
You will be assigned a loss adjuster who will come to your house and manage your claim on behalf of the company that will be paying your flood insurance.   They are required to be a neutral mediator between you and your insurance company.  They make sure both sides abide by the policies to best process your flood insurance claim.  The problem is, these loss adjusters sometimes fall under that same category in which each company is trying to reduce costs, and the workers could feel that pressure.
It is no longer a theory that the world climate is changing, it is a reality.  We all need to take the proper precautions to protect ourselves in the case of a flood or natural disaster.  The only way to protect something that is out of our hands is by insuring it.

What else can I do to protect myself?
You need to document all of our possessions in your home in case of a disaster. You need to find out all of your rights for your flood insurance claim; there are ten key stages that you need to understand fully.  There is a good chance any of us may undergo a disaster like this at any time, and you need to take the appropriate measures to be safe, flood insurance is the first step in that.

(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

You pay your insurance premiums 12 months a year, yet peak hurricane season is June 1st-November 30th. It makes you wonder, what are you getting for paying those insurance premiums? Was your hurricane damage claim denied? We are here for you, we work as independent insurance appraisers and will work with you to handle your hurricane damage dispute.

If you do have a written copy of your hurricane insurance policy on hand, it is very difficult to read and understand. There is a thick stack of pages with small font, and it comes with a huge surprise in the event you have to use it. Insurance companies are a profitable business. Home and business are forced by the government to pay these companies to protect our own property.

So, if you pay your monthly fee, then you are protected if another Hurricane Katrina comes in and destroys your home? Not necessarily. Your insurance company could cancel your hurricane policy for the following reasons: If you miss a payment, if you have multiple claims in one year, or if you don’t follow rules built into your policy.

You thought that purchasing this expensive insurance should guarantee you financial reimbursement in the event of a natural disaster, but the sad truth is that it does not.

The insurance company’s job is to sell their policies, usually through a local agent, who should sell the client the appropriate policies to protect their business and home assets. Do they do this to protect us? No, it is to protect the lending companies who give us those loans and their investment in our property.

Technically, you do not own a building or lot until you pay the bank all of the money you owe them. Most people realize this fact, which is fair. The bank paid for the home or business, and is making money themselves. The insurance company forces you to protect the bank’s investments.

The question that remains is, who is protecting us, the homeowners, when something happens? Do the insurance agents call us to make sure that we are familiar with all of the clauses in our policies? Your agent should give you the power to educate yourself.

The reason sometimes this doesn’t always happen is because your agent has a large, diverse, spread out client base, and their ultimate goal is to make money as well. With that said, most insurance agents, although employed for financial gain, do care about the clients, you do see some positive news stories about agents who go above and beyond in the face of destruction. That, unfortunately, is the exception to the rule.

When your home is damaged in any way, you must file a claim to get it paid for by the insurance company. It is up to you to prove that you have suffered damage. You will need to help their representative (usually called an adjuster) and to supply pictures and documentations to prove that you have suffered financially (or will)

For example, you may need receipts or proof of cost for items on your claim, and you may be required to have pictures. Without those, it will be hard to prove your loss.

Ultimately, the insurance company make a guarantee to repair or refund you the amount that you are actually out, so you can be exactly the same as you were before the disaster, not behind or ahead financially.

Before something like this happens, you need to have all of your personal belongings listed, photos taken, receipts gathered, etc. There are on line companies where you can back this information up. Take pictures of everything, you never know when you may need them. Go through every room of your home or business and at least take a picture of every room. Take individual pictures of anything with high monetary or sentimental value.

When the adjuster comes to your home or business, they base their estimates on a variety of factors including age, condition, and value of property prior to event.

It’s important to remember you may not get back what you pay for an item, if you paid $2,000 three years ago, there will be a depreciation factor weighted into the value. Again, if you have a receipt you may be able to get more back.

Another option is hiring a company to do digital photo documentation of all of your belongings, you can find these companies online if you don’t want to do it yourself.

No matter how you document or save your receipts, it will make this process much smoother if you have them in a safe place.

Your insurance company will benefit, as well as yourself, because it is less work for all parties involved, and may even expedite the process of you getting back on your feet. If you have any questions or your insurance claim has been denied, call us, we will help

(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

If your house is damaged or destroyed by fire, water, damage, or a tornado, what do you do? You call your insurance company to get it all straightened out, to file an insurance claim, and instead of answers you just get more confusion and headache.

The one thing that surprises a lot of people who submit a claim is the number of people who are involved with the process. There is the insurance adjuster, who looks over and approves repairs according to your policy. There is also the insurance agent who sold you the initial policy.

There is someone called a restoration contractor, who is essential in insurance claim help. This person’s job is to make sure your home is returned to it’s original condition, and that the job is done within the insurance company’s guidelines. Not every contractor is qualified for this, so make sure they have experience in insurance related repairs. If you still owe the bank for your house and have a mortgage, than that company will likely appoint a representative to make sure that your policy is restored for your insurance claim, because as long as they own it they have an interest in maintaining that property.

Some companies may require multiple estimates from a variety of companies. This is how they ensure they get the most cost effective price and aren’t getting ripped off. With that said, these companies do this on a regular basis and have regular contractors they work with who they trust. Sometimes, one phone call is all it takes to get a contractor.

Another factor to be aware of is depreciation. The value of property decreases over time due to normal wear and tear, as well as just becoming outdated. This could greatly affect your payout in some instances. That is not always the case, sometimes your home is at it’s full value when the incident happens.

Submitting an insurance claim is not a simple thing to do. I can get very complex for someone who hasn’t dealt with this before. Your independent insurance appraiser is a great resource to answer questions for you and provide information. If that is not the case, and if you have a substantial amount of damage, you may want to consider getting a claims assessor. They will make sure you get every dollar you deserve, and won’t allow insurance companies to treat you unfairly, they are also good as a neutral party to mediate.

Learn all that you can about your rights and unfamiliar real estate terms and you will be able to get the maximum benefits due to you and be able to get on your feet a little faster.

(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