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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Water is something that we all can’t live without, it covers over 70% of the earth.  It is ironic that water also causes around 70% of all insurance claims.  Heavy, torrential rains, hurricanes, winter storms, and flood all are culprits of water damage.  Having water in your home is very stressful expensive for homeowners, property owners, and even the insurance companies.

Although it is somewhat common for a homeowner to find themselves with some water damage at one time or another, not all kinds of water damage are covered by insurance.  For example, if there is a rainstorm and rivers overflow and floods your basement, such an event is not covered in a regular homeowner’s Flood coverage is an add-on service you must purchase separately in many instances.

It also makes a difference on how the flooding occurred.  If a homeowner has a standard insurance policy and the water damage occurred because a tornado ripped off the roof, then your insurance will would take care of the water damages associated with the claim.  However, if it happened due to a storm surge, there’s a chance it won’t be covered.

Flooding and Natural disasters cause water-related insurance losses on a regular basis.  They are covered in the news quite often.  $40 billion dollars worth of damage in Hurricane Katrina is a shocking number.  On a smaller scale, there are practically daily water related insurance claims that amount to significant losses of money and property lost each year.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, “water damage and freezing claims occur about 1.5 times for each 100 home owner’s policies per year”.  That average is much higher than other homeowner claims like fire or theft.

There are ways to prevent some of these water damage claims.  You cannot control natural disasters, but you can prevent other types of water claims with regular maintenance.  Inspect your basement and roof on a regular basis.If you stay on top of home repairs, the odds of something catastrophic like water damage are smaller.  You can also clean out your gutters, which will help the water drain off of your roof.

It is important to utilize some tools to prevent damage as well.  If you live in a colder climate, insulate your water pipes.  It will make a big difference in them not freezing and bursting. You can also run your water very slowly overnight when it is really cold, or leave cabinets open by pipes.  If you live in a place where there are earthquakes, strap in your water heater.

You can also buy a sump pump and keep it handy in your basement.  You could hire a service to slant your lawn so water doesn’t collect against your house. Educate all members of your family how to turn off the main water shut-off valve, it is important to take action quickly if a problem is spotted.

Water is essential.  We can’t live without it.  It flows through our oceans and through our homes.  It is important to remember the disaster that water can cause, take preventative measures, and remember how to file a water damage claim if needed.

(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

There are a lot of things in life we can control, however, Mother Nature is not one of them. When misfortune lands right on top of our heads, and houses, we can be thankful for insurance policies that cover the damages. When you shop for an insurance plan, it is important to check with the agent that sold you the plan about what exactly the policy covers in relation to roofing damages caused by storms.

Some areas of the world are more prone to these types of events, like the Midwest in the United States. If you are in an area where hail and storms occur frequently, check into the roofing part of your policy in the event of damage. Sometimes, there are homeowners who suffer extensive damage to their homes and later find out that their policy does not cover roofing insurance claims for storm damage. There is no doubt that there are storms powerful enough to create a lot of problems with your roof, so it is essential you find that out before you purchase a plan.

A roof is a very essential part of the home, it is our barrier against the elements; rain, hail, or even a natural disaster. One can assume that at some point, your roof will need to be repaired. Without a roof, your home would sustain more damage.

If you sustain roof damage during bad weather, the first step you need to take is to call your insurance agent. You will need to inquire about the specifics of your policy for storm damage to the roof. Then, your agent should tell you the necessary paperwork to fill out as well as the deadlines. Explain everything that happened and break it down in detail. If you have a leak, you will need to take swift action to avoid further damage to your home. You need to let your agent know if the roof repairs are urgent. They must have this information to begin processing your roof insurance claim.

Shortly after that initial conversation, you will get contacted from their department that handles roofing insurance claims for storm damage. Afterwards, you will be contacted by an adjuster. The adjuster may want to come to your home, take pictures of the damage, and give the roofing insurance company a cost of repair or replacement.

Do not under any circumstances make any agreements or sign contracts with a contractor until you speak with your insurance adjuster. You may get estimates from contractors, however.

When that adjustment is done, then you start looking for professional contractors to make the repairs. It is very important to get a final estimate of how much it will cost. Inform them that the insurance company will be paying for these repairs, from the department that handles the roofing insurance claims for storm damage. Provide that estimate to your insurance company.

Some insurance companies choose to pay upfront, and some after the job is complete. You may need to send a final invoice from the professional to get that final payment.

(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