 If you are filing a claim, you want to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve. This can be complicated, both because of the details of the policy and the nature of determining how the damage occurred.
At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we provide the services necessary so you receive full settlement of your claim. Along with offering public adjuster services in Broward County, we also offer appraisal and umpire services. Let me explain when you might need an umpire, as well as the qualities you should look for from that umpire. When Umpires Are Necessary When you and your insurance company are not be able to come to an agreement on the amount of your claim, some policies are written with an appraisal and umpire clause, also known as an alternative dispute resolution. An umpire is called in when both the appraiser for you and the insurance company are unable to reach an agreement. Similar to an arbitration agreement, an umpire clause allows for a third-party to come in and resolve the dispute. The exact process will vary depending on your policy, which is why it is important to speak with an insurance professional. That said, the umpire will typically become part of an appraisal panel, consisting of the umpire, as well as representatives for both the insured and the insurance company. Only two of the three members need to agree to resolve the claim. How Do You Find the Right Insurance Claims Umpire? The umpire has a major impact on how much the property owner receives for their claim settlement, which means it is essential to work with an umpire that both parties agree to and trust and who will be fair and unbiased. There are several qualities to look for from any umpire that you are considering:
In most cases, the appraiser for the insurance company and your appraiser, will both have lists of acceptable umpire candidates. They normally share their lists and agree to a mutual and acceptable umpire in the event they are not able to reach an agreement. Looking for an Umpire or Public Adjuster in Broward County? You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we are committed to helping our clients receive the proper claim settlement. The claims process can be very complicated and daunting, and we are here to relieve you of the burden. Whether you have a new, underpaid or denied claim, or you just have a question, we are here to assist. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help you understand your insurance coverage.
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 With hurricane season quickly approaching, the best way to prepare for a hurricane is to plan ahead so that you are ready when the storm is coming. Property owners all too often find themselves unprepared and anxious when these devastating storms are heading their way. Fortunately, there are some precautionary measures you can take in advance to better protect your property and financial well-being. With a little preparation, you will be in a better position to navigate the unpredictable 2022 hurricane season. Here are 6 steps you can take ensure that you are hurricane ready and make sure you do not miss our free hurricane checklist below. #1 Verify Your Insurance Coverage Take the time to review your property’s insurance policy to verify that you are fully covered for any damage. Property insurance typically covers temporary repairs after a hurricane, in addition to extra living expenses that may be required as a result of relocating to a temporary dwelling. It is important to note that property insurance does not cover flood-related damage and you should have a separate flood policy. Additionally, make sure your insurance policy covers damage caused by hurricane and wind. #2 Have a Pre-Loss Property Inspection You should get a pre-loss property inspection before a storm in the event you need to file an insurance claim. By doing so, you are equipping yourself with sufficient evidence to prove the new damage is not pre-existing damage. This can certainly help increase your chances of receiving full coverage for your damages. Before a storm, not everyone has the time, resources, or equipment to comprehensively document the interior and exterior of their home and/or commercial property. Reliant Insurance Adjusters has a Pre-Loss Inspection Program for both residential and commercial properties in Broward and Palm Beach County and includes a complete and thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of your property. This documents the condition of your property before you have an insurance claim. Our inspections include photos and/or video report of the exterior and interior of your property together with aerial images and video footage of your roof with our state-of-the art drone equipment. It can often be difficult, if not impossible, to prove to an insurance company the full extent of your damages once disaster strikes. This is an extremely important and useful report to have prior to hurricane season. #3 Take an inventory of your property It may seem like an unnecessary step but compiling a list of all your belongings within your home or business will help show the condition of your property before they are damaged. Keep the inventory with your important documents. In the event you need to evacuate, be sure to take it with you. It is also wise to keep an electronic copy saved where you can access it anytime via your phone, tablet, or computer. #4 Prepare and Protect Your Property Prepare and protect your residential and/or commercial properties in preparation for hurricane season. Since you don’t know when or if a hurricane will impact your property, it is recommended that you prepare as if it will happen. Here are a few suggested steps you can take:
#5 Have an Emergency Stock of Necessary Supplies Having an emergency stock of supplies ready to go well in advance of a hurricane is essential. During a storm, stores and suppliers tend to run out of bottled water, medical kits, and other essential goods rather quickly. To provide for your family, it is a good idea to have these items already on hand and stored in plastic bins. Keep at least a seven-day supply. We created our own Hurricane Supply Checklist that will help you with everything you will need in case of an emergency. Click below to download your free copy. #6 Plan Your Evacuation Ahead of Time One of the most important elements of hurricane preparation is planning your evacuation process. If you think evacuations are only for those who live on or near the coast, keep in mind that hurricane storm surges can often push water tens of miles inland. If you do have to evacuate, it is important to unplug all electronics and appliances. Helpful information for planning your evacuation route can be found on your local county or city website. You will undoubtedly get instructions from local news reports as well as social media. However, it is still important to create your evacuation plan and familiarize yourself with nearby shelters and boarding options for your pets well before a storm. Review your plans with everyone in your home and make sure each person knows what to do in case of this type of emergency. In the event of a hurricane, Reliant Insurance Adjusters is here for you. Our team is experienced with handling all types of insurance claims, interpreting insurance policies, and protecting our clients’ interests throughout the entire claims process. We also have the resources to conduct pre-loss inspections which can help you with any insurance claim. Contact us today for your Pre-Loss Inspection or for more information on how we can help you. 
 If you need a public adjuster in Boca Raton, you have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we offer a variety of services designed to help you should you have an insurance claim. One of these is roof inspections recorded with a drone.
Learn why drone videos are valuable, what you should look for when hiring a drone pilot, and the situations where we may recommend a different kind of inspection. Why Are Drone Videos Valuable? You want to have as much information as possible when filing your claim. The more ambiguity, the easier it is for an insurance company to potentially deny a claim. Drone videos can provide essential information in support of your claim. A pre-loss property inspection can also help narrow down when the damage occurred. It also provides clear evidence of your property prior to a loss. This is important because insurance policies are not typically designed to cover maintenance related issues or long-term damage. Interior property inspections and drone footage can help you show the condition of your roof and the exterior and interior of your property before it is damaged. This type of report will assist in getting coverage for your claim. What Should You Look for When Hiring a Drone Video Roof Inspection Expert? The next step is to find someone to assist you and two qualities you should look for:
Are There Any Situations Where We Cannot Use Drones? Yes, there are certain situations where we cannot use drones. Airports and military bases have restrictions against civilian drones. If you own property close to either, call us and we will help you determine whether drones can be flown over your property. If there is any reason why we may not be able to use a drone, we will discuss your best options for getting your property inspected. Our goal is to make sure you have all the documentation you need for your insurance claim. Looking for a Public Adjuster in Boca Raton? You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we are committed to helping property owners receive the compensation they need in the aftermath of an unexpected event. We have been interpreting policies and handling insurance claims for years, which means you can rest easy knowing we are on your side. Do you have any questions about what we can do for you? Would you like to speak with an expert who can help you file your insurance claim? Please do not hesitate to contact us.  Hurricane season begins June 1, which means it is time for homeowners to start preparing. As the best public adjusters in the 33434 zip code, we want to make sure you have the knowledge you need.
Today, we will discuss what you should know as a Florida homeowner during hurricane season. This includes both how to prepare before the hurricane comes, as well as how to get compensation after the storm. Preparing for a Hurricane One of the best ways to protect your home is by preparing it for hurricane season. This can help reduce the need to file an insurance claim. We have spoken before about the three hurricane checklists you want to be aware of:
With regards to property damage, the Red Cross recommends that any loose objects like plants, lawn chairs, grills, are either brought inside or anchored. You also want to make sure that when planting trees, they are far enough away from your home to ensure that if they do fall over, they will not cause damage. Along with doing your best to prevent property damage, you also need to prepare for your own safety. This means determining whether you need to evacuate or shelter in place, as well as making sure you have food, water and medicine. Pre-Loss Property Inspections It is important to document the condition of your property before you have a loss. A pre-loss property inspection does just that. So, if you sustain damage to your property and you need to file an insurance claim, a report like this is the best way to prove new damage. Am I Covered for Hurricane Damage? Insurance policies vary and coverage changes from year to year so you want to make sure you understand what is covered and excluded in your policy prior to the need to file an insurance claim. Most homeowner’s insurance policies offer Hurricane and Wind coverage with a 2% deductible. The deductible is based upon a percentage of your Dwelling or Building policy limit. How Long Do I Have to File an Insurance Claim? In the state of Florida, you need to file an insurance claim for damage within two years after the date of loss. That said, it is best to file your claim as soon as possible. Along with ensuring that you receive coverage and payment for your claim in the timeliest manner possible, this also minimizes any uncertainty that could arise regarding your claim. If a long period of time lapses between when you sustain property damage and when you file a claim, you must still protect your property from further damage. If you do not, some of the damage may be attributed to events not covered by your insurance policy. This is also one of the reasons why a Pre-loss Property Inspection is so helpful as it narrows the timeframe during which the damage could have been caused, lending further proof to the fact that the damage was caused during the hurricane. Making repairs to your property, unless taking emergency measures to protect your property from further damage, is not recommended. The burden of proof is on you to show and prove damage to the carrier. Filing an insurance claim after you have repaired your property will not help your hurricane claim. Looking for the Best Public Adjusters in 33434? At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have the knowledge, understanding and experience necessary to obtain the highest claim settlement. We are well respected in the industry and are prepared to handle any residential and commercial claim. Whether you have questions about a claim, or you have been denied or underpaid on your claim, please do not hesitate to contact us. Settling claims today is complicated and we are ready to assist and guide through the process.  You likely chose to live in a condominium to make life a little simpler and to free yourself from the headaches or maintenance that comes with owning a home.
However, much like homeowner’s insurance is a critical element of owning a home, having the proper condo unit owner’s insurance is also important. Although your condominium association carries insurance, that is not necessarily going to provide coverage for your portion of the unit, your personal belongings, liability, or your loss of use. If you are currently in the market for the perfect condo for you and your family, keep in mind that you will need to invest in insurance, not only because it is required by mortgage lenders, but also because it will give you peace of mind. What does your Condominium Association Insurance Policy provide? The simple answer is that it typically covers everything from your drywall outward of your individual unit. Your condo association has what is called a Condo Master Policy. This policy covers the building itself, and that usually includes the common areas, offices or staffing spaces, and the building structure itself. If someone is injured on the property, in certain common areas, or if something goes wrong with the shared amenities and equipment such as elevators and other building systems, this policy covers those circumstances. However, it does not cover your own personal property nor the portion of your unit you own and are responsible to replace in the event of damage. Condo owners in Florida used to be required to purchase condo insurance by state law, but this is no longer the case. That being said, you should consider your risks and be aware that your mortgage lender will require it, and your condo association may also require it. What does your Condo Insurance Policy Typically Cover? Condo insurance policies (also known as an HO-6 policy) can be customized to fit your needs. In basic terms, condominium insurance provides coverage for your unit where condominium association insurance does not. A typical condo insurance policy covers your personal belongings and pays out if someone is injured inside your condo. You are responsible for the interior of your unit, so think “wall covering-in” to help define It. For example, wall texture, paint or wallpaper, kitchen, bathrooms, cabinetry, flooring etc. Much like renter’s insurance, condo insurance covers the interior of the unit. However, renter’s insurance only insures your personal belongings. Typically, for a condo owners insurance policy, you would need personal property and liability coverage in addition to coverage for your floors, wall coverings, cabinets, and fixtures that your association’s insurance does not cover. Appliances If your appliances, like your stove or washing machine, were already in your condo when you purchased it, be aware that you are liable for them. That is because “walls-in” coverage refers to anything within your unit. Your condo association’s insurance doesn’t cover them. This is true even if you didn’t bring the appliances into the condo yourself. Personal Belongings Anything inside the walls of the unit, including any items of personal property, are your responsibility. What is personal property? I like to think of it this way - If you turn your property unit upside down, everything that would fall out is your personal property. And just like with appliances, condo association master policies do not cover unit owner’s personal property. Liability What happens if someone gets hurt in your condo and they file a lawsuit? This is just another reason to get your condo owner’s insurance policy in place. That circumstance would be covered by your personal condo insurance, and not the condo association’s insurance. Every association’s insurance policy is different regarding what each unit owner is responsible for, so it is important to review your association’s policy and condominium by-laws carefully. There are circumstances when the association documents state that you are responsible for the walls and what is inside of the walls, including windows and doors. In cases such as this, you must make sure your unit owner’s insurance policy covers these items. Loss of Use If your condo unit becomes damaged and you are unable to reside in your condo, loss of use coverage will help pay for temporary housing, including any increased cost of food and other extra expenses you incur while completing repairs. Of course, the damage must be caused by a covered loss in the policy. However, the Loss of Use limit may be calculated on a percentage of your personal property limit, so be certain to confirm this detail when purchasing a policy. Investing in the Right Condo Unit Insurance As you can see, if you do not purchase insurance coverage for your unit, none of your personal belongings will be protected, and this puts you at risk. You must always remember that a catastrophe such as a fire or hurricane can happen at any time. Life is unpredictable and it’s important to make sure you are covered if disaster strikes. Whether you are purchasing a new condo or you have an existing condo owner’s insurance policy, we are here to help. We are happy to offer free policy reviews to help you ensure you have the right policy for your needs. Give us a call today at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here. |
AuthorKaren Schiffmiller Archives
September 2022
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