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

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

Everyone Should Consider Flood Insurance!

Flooding can occur near rivers, when flow exceeds the capacity of the river channel, particularly at bends or meanders.  The type of land that is prone to flooding are broad and flat usually situated on the banks of a river or main waterway. Rivers that flood are regarded in three different stages. Water comes off the mountains, eroding the beds and banks of the river as it flows. This type river travels through broad valleys which slows the current of the river down. If the current is slow it will transport less material down the river. Little if not any erosion takes place most of the material that is carried in the current is suspended and deposited to the form a flood plain.

Floods often cause damage to homes and businesses if they are placed in natural flood plains of rivers. While flood damage can be virtually eliminated by moving away from rivers and other bodies of water, since time out of mind, people have lived and worked by the water to seek sustenance and capitalize on the gains of cheap and easy travel and commerce by being near water. That humans continue to inhabit areas threatened by flood damage is evidence that the perceived value of living near the water exceeds the cost of repeated periodic flooding.

The word “flood” comes from the Old English flood, a word common to Germanic languages (compare German Flut, Dutch vloed from the same root as is seen in flow, float; also compare with Latin fluctus, flumen). Deluge myths are mythical stories of a great flood sent by a deity or deities to destroy civilization as an act of divine retribution, and are featured in the mythology of many cultures.

What causes floods?

Flooded areas of land usually start off as very dry land. Floods are caused by heavy rains that pour too much water into rivers and other waterways, making these natural channels unable to carry all the water. Rising water flows over or breaks the banks to the waterways causing the surrounding land to be flooded. Different causes of floods can come from masses of snow melting of tidal waves.

What do Flood insurance companies give?

Insurers in the United States do not provide flood insurance coverage due to the hazard of flood typically being confined to a few areas. As a result, it is an unacceptable risk due to the inability to spread the risk on a wide enough population to absorb the potential catastrophic nature of the hazard. In response to this, the federal government created the National Flood Insurance Program in 1968. Wherein found that 33 percent of U.S. heads of household still hold the false belief that flood damage is covered by a standard homeowner’s policy. FEMA states approximately 50% of low flood zone risk borrowers think they are ineligible and CAN NOT buy flood insurance. Anyone can buy flood insurance as long as their community participates in the NFIP, even renters.
If you are eligible, you must purchase a separate flood insurance policy through an insurance company that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance is available for residents of approximately 19,000 communities nationwide.

Flood insurance actually denotes the specific insurance coverage against property loss from flooding. To determine risk factors for specific properties, insurers will often refer to topographical maps that denote lowlands and floodplains that are susceptible to flooding.

(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

Winter and spring storms can often include tornado activity in many southern states.  In a recent news interview even an insurance company adjuster admits that many damages from tornadoes are often overlooked.  Policyholders should educate themselves of the various items to look for and how to detect subtle damage which could be very costly and show up months or years after the tornado is long gone.

Many Huntsville, AL neighborhoods were affected by an EF-2 tornado on Thursday Jan, 28th 2010.  Most of the damage created by tornadoes and high winds are pretty hard to miss, but even insurance adjusters can miss storm damages, if they fail to look closely.

A thorough inspection by a insurance claim consultant or independent insurance appraiser is suggested.  Too many policyholders take their adjusters word for it, without getting a second opinion.  This should almost never happen.  Protect yourself and your home by educating yourself on these few wind damage inspection tips.

• Plumbing:  High winds can shake or rack your home or building.  Policyholders should turn on all faucets in bathrooms and kitchens, then open all cabinets after a few minutes to check the plumbing lines for leaks.  Flush all toilets and run all baths and showers as well.  Look at the ceilings below for water stains.
• Roofing/Siding:  Look for flying debris that may have cracked, gauges or ripped in to your siding.  High winds can also rip and tear your roof shingles allowing water entry.
• Windows & Gutters:  Wind and flying debris can crack window glass, rip screens, and dent gutters.
• Brick & Foundations:  Check for cracking and separation.  Wind can also cause uplift to foundations.  Check the perimeter of crawlspaces.  Severe damages can be hidden.
• Interior:  High winds can cause stress cracks in corners of walls, and above doors and windows.  Check for settling of floors by using a level.  Over the following few days and weeks, keep an eye out for water stains or yellowing on the walls and ceilings, which could indicate hidden roof leaks.

Insurance companies and their engineers have even been sued for failing to recognize many of these types of damages for insurance claims following high winds and tornadoes.  CNN reported ”State Farm Penalized in Suit Over Tornado Claims :”

State Farm acted “recklessly” and “with malice” in handling insurance claims from dozens of families whose homes were damaged when a wave of tornadoes, including the strongest in recorded history, swept through Oklahoma in 1999, a jury has decided.

The verdict…delivered millions to the lead plaintiffs…

The jury in the District Court of Grady County, Oklahoma, awarded Donald and Bridget Watkins almost $13 million in total damages for their part in the class action suit against the nation’s largest insurer….

As we are all well aware tornadoes have very strong winds.  Even tornadoes that do not actually “touch-down” can cause significant pressure on buildings.  Such winds will push and pull on the structures causing fasteners and building parts to become compromised.

Above all, as stated, call an insurance claim consultant or independent insurance appraiser to inspect your property and be sure your home is safe.  Feel free to call Insurance Claims Group, Inc. at 919-669-9111 to have all your questions answered.

(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