 Representing policyholders with property damage claims can sometimes get complicated, depending on the type of claim, the extent of the damages, or if there have been prior claims.
The detail that goes into preparing and submitting a proper claim to the insurance company is key. The insurance company may have a different opinion about the cost of repairs or whether something can be repaired or needs to be replaced. A damage estimate should never be inflated for any reason and only include items that are related to the insurance claim. As Public Adjusters, we ask many questions about how the damage occurred and inspect the damages being presented. We document the damages and prepare a detailed line-item cost estimate of the damages with photographic support. Proper Documentation Obtaining information, especially if there are overlapping damages from a different claim is important. Aside from that, documenting items that are not damaged can get tricky. Are the “non” damaged areas continuous and in the same line of sight as the actual damaged areas? Were those parts of the building covered in the prior claim? Are there policy coverage limits that would limit the amount of coverage to the “matching” areas? Having a complete copy of the policy in effect at the time of loss will provide coverages, limits, and exclusions. Explaining this to our clients helps set proper claim coverage expectations. Estimating Software We utilize estimating software compatible with industry standards that allow us to create an itemized damage estimate. We include supporting photographic evidence and when needed, use our thermal imaging camera for further support to provide evidence of water damage. Tools & Equipment Having a good arsenal of tools and the proper equipment to assist us in documenting your claim is integral. From our drone, cameras, thermal imaging cameras, Matterport camera, laser and tape measures, levels, measuring wheels, see scope, and ladders, we are equipped. Contact us today if you have any questions or if you need help with a new, underpaid, or denied insurance claim. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters our team has the knowledge and experience to handle all types of insurance claims.
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 Hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall on the west coast of Florida in recent months causing both flood and wind damage, and properties in the direct path of these hurricanes took the brunt of the impact upon landfall.
Having inspected multiple commercial and residential properties that sustained damage, separating the flood and wind damage was imperative to properly determine the amount of damage from each and through which policy to claim the damage. Because some clients quickly began mitigation, and mitigation was underway, we did not see the initial damage. Thankfully, they had photos and videos from each flood, which documented how high the waters were for each storm. Our residential client sustained both flood and wind damage. We had to separate the damages and prepare two different building damage estimates and two separate personal property inventories for each claim. On one of the commercial residential buildings, the primary damage was from flooding. Although they did have some wind damage to the roof and some balconies, their hurricane deductible was so high, that the wind damage would not exceed their deductible. Therefore, it did not make sense for them to file a hurricane claim. In another case where a building sustained structural damage to main supports from flooding, experts and engineers were needed to help determine not only the safety of the building but a detailed plan to repair the structural damage. On this claim, they also sustained wind damage to some of the common areas, as well as damage to the residential apartments. Again, separate estimates for both flood and wind needed to be completed. If you have any questions about your coverage, or you are not sure which claim to file, please contact us today for a free consultation. We have the knowledge and experience to know what types of damage should be filed under flood insurance and hurricane insurance policies. Whether you have a new or underpaid property damage insurance claim, see how we can help you. Call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here. |
