 In our work as Fort Lauderdale public adjusters, we have helped property owners file insurance claims for property damage caused by fire, water damage, flooding, hurricanes, and tornados.
As a Florida property owner, there are important things you want to know about the causes of fire. This includes how much risk fires represent in Florida, as well as the insurance policy most likely to provide coverage. Check Your Insurance Coverage As public adjusters, we help property owners receive claim settlements from their insurance company after a loss or disaster has occurred. That said, we are limited in what we can do if your policy does not provide coverage in the event of a fire or loss. This is why it is important to understand your insurance policy and the coverage it provides. Most insurance policies provide coverage for fire damage if the fire was caused accidentally. This includes but is not limited to damage caused by:
If the fire was set intentionally, it is considered arson and is excluded from both residential and commercial insurance policies. To better understand what is covered your insurance policy, it is important to speak with a public adjuster. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage Caused by the Fire Department? While putting out a fire, the fire department can actually cause more damage to your property such as water damage or drywall damage just to name a few. We previously discussed an incident where a client was without power for a week and therefore was not able to mitigate the water the fire department used to put out the fire. As you would expect, mold started to grow, and we had to not only address the fire and smoke damage, but include the water damage and mold. It is important to note that water and mold damage are not the fire department’s responsibility. Their goal and purpose are to ensure that the fire is put out as quickly as possible all while keeping their firefighters safe from harm. Are Florida Properties at Serious Risk for Fire? Florida has the third largest number of properties at risk for wildfire damage, after California and Texas. While this is a startling number, it also speaks to the size of the state. Wyoming and New Mexico have a higher percentage of properties at risk, but they have less properties overall. Because Florida is a humid state, fires do not spread the way they do in California which is typically drier throughout the year. Of course, even with all these factors, residential and commercial property owners still need to be careful. Even if wildfires are less severe in Florida than in other states, it is still very possible for a fire to start in your home or business. We recommend following these fire prevention and safety tips to say safe and help prevent a fire. Looking for a Public Adjuster in Fort Lauderdale? At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we are committed to helping residential and commercial property owners understand their policy and get the settlement they deserve from their insurance company. If you have any questions about how we can help you or would you like to speak with us regarding your insurance claim, contact us today.
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 As a silent lurker, water leakage can cause devastating damage to your property. This is because some leaks occur gradually, without any warning or fanfare.
There are a multitude of reasons why your property may be prone to leaks, and identifying these reasons is not always easy. Older structures, for example, may need to be updated to prevent water entry in ways that are not obvious at first glance. If necessary updates to your home or office are not completed, you may find yourself facing water damage to some degree. This is especially true in locations where storms or heavy rainfall are common, like in Florida. Here are a few tips to prevent water from entering your property through windows, doors, and your roof. Windows Windows in older buildings are often prone to water leakage. Often, these windows have been affected by years of temperature variation, the home moving and settling, and old caulk beginning to crack. These factors all play a role in the window no longer being watertight. If you notice gaps between your window and the wall, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent water entry. These steps include removing debris from weep holes, the tiny passages for water to escape your home's building envelope near the bottom of the window. You can also remove old caulk and re-caulk the window frame. If you complete these steps and are still experiencing water leaks around your windows, reach out to a local contractor for an evaluation and perhaps a full window replacement. Doors Typically, water entry occurs underneath doors leading outside. These leaks happen when there is a gap between the threshold plate and the bottom of the door, or when the plate is not properly sealed. These leaks can be costly especially if your interior floor gets damaged, or if the water has spread throughout the property. If you notice water entering your structure through an exterior door, you may need to replace the door threshold plate. This can be done in a few steps:
Water leaks can also be deterred through weatherstripping, canopies, overhangs, and awnings to minimize water entry in the vicinity of the door. Roofs Leaky roofs are best prevented through the use of quality building materials. These materials include waterproof barriers, which function to prevent water seeping into areas including a vent, skylight or chimney. One way to protect your property is to install pre-manufactured flashing. Similar to waterproof barriers, flashing directs water away from openings prone to water leakage in the roof. Another level of protection for your roof would be installing roof deck protection when installing a new roof. This can create a barrier underneath your shingles, effectively keeping water from leaking through any gaps in the shingles. Lastly, consider ventilating your attic. Hot and humid attics allow for the presence of moisture, increasing the likelihood of mold. Do You Have Water Damage? Have you discovered water damage within your home or office? Are you unsure of the extent of the damage or how to proceed with if you have an insurance claim? We are here to assist you! At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we specialize in commercial and residential insurance claims, including mold and water damage. Our adjusters are prepared to guide you through this stressful process by asking the right questions, so that you don’t have to. Contact us today, we are here to help.  There are more than 50,000 employer establishments in Palm Beach County. While these businesses can represent major sources of revenue for their owners, they are also at risk for all kinds of property damage: weather events, fire, theft, water damage and more.
If you own a business in the area, it is a good idea to speak with a public adjuster in West Palm Beach. We can help you understand what coverage you have and help you file an insurance claim. Many business owners have business personal property insurance, which provides essential coverage. What Is Business Personal Property Insurance Designed to Cover? Business personal property (BPP) coverage is part of a broader commercial property insurance policy. While the broader commercial policy is likely to provide coverage for the building if you own it, BPP specifically is designed to encompass the items that are not a part of the building. This can include:
While BPP does not provide coverage for the building, it will likely provide coverage for improvements you have made to the building. It is designed to protect against several different kinds of property damage like water, fire storms, theft, and vandalism damages. As always, policy coverage varies from policy to policy and we will review your policy to determine and help you understand your coverages. Does Business Personal Property Insurance Cover Office Equipment in My Home? Business personal property coverage can include office equipment if you have a home-based business. If you own a home-based business, it is important to review your homeowners insurance policy because it may not provide the coverage you need. Depending on the size of your home-based business, you may need to supplement your homeowners insurance policy with increased business property limits, an in-home business policy, or business personal property insurance. Business personal property insurance is also tax-deductible, which makes it a great choice for all kinds of businesses. Does BPP Cover Other People’s Personal Property? There may be situations where another person’s property is put under your care, control, or custody. While BPP will not provide coverage, the broader commercial property insurance policy will. What If Your Insurance Company Disagrees Regarding Your BPP Coverage? If your insurance company denies your claim, there are still options to receive a claim settlement. The earlier you choose to work with a public adjuster, the better. We thoroughly document your claim, and assist with making sure all of your post loss policy obligations are met. Additionally, we can provide a pre-loss inspection report before damage even occurs and prove the condition of your property prior to any loss. I cannot stress enough how our clients who sustained flood and wind damage from Hurricane Ian wished they had done this as we sift through all the damage and try to document their damaged business personal property. Are You Looking for a Public Adjuster in West Palm Beach? You have come to the right place. We are experienced public adjusters and are dedicated to helping homeowners and business owners get the settlement you deserve. If you have any questions or would like to speak with us, contact us today. We are always happy to help.  The Atlantic Ocean experienced several hurricanes of the 2022 season after months of mostly calm. Before making landfall as a catastrophic Category 4 Hurricane on the west coast of Florida, Ian as it traveled through the gulf waters, produced Tornados in the outer bands which affected some our local towns on the east coast of Florida. While it was not expected to make landfall on the east coast, Ian still left a trail of damage in its wake. Sadly, Ian’s force left such destruction, flooding and unfortunately loss of life. Our family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors on the west coast are trying to put their lives back together as they navigate these difficult times. It will take quite some time to restore and rebuild and we are sending our thoughts and prayers to all. As we are assisting clients with tornado damage, it is a very important reminder to always be prepared. We were not expecting to have anything but some mild rain and wind on the east coast. Before we knew it, our phones were blaring with tornado warnings to seek shelter in an interior room as the tornado was moving quickly and affecting our towns. Experts always caution that the weather can shift quickly and that deadly storms could still develop in the coming weeks. This makes being prepared the name of the game. Here are a few things to review to keep your home and property safe, as we are not in the clear yet! #1 Take an inventory of your personal property Making a list of your personal property might seem like an extra step, but it will help you make sure that you have obtained enough insurance to replace your personal belongings in the event of a catastrophic storm. If you need to ask for disaster aid, it can also expedite the claims process. Keep your critical documents with your home inventory and be sure to take them with you if you need to leave your property. #2 Prepare and Protect Your Property In order to be prepared for the remaining weeks of hurricane season, be sure that you have safeguarded your property with a few simple steps. Make sure that your gutters, downspouts, and drains are clear to ensure that water will divert away from your property to help avoid water damage. For the best defense, install permanent storm shutters to lessen the likelihood of shattered windows. If you don’t yet have shutters (or impact windows), consider using plywood to cover your windows in case that storm hits. Check on your property’s larger trees and prune any hanging branches. Put away outdoor items such as patio furniture, trash cans, potted plants, and bicycles to avoid property damage that high winds can cause if such items aren’t secure. #3 Prepare an Emergency Stash of Supplies Prepare an emergency stash of supplies well in advance in case a hurricane does come to your area. Bottled water, first aid kits, and other necessities are frequently unavailable in stores once the forecast has been released due to such high demand. Don’t wait for that moment. It is a good idea to have these supplies in advance, and a good rule of thumb is to plan for at least five days of critical supplies. 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 hurricanes can cause severe damage no matter where in the state you are. Begin planning your evacuation route by searching for information on your local county/city website. Make note of the locations of nearby shelters, pet boarding facilities, and gas stations. Review your plans with your family and consider a practice run-through to make everyone familiar with their role in case you do need to evacuate. Our Hurricane Supply Checklist is available for you to download today so you are always prepared. Hope for the Best, But Plan for the Worst During Hurricane Season It may be tempting to relax and let your guard down, but hurricane season is not over just yet. In the event there is a hurricane, be better prepared with the suggestions I covered here. Also make a note that your property insurance may cover typical repairs and extra living expenses should you need temporary shelter. However, your homeowner’s insurance will not cover flood-related destruction. Make sure you have flood insurance whether you are in a flood zone or not. If you need further information or would like an evaluation of your preparedness, at Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have the resources needed to properly conduct pre-loss inspections and can guide you towards the best options for your needs. Contact us today for more information.  As public adjusters in Boca Raton, we work with both commercial and residential policyholders to help them receive the right claim settlements for their property damage. This means filing an insurance claim after damage has occurred, but we also provide a service where we document the condition of your property before damage occurs.
Insurance companies ask commercial property owners for all kinds of information once a claim has been filed. Given the fact that it can be difficult or sometimes impossible to get this information, pre-loss inspections can be vital for getting your claim approved when the insurance company asserts the damage is pre-existing to the loss date or that the damage has been going on over a period of time. What Is a Pre-Loss Inspection? A pre-loss inspection is designed to provide you with a photo report and/or videos showcasing the current condition of your property. The methods we use for taking this documentation will vary depending on your needs. In most cases, we take extensive photos of the interior and exterior of your property together with a drone video of your roof. In other cases, a drone video of just the exterior of the property and roof, or just interior photos of the property is sufficient. Either way, if you ever need to file an insurance claim, the goal is to prove there is no pre-existing damage to your property. In Florida, pre-loss inspections are especially common before hurricanes or other catastrophic events such as fire, lightning strikes or hail damage. That said, pre-loss inspections can be useful any time you are concerned about having the documentation you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. Here are just some of the insurance claims where a pre-loss inspection report can help you:
What is the Difference Between a Commercial and Residential Pre-Loss Inspection? There are some areas of overlap between residential and commercial pre-loss inspections. For instance, both commercial and residential policyholders will want documentation regarding the current condition of your property. However, we also keep in mind the different kinds of claims a building owner and homeowner might have and have different pre-loss inspection packages. Why Business Owners Choose Reliant Insurance Adjusters for Pre-Loss Inspections When hiring a public adjuster for a pre-loss inspection, you want to look for knowledge and experience. An experienced public adjuster in Boca Raton will be able to anticipate problems before they occur or catch something you may not see. This will allow you to protect your property by repairing it timely. We also know what to look for and how to properly document your claim to avoid a claim denial. In some cases, this can mean letting you know about aspects of your property that are not covered in your policy. We discussed this in our recent blog about EIFS exclusion. While inspecting your property, we will also be able to provide examples specific to your property should they exist. Along with that, it is also useful to find someone with skills that can help during the information gathering process. My business partner, Scott Scovin, is a licensed drone pilot. By working with a drone pilot who understands insurance, you can rest easy knowing that all the information needed will be gathered. Are You Looking for a Public Adjuster in Boca Raton? You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have decades of experience helping commercial and residential property owners understand their policies and file claims with their insurance company. Whether you are currently in the process of filing your claim or you have been underpaid or denied for your claim, we can help. Are you prepared in the event of a hurricane or other catastrophic event such as fire? Either way, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help property owners navigate the complicated world of insurance.  To most individuals, their property, whether commercial or residential property, is their largest and most important financial asset. Typically, it will appreciate in value, giving you an opportunity to financially gain by renovating, selling, or renting out your property. That said, this asset can quickly become volatile and problematic due to property damage caused by a water leak, fire, storm damage, fallen tree, or other incident.
When property damage occurs, your first step before beginning repairs is to file an insurance claim. There is a waiting period before repairs can begin. As a property owner, there are actually further steps you need to take prior to beginning repairs to your property. The following are the necessary steps you need to take before moving forward with repairs. #1 File the Claim Immediately After ensuring everyone is safe from the property damage, you must take quick action to notify your insurance company of the damage. However, not every claim is an insurance claim and you must understand what is causing the damage to your property in order to file the correct claim. Since there are certain obligations within your insurance policy that must be complied with, it is important to preserve the evidence and repairs should not begin until the claim process is documented and complete. Insurance companies require an investigation of the damage, the extent of which may vary. It is important to take emergency measures to protect your property from further damage, but not to complete all repairs prior all inspections being completed. If any repairs are completed during this stage and the evidence of your damage is removed, it is likely that your insurance company will deny your claim. #2 Wait Until the Claims Process is Complete The claims process typically takes about 30-90 days to complete. However, the timeframe may be extended depending on the extent of the damage to your property, what documentation is being requested and how many inspections are required by the insurance company. #3 Complete All Duties After Loss Every insurance policy outlines duties after loss that you are responsible for completing following property damage. Every policy is different, so make sure that you review your policy and have a good understanding of what the insurance company requires of you. A few common duties after loss include:
There are also timelines within which you need to submit this information. If you fail to comply with any of your duties after loss or begin repairs before the claim is finalized, the insurance company can deny your claim. Has Your Property Been Damaged? Has your property been damaged by water, wind, fire, or a water leak? We understand the claims process can be confusing and stressful, especially coupled with the stress of damage to your property. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, our licensed public adjusters are experienced with the claim process that follows property damage and more importantly, the deadlines for submission of requested information. We prepare detailed estimates of damage with photographs. We are here to assist you with preparing all the necessary documents to submit to your insurance company and guide you through the entire claims process. Contact us today and let us know how we can assist you.  Mold is one of the more complicated forms of property damage, in part because it is not always easy to determine whether the damage was caused by the mold itself or by the water that caused the mold.
What you should know when trying to get compensation for mold damage. Specifically, we will discuss the two policies that are most likely to provide coverage, as well as what to do if an insurance company denies your claim. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold? There is no such thing as a “mold claim.” Instead of writing policies specifically centered around mold damage, insurance companies sell policies that can compensate for mold damage when the mold results from a peril that is covered under your policy. Mold in and of itself, it not a covered peril. Homeowners insurance will usually cover mold damage if it is caused by a covered peril for which you have coverage. For instance, let us say that your home was damaged when a water heater unexpectedly leaked. If the damage caused by the water heater is covered, and mold occurs as a result of the water damage, you will be covered. It is important to note that homeowners insurance does not provide coverage for lack of maintenance or wear and tear to your property. If the mold grew slowly over a period of time as a result of a leaky faucet, you will not be covered nor will you receive compensation if you file a claim. Does Flood Insurance Cover Mold? Much like homeowners insurance, there are some situations where a flood insurance policy will cover mold. The key is that you do everything in your power to prevent the mold from occurring. Under a flood insurance policy, it is sometimes difficult to get compensation for mold if you have access to your property but did not dry it timely. However, if your property was not accessible as a result of the flood, or there was no power and you were not able to remove the moisture and mold starts growing, it is possible you can get compensation for mold damage. It is important to understand that every insurance policy is different so it is ideal to speak with an insurance expert who can review your policies and explain your coverage. What If Your Insurance Company Denies Your Claim? Denied claims can be upsetting if you expect your insurance company to pay for damage to your property. A claim denial does not necessarily mean that the process is over. Instead, it is a good idea to find an experienced and knowledgeable public adjuster to review your policy and explain your coverage. If it is determined that your policy covers the damage, a knowledgeable public adjuster can reopen your claim. There are many methods we use to document and prove the damage is covered to help you get compensation for your claim. We have been successful in overturning many claim denials for our clients. Looking for Public Adjusters in Palm Beach County? You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we work with property owners who want to understand their policy better and get the compensation they deserve. Our backgrounds, coupled with many years of experience, give us an advantage when dealing with insurance companies. We provide free policy reviews whether you have a claim or not. If you have been underpaid or denied for your insurance claim, please do not hesitate to contact us today.  The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in every household. However, necessary maintenance and general upkeep can be easily overlooked even though it can save you money and protect your home from potential damage.
An often-overlooked form of maintenance is caulking the bathroom sinks, faucets, bathtubs, and showers. Caulk is an adhesive material that seals gaps and seams around pipes. It serves multiple purposes and failing to re-caulk your bathroom can allow future problems to pop up. Ideally, your bathroom should be re-caulked every five years to keep potentially dangerous issues from arising. Why You Should Re-Caulk Your Bathtub, Sinks & Faucets Here are three reasons why re-caulking your bathroom is highly important. #1 Preventing Mold and Mildew Due to its adhesive nature, caulk is an excellent sealant that prevents water from leaking through gaps and seams in your bathroom pipes. After five years, caulk can begin to peel and crack, allowing water to leak into your bathroom. Even the smallest leaks can result in mold, mildew, and serious water damage. Re-caulking your sinks, faucets, bathtubs, and showers ensures that all seams are filled, leaving no room for water to leak through. When re-caulking, be sure to use a caulk that is specifically mold and mildew resistant. # 2 Avoiding Damage to Walls and Tiles Cracked or peeled caulk may result in mildew around your sinks and faucets, but it can also cause further damage to your bathroom walls and floor tiles. This is mainly an issue with bathtub and shower caulk. When the caulk begins to crack, water can leak through and flow directly into the vanity cabinets, wall and even underneath the floor. Serious damage can occur, depending on the age of your home and the materials behind the wall. Wet drywall, for example, may lead to extensive repairs for you down the road. Similarly, if there is no waterproof layer underneath your flooring, you may be forced to rip up and replace your entire floor. This could be very costly depending on your insurance coverage. #3 Protecting Your Health When moisture leaks through old caulk, mildew and mold are sure to quickly follow. Not only are they unpleasant to look at and difficult to clean, but mold and mildew can both be damaging to your health. Mold colonies quickly form and are often difficult to see when behind walls or tile. These colonies are challenging to fully clean and remove, and they also cause health-related concerns such as respiratory issues, throat, skin, and eye irritation. Generally, the cause of these health issues is difficult to determine, and the source of the mold can be even more challenging to discover. Keeping your sinks, faucets, bathtubs, and showers freshly caulked every five years will help alleviate concerns regarding mold. Experiencing Water Damage? Have you found water damage in your home? Are you unsure how to move forward with repairs to your home? We are here to help! At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we offer a wide range of services, including property damage claims. Our licensed team is experienced in property damage claims, and we are ready to assist you. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and policy review.  As public adjusters in Broward County, we have had significant experience through the years helping property owners get compensation and full coverage after a hurricane. The process is more confusing than what most expect when they file a property damage insurance claim.
Let’s discuss the policies that provide coverage, as well as explain the best action to take to get compensation from your insurance company. Which Policies Provide Coverage in the Event of Hurricane Damage Insurers do not typically offer a specific hurricane insurance policy. This means that the damage incurred during a storm must be covered under your wind or hurricane coverage within your policy. While insurance policies often vary, yours will likely provide this coverage, but it comes with a price of a higher deductible. Windstorm Insurance While this is sometimes referred to as a wind or hurricane policy, it does not always cover water damage caused by flooding. The key is whether the water damage is caused by the wind. For instance, if wind damage provides an opening in your property that then water enters your property and causes water damage, you will be covered. You are less likely to get compensation if the water damage is unrelated to wind or flooding unless you have a separate flood insurance policy. Flood Insurance Flood insurance is designed to cover the water damage caused by things like storm surges or flooding. The flood needs to cover more than just your property or spread across at least two acres. Can You Get Compensation for Mold or Debris Removal? Homeowners insurance can provide coverage for mold. However, insurers do not provide coverage or compensation if the mold is a result of negligence or lack of maintenance to your property. Homeowners insurance can also provide coverage and compensation for debris removal, but that amount is usually capped within the policy. That said, this coverage can be limited, and you may still need to incur a portion of the debris removal. How You Can Get Compensation With Your Current Coverage Being properly covered before a loss is important. If a hurricane has already come, it is too late to change your policy if you sustain damage. It is a good idea to speak to a public adjuster with the knowledge and experience to review your policy in detail and determine if you have property coverage. If your property damage claim is underpaid or wrongfully denied, a public adjuster can assist you at any time. Our experience and expertise allow us to understand everything you are entitled to in order to get the compensation you deserve. Looking for a Public Adjuster in Broward County? At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we are committed to helping property owners file proper claims with their insurance company. Whether you are ready to file a claim or you are anticipating a potential loss, we are here to help. We offer Pre-Loss Property Inspections, which prove your property was not damaged prior to a loss. Please do not hesitate to contact us through our site or call us (561) 288-6434 today.  Insurance claim disputes are common, as questions surrounding property damage, property repairs, total cost of repairs, and whether all or part of your claim is covered may be the subject of disagreement between you and your insurer.
When it comes to the technical and legal dynamics involved in claims disputes, you are often on an uneven playing field with your insurance company. The best path to resolve a claim dispute depends on your individual situation, and the different avenues of resolution have varying pros and cons. This is when having a qualified, professional public insurance adjuster in your corner is essential. Explaining Arbitration, Mediation & Appraisal Here are the three different options your policy may provide when you have an insurance claim dispute: Arbitration, Mediation, and Appraisal. Arbitration A need for arbitration has started appearing more regularly in some property insurance contracts. But what precisely is arbitration and how is it different from litigation or a trial? Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is the name given to arbitration. This is where all parties consent to abide by and respect the arbitrator's ruling. A person or authority appointed as the arbitrator, who in actuality has the same authority as a judge but is only responsible for the specific dispute at hand, is in control of this process. The goal of arbitration is for the arbitrator to resolve disputes in the most just manner possible after hearing from all sides and analyzing their respective arguments. Arbitration is not necessarily intended to reach a compromise between the parties, but it can be a faster and more cost-effective way of settling a dispute, as it allows you to avoid a trial. Mediation The most common method of resolving claim disputes is mediation, whether it is voluntary or ordered by the court. Mediation is a way to resolve a claims dispute between the policyholder and the insurance company where a neutral third-party mediator acts to encourage and assist in the resolution of a dispute. The insured and insurer participate in the decision-making process during mediation, but not during arbitration, where they can simply state their claims. A mediator lacks the authority to make a ruling and assign damages, unlike an arbitrator. Although the nature of mediation is much more informal and the mediator typically encourages the parties to reach a solution on their own, he/she does not pass any orders. When a compromise is reached, the parties draft a settlement agreement. The only grounds for challenging the final settlement in court are fraud and deception. One advantage of mediation is that it may be quicker and less expensive than going to trial. A negative element of mediation may be that cases sometimes settle in mediation for less than their true value or do not settle at all. Appraisal The appraisal process, which is a stipulation outlined in most commercial and residential insurance policies, can be used as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism to avoid litigation or to resolve portions of an insurance claim. Since both appraisal and arbitration are alternative conflict resolution procedures that enable issues to be addressed without the need for litigation, they do share some similarities. The provision for appraisals can typically be found under the Loss Settlement section of your policy. When the insurance company and policyholder cannot agree on the amount of loss, it is an Alternative Dispute Resolution that can settle disputes in rather than filing a lawsuit. The majority of property insurance policies have language that allows "appraisals" to be used to settle disagreements on the scope and value of a loss. A real estate or art appraisal is not the same as an insurance appraisal. The extent and severity of a loss (what was damaged and how badly), as well as the cost of the loss (how much repairs should cost), can be determined by an insurance appraisal. Most appraisal clauses within an insurance policy provides that any party may request an appraisal in writing if the insurer and insured cannot agree on the amount of the loss. Each party is responsible for hiring their own appraiser. Then the two appraisers will select an impartial individual who will act as an umpire if they cannot agree on the settlement of the loss. In that event, the umpire will be called in to assess the loss and settle the claim. Looking For a Licensed Public Insurance Adjuster or Appraiser to Guide You Through the Claims Process? A Public Adjuster or Appraiser acts as your advocate and will make sure you receive a proper settlement of your claim. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we are dedicated to our clients, and are here to alleviate any stress from your claim. We have the expertise and experience needed to navigate this complicated process. Contact us today (561) 288-6434 for any questions or assistance with your insurance claim. |
AuthorKaren Schiffmiller Archives
March 2023
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