High winds and storm damage insurance claims

Posted by admin | Posted in Home Owners Insurance Claims, Insurance Appraisal Services, Insurance Claims Dispute, Insurance Claims Help | Posted on 14-06-2010-05-2008

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As you may know, with severely high winds, we could end up with lots of damage to our home and increase insurance damage claims. These high winds will send almost anything blowing into almost anything else. It can send your lawn furniture through your windows on your home or even your car windows. It could send trees or tree limbs flying in all directions. These high winds can make it hard for motorists to drive with heavy air flow under their cars and trucks making travel difficult and dangerous. It will likewise make it hard for people to walk in these high winds.

With high winds and all of the tree limbs being blown down, these limbs could land on power lines, causing them to break and send sparks to anything close to them. These sparks could start a fire if they land on your home or even the dry leaves in your yard. These broken tree limbs would most likely come off dry, dead trees and then breaking the power lines will quickly burn as they hit the ground. This fire landing on something else will set that item on fire. If your grass is very dry, it will start to burn and close enough to set your home on fire and increase insurance damage claims.

Hurricanes and tornadoes also have severe high winds and these will cause all kinds of wind damage claims and insurance damage claims. This damage can be for miles in all directions. As these hurricanes and tornadoes don’t have to be right on top of your property to cause wind damage, you might not even be in their direct path, but you will feel the effects of it. If your home is in the direct path of a tornado or hurricane, it could completely destroy your home and send it everywhere. These high winds could send your vehicle into a tree several blocks away. People are surely at risk in addition to they can send you flying too. You might live, but you could be hurt really bad.

High winds that come with storms are many times accompanied by wet weather as well. Rains can become torrential and cause flooding in many instances. When rain is accompanied by high winds, the rain can come down hard and fast causing streams and other waterways to rise quickly. This is when there Is usually flash flood threats. You should keep close track of your television or radio when thunderstorms are expected so you will be ready in the event of flash flooding and the high winds.

(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

Quickly Settle Insurance Disputes

Posted by admin | Posted in Fire Insurance Claims, Home Owners Insurance Claims, Insurance Appraisal Services, Insurance Claims Dispute, Insurance Claims Help | Posted on 08-06-2010-05-2008

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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

Insurance Advice After A Fire, Flood or Tornado

Posted by admin | Posted in Fire Insurance Claims, Home Owners Insurance Claims, Insurance Appraisal Services, Insurance Claims Dispute, Insurance Claims Help | Posted on 28-04-2010-05-2008

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Simple insurance advice after a fire, flood or tornado is critical to obtaining a fair settlement.

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

Lightning Strike Damage Disputes With Insurance Company

Posted by admin | Posted in Fire Insurance Claims, Home Owners Insurance Claims, Insurance Claims Dispute, Insurance Claims Help | Posted on 24-04-2010-05-2008

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Not only are people confused about lightning strike damage claims, many do not even realize that their insurance policy covers lightning strike damages. Lightning can damage the electrical system, cause damages to roofing and framing, can penetrate and damage brick chimneys, and can enter a building and damage finishes like carpet, tile, walls, cabinets, and more. Lightning can also tople trees that fall on homes and buildings, and worse, cause serious fires. It’s bad enought to have had  damage caused by lightning, without having to fight with your insurance company about the damages.

Lightning usually strikes the highest elevation above the ground, but can “run” or jump to adjacent objects, such as houses, power lines, or even people or animals. Most lightning strikes enter homes and buildings through the electrical system. Such strikes can cause a multitude of issues to your home or building… that are sight unseen. Insurance compaies are infamouse for leaving unseen damages out of their estimates. If they can’t see it, they’re covinced it must not be damaged. Lightning can damage underground water lines, underground electical systems, sprinkler systems, and even foundations. Sometimes convincing the insurance company that there was no problems with these items prior to the lightning storm is a daunting task.

When it comes to lightning strike claims many people find themselves disagreeing with the estimate and analysis from their insurance company adjuster. Most of the time the insurance company’s estimate is much lower than estimates provided by local contractors. What can a policyholder do when this happens? How do you fight back? How do you find help in such a situation?

Almost all policyholders are unaware of a very powerful clause in their policy that allows then to invoke The Insurance Appraisal Process. For many insurance claim disputes the only available option to resolve such disagreements is a clause buried in the “Conditions” and/or “What to do after a loss,” sections of the insurace policy. It’s called The Appraisal Clause – also know as The Appraisal Provision.

More information is available about lightning strike claims by contacting Insurance Claims Group, Inc.  They will provide a FREE Consultation and Free Claim File Review. They can analyze your claim, your policy, the insurance company estimates, and your contractors bids to let you know where you stand. Is their more money available in your policy? Has the adjuster or contractor left out items that are covered? Be in the “Know,” and don’t be pushed around.  You didin’t let the lightning stop you… why let the insurance company?

(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

How to Hire an Independent Appraiser

Posted by admin | Posted in Appraisal Umpire, Fire Insurance Claims, Home Owners Insurance Claims, Insurance Appraisal Services, Insurance Claims Dispute, Insurance Claims Help | Posted on 16-04-2010-05-2008

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An independent appraiser will be needed to dispute your insurance claim damage with your insurance company. In many cases the insurance company has invoked Appraisal on a policyholder… who is left wondering what they need to do.What are independent appraisers?

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

A Natural Disaster can lead to an Insurance Claims Dispute

Posted by admin | Posted in Fire Insurance Claims, Home Owners Insurance Claims, Insurance Appraisal Services, Insurance Claims Dispute, Insurance Claims Help | Posted on 20-03-2010-05-2008

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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

Insurance Disputes Solved by the Insurance Appraisal Process

Posted by admin | Posted in Appraisal Umpire, Fire Insurance Claims, Home Owners Insurance Claims, Insurance Appraisal Services, Insurance Claims Dispute, Insurance Claims Help | Posted on 12-03-2010-05-2008

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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

Insurance Disputes and Insurance Damage Claim Help

Posted by admin | Posted in Insurance Claims Help | Posted on 09-03-2010-05-2008

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More and more policyholders have been finding themselves involved with an insurance dispute over their claim damage. A settlement dispute from an insurance claim can be devestating. Most people believe that their insurance company will be there to help them. In many cases that is 100% acurate. However, with larger, more complex, and more costly claims it can feel like you have your pants down around your ankles.

A large fire, water from a boken pipe, tornado, or tree on the house can cause severe, high dollar damages to a building and its contents. Policyholders immidiatley think, “Thank the lord we’re covered.” Well, not so fast. Sure, you have a policy, and you’re covered for the damages, but, how much will the insurance company pay compared to what the damages will cost to repair. Most policyholder’s often say, “I’ve been with this insurance company for 45-years and never once submitted a claim.” It should be simple, right? You’ve paid your bills all this time, you submit a bid from a reputable contractor, now the insurance company should pay it!

Hmmmm, more and more on larger, more costly claims, that begin to dig deep into the insurance companies bottom line, it doesn’t seem to be that easy. We’d like to believe that our insurance company will be there to take care of us in our time of need. However, many are not, especially with larger claims. Larger claims can become a battle over what should be replaced and what the insurance company believes can be saved and repaired. In my career as a claims professonal I have found that many insurance companies truly wish to take care of their policyholders and provide them with the maximum amount of money their policy will allow.

I’ve also found that there are just as many insurance companies that go out of their way to find ways not to pay policyholders all that they deserve on their claims. The Insurance Appraisal Process can be complicated unless you choose a competent, experienced appraiser that understands all aspects of the insurance appraisal clause, as well as all aspects of Insurance Appraisal Services. First, a brief overview of the insurance appraisal clause. Appraisal is a clause within most insurance policies that allows a process to settle insurance claim disputes. The claim disputes may be about damage to buildings or property.

Let’s say that a policyholder suffers a flood, fire, or tornado to their structure. The insurance company sends an adjuster who determines the damages to be $200,000. However, the policyholder has a contractor that has provided an estimate for $325,000. A dispute between the two parties has begun in both the cost of repairs and the scope of damages. An agreement on the costs cannot be reached. Either the insurance company or the policyholder now has the right to demand appraisal via written request. To resolve such disputes, each party must choose an insurance appraiser. Insurance Appraisal Services is what we do.

(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

Tips on Fire Insurance Claims

Posted by admin | Posted in Fire Insurance Claims, Home Owners Insurance Claims, Insurance Appraisal Services | Posted on 27-02-2010-05-2008

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If you have had a fire in your home, and you have damages you need to repair, then you are likely to have some questions about the procedure. One of the biggest questions you may need answered is “how do I file a fire insurance claim”.

You need to begin by taking a really close look at your policy and find out what coverage you have and how much coverage you have on your policy. It is important to have a complete understanding of what type of coverage you have purchased and the procedure necessary for filing a claim before you actually start. If you do not follow correct procedure then your claim may be lengthened, delayed, or rejected. It is not a simple process to file a fire insurance claim. There is so much to do that it is possible to miss something important if you are not careful. Also, there may be more damage than you can see on the surface, so you need to consult an expert.

The first thing that will happen when you submit a claim for fire insurance is that the company will send out a loss adjuster. This is an employee of the insurance company, not an independent party. Their main objective is to save the insurance company they work for money. You need to understand their role and expect they will be looking for the cheapest fix.

The things you need to find out right away when you file a fire insurance claim are; will they cover you staying in a hotel? If not, you will need to find a place to stay. Most decent insurance policies will take care of this for you, or at least have it available. As your home is being repaired, you will need to stay elsewhere, for what could be a long period of time.

It is typical for the insurance company to have a list of contractors that they prefer to use. They will try to recommend you to use these people, as it will save the insurance company money. Depending upon your policy, you may or may not be required to use those contractors, that is something you need to check out on your individual policy.

Some people who find themselves in this predicament choose to hire an independent fire insurance appraiser to help them. The independent appraiser is a lot like the claims adjuster, but instead of working for the insurance company, the independent appraiser works for you. They are working to find the best scenario and estimates for you, not the insurance company. They will complete the many steps of the fire insurance claim on your behalf.

Independent insurance appraisers can help you decide what needs to be done first, who to hire as contractors, and take care of all of the loose ends. They will make sure everything gets done as well as dealing with phone calls, meetings, communicate with contractors, surveyors, loss adjusters, and your insurance company to be certain you have received all proceeds available from your fire damage.

Filing a claim for fire insurance is not a simple task by any means, but if you find yourself in that situation having someone on your side to help you is the way to go.

(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

Insurance Advice: Never Take The Adjusters Word For It!

Posted by admin | Posted in Fire Insurance Claims, Home Owners Insurance Claims, Insurance Claims Dispute, Insurance Claims Help | Posted on 24-02-2010-05-2008

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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;

Insurance Advice - Line Item Est. ExampleAlthough 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