Insurance agents, and the insurance companies they write policies for, always give you the assurance that you will be covered and continue taking your premiums. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always turn out this way. There are certain instances when a policyholder’s claim will get denied. We suggest you consult with an insurance adjuster in Boca Raton to lessen your chances of getting your claim denied. Insurance adjusters will assist you until you get a good settlement.
What Are the Usual Tactics Insurance Companies Use? Delay The delay tactic is when your insurance company promises to help you, but in reality, they are reluctant to provide compensation. Inevitably, this will result in endless phone calls with no results that will leave you frustrated. Deny Insurance companies look out for their interest and sometimes deny insurance claims. They are well aware of the complexities of the claim process, and may confuse you with certain questions, details and the technicalities of your coverage. This will only cause added stress. Small Payout Aside from delaying and denying your claim, another annoying tactic that insurance companies are known to do is to lowball the claim payment. Although your insurance company may acknowledge your claim, they are possibly missing damages to your property and limiting the claim settlement that you should receive. Should You Hire a Public Adjuster? Have you heard of a public adjuster? Public adjusters are professionals who represent you, not the insurance company. They will make sure to provide all the necessary documentation for your claim, submit the documentation in a timely manner. Additionally, they know what evidence to preserve, how to protect your property from further damage and they will document every detail of your claim to ensure you receive a good claim settlement. Public adjusters know how stressful it is to experience damage to your property. If you don’t hire a public adjuster, you will deal with your insurance company directly and will be responsible for submitting all the documentation in support of your claim. The insurance company may do everything they can to delay or deny your claim. Are You Looking for an Insurance Adjuster in Boca Raton? You don’t have to deal with insurance claims on your own. Leave that job to us, and we’ll help you get a good claim settlement. In addition, we will make sure that your insurance company is held accountable. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, you can trust us with to handle your claim. We treat every property damage claim as if it were our own. Although many companies offer the same services as we do, we strive to give you nothing but the best service by providing our knowledge and experience so that you can get the highest possible settlement for your claim. Give us a call to learn more about us and what we do.
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Not every insurance adjuster has the certifications, skills, knowledge, or technology to provide you with the best services possible. Although you may know us for our trusted public adjusting services, we offer several additional professional services for your insurance needs.
When you make a property damage insurance claim, documenting the damage is key and very important early in the claim. Not only is photographing and showing the damage important but having a 3D virtual tour of your property is essential. In today’s technological world, what better way to present your property damage to the insurance company than with a virtual tour of your property? Matterport 3D Camera Inspections Conducting a Matterport 3D Camera Inspection generates a virtual experience and can be an important component to have for your insurance claim. This top-of-the-line technology offers the ability to walk through your property with the click of a mouse. As a Matterport Certified company, this technology amplifies our ability to provide the extreme attention to detail that we deliver with all our services. Drone Technology Utilizing drone technology is a great opportunity to capture the current condition of the exterior of your home, roof, or commercial building. This is very helpful to prove the pre-loss condition of your property should you ever have an insurance claim, but also important to capture damages after a loss has occurred from a hurricane, wind and hail or fire. Both pre-loss and post-loss drone inspections are important steps to documenting the condition of your property before and after a loss. Scott Scovin, one of our organization’s partners, is an FAA Licensed Drone Pilot. Professional Services We Provide There are several professional services we provide you with in addition to public adjusting, such as appraisal and umpire services. When you disagree with the amount your insurance company paid for your property damage, many policies have an alternative and binding dispute resolution option known as Appraisal. This is a way to resolve differences that could arise between you and the insurance company. When the appraisal provision of the insurance policy is invoked, the insurance company assigns their appraiser, as you will assign yours. Before meeting at the property, both appraisers must agree on a mutual umpire. The umpire that is agreed upon will assist in the resolution of your claim only if the two appraisers reach an impasse. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we are equipped to conduct several services, including:
Your Go-To Resource For Insurance Adjusting Services Both Karen and Scott are certified appraisers and umpires with the Insurance Appraisal & Umpire Association (IAUA) and the Windstorm Insurance Network and have handled many appraisals and umpire assignments during our careers. Let us be your go-to resource for all your insurance adjusting service needs. Contact us today to learn how we can best help you. Property damage can turn your life upside down, especially if it’s extensive. Dealing with property damage on your own can affect you emotionally, physically, and financially. Not only will it cause you a great deal of stress, but it can also negatively impact your savings. Sadly, many people are not able to get the property claim payment from their insurance companies. If you need help dealing with property damage, the person who has your best interest is a public insurance adjuster in West Palm Beach.
Filing a property damage claim is not a walk in the park. First, you will need the help of someone who knows the ins and outs of property damage and who can properly document your claim. Property Damage Claims: How Do They Work? Prepare Proof of Property Damage You cannot expect to have your claim covered by your insurance company if you cannot support it with the evidence of damage. The first thing you should when you notice that you have property damage is to contact your public insurance adjuster and let him/her know what happened. Before talking to your insurance agent, make sure you have a public adjuster inspect your damage and review your policy to determine if you should or should not file an insurance claim. Oftentimes, property owners make the mistake of filing an insurance claim that falls below their deductible. Insurance agents do not visit your property or inspect your damage. Seeking the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable public adjuster will help you determine if your damage is covered. Check Your Policy You certainly would not want to file a claim for damage that is not covered and then have a claim on record even though a claim payment may or may not have been made. Everything should be verified before you file an insurance claim. Imagine spending so much time working on your documents only to learn that your damage is not covered in your policy. Find a Good Public Insurance Adjuster Property damage can be overwhelming, and if you are overwhelmed and under a lot of stress, it can lead to cloudy judgment and result in either an underpaid or denied insurance claim. The best thing you can do is to hire a public adjuster who can assist you throughout the claim process. Assessing and documenting the damage is critical when you present your claim to the insurance company. You are required to submit very detailed and extensive documentation of all the damage to your property. Sometimes damage can be missed if it is hidden. There are also timelines that you must comply with in your insurance policy for submitting certain documentation. Your most significant chance of receiving a proper claim settlement is to hire a public adjuster. Public adjusters will help you every step of the way and prepare the necessary paperwork and documents to relieve you of the stress of handling the claim on your own. Are You Looking for a Public Insurance Adjuster in West Palm Beach? If you are looking for a public adjuster you can trust, you have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have your best interest at heart. We know the stress that comes with filing, negotiating and settling insurance claims. We will keep you updated regularly so you will never question the status of your claim. Our team has the knowledge and experience to guide you all the way and get you the highest possible settlement for your claim. Give us a call to know more about what we do. Even though it may be a seemingly simple fix, water damage can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Understanding how to check and maintain your water sources in and around your property is one of the most valuable tools a property owner can have, and it involves using not only your eyes, but your ears as well.
You will likely need to check for water damage in places you may not think to look and listen for moving water where there should not be any. Staying aware of these sights and sounds can lead to a quicker and less expensive repair process. Early detection is key especially for slow, long-standing leaks that are often not covered by insurance policies. These types of water leaks are commonly caused by: ● Fridge water line ● Garbage disposal ● Dishwasher ● Washer ● Toilets ● Unused showers and baths 3 Tips to Avoid Long-Term Leaks The following are several proactive tips that property owners can take to help avoid costly damages that often result from long-term water leaks. #1: Change Your Washing Machine Hoses Your home and appliance materials, including your washing machine hoses, experience wear and tear over time. This is especially the case if it is a rubber hose, which can quickly deteriorate from the Florida heat. Ideally, you should replace your washing machine hoses about once every five years with reinforced steel braided hoses. If your washing machine isn’t functioning properly, it may mean that you should replace the hoses. Washing machine-related water damage can lead to a very expensive insurance claim, costing thousands of dollars to repair. You should also consider turning off the water main if you plan on leaving your home unoccupied for an extended period of time. #2: Listen for Running Water Running toilets or phantom flushes could mean your tanks are continually refilling and could even lead to a 50% spike in your water bill. If your water bill has unusually spiked or you hear running water and phantom flushes coming from your toilet, be sure that everything is properly assembled and that the shut-off valves are in good working condition. #3: Look for Water Under the Sink, Dishwasher & Refrigerator You likely do not look under every sink in your home or property often, but you should look under them at least once a year to see if there are any slow drips coming from the pipes or larger leaks that require immediate attention. Also, be aware that water leaks can pool under your dishwasher and refrigerator, so be sure to keep an eye out for any pooling water or slow leaks around those two appliances. You may even want to consider leaving your refrigerator’s ice maker disconnected or periodically checking the plastic hose connecting it to the waterline for any discoloration or cracks to determine if it needs to be replaced. Filing Insurance Claims for Water Leaks Water leaks are more common than you may think. From toilets to irrigation, water damage can be costly to repair. Because it can be challenging to detect water damage, especially in hard-to-see spaces, you may want to consider installing a water detection alarm that can alert you to possible leaks in water-prone areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. If you notice water damage from a leak, or notice any property damage for that matter, and need help filing a claim with your insurance company, we can help. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we treat every client’s property claim as if it is our own, and we are dedicated to providing the professionalism, experience and knowledge to get you the highest possible settlement for your claim. Contact us today to give your claim our personal attention and share our expertise. The Insurance Information Institute reports that one in every 50 American homes experience water damage. Water damage can be caused from a plumbing leak, storms, air conditioning leaks and even when the fire department uses water to extinguish a fire. The effect of water damage on your property can be catastrophic and not to mention expensive. Repairs can range between hundreds and thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage. If your property has sustained water damage, let our public adjusters in Palm Beach County know about it as soon as possible so they can help you get the claim you deserve.
When Should You Make a Water Damage Claim? What Type of Water Damage is Covered by Your Insurance Policy? Insurance companies are fully aware that water damage is not uncommon, so the policies they offer are very detailed but can also be restricted. If you read your policy, you will find that it only covers specific water damage. As you know, water damage can have numerous sources such as the following: · Accidental water discharge · Water damage due to a storm · Accidental sewer overflow or backup · Flood damage Insurance policies only cover sudden and accidental causes of loss that cause damage to your property. For example, if a pipe suddenly bursts, the claim should be covered as long as you stop the leak. Insurance policies are confusing for various reasons. It will read and include coverage in one section, then exclude the coverage in another section, then the insurance company will include an endorsement that changes the policy altogether. The best way to know what your coverage is to review your policy. An experienced public insurance adjuster can review and interpret your insurance policy. What Types of Water Damage Are Not Included? Water damage that is continuous and has been ongoing for a period of time is excluded in most policies and therefore, the resulting damage will not be covered. Sometimes the policy will have verbiage that allows coverage for damage that is not visible and is hidden or unknown to the policyholder. Water damage due to wear, tear and deterioration is not covered. Some examples of gradual water damage that is not covered under insurance policies are as follows:
Why Did My Claim Get Denied? There are many reasons why an insurance claim for property damage can be denied. If the damage to your property falls under the deductible, or has been going on for a period of time or comes from a source that is not covered in the policy, your claim can be denied. It is important to understand your coverage and the cause of loss before filing an insurance claim. If you are unsure if your property damage is covered, or you feel you were underpaid on your insurance claim, the best person to assist is a public insurance adjuster. Are You Looking for Reliable Public Adjusters in Palm Beach County? If you are looking for a public adjuster you can trust, we are here to help. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have your best interest at heart and treat every property damage claim as if it were our own. We understand the stress that comes with handling insurance claims and will alleviate you of that stress. Our team has the knowledge and experience to get you the highest possible settlement for your claim. Give us a call to learn more about what we do.
Setting up a business requires a substantial number of resources, and over time, organizations can accumulate a variety of assets, including inventory, machinery, a growing workforce, and commercial property. But it is important to keep in mind that you need an insurance policy for any property you acquire. It is a must to protect the building, its contents, exterior fixtures, and much more.
You may be all set with your insurance policy and have done everything right. However, when it comes time to file an insurance claim for commercial property, many individuals are not sure where to begin. It is important to properly understand the basics of commercial property insurance policies to properly file any necessary claims. General Commercial Property Insurance Policy Coverages The main goal of having commercial property insurance is to financially safeguard an organization’s physical assets in the event there is damage due to fires, burst pipes, storms, theft, vandalism, etc. Below are common coverages that commercial property insurance policies typically include. The Commercial Building Commercial property insurance policies generally include some amount of coverage for the building or structure itself. It also often includes several other parts of the commercial property, such as: ● Completed additions ● Interior or exterior fixtures ● Permanently installed machinery and equipment Business Personal Property Business personal property coverage (BPP), does not cover the building unless there are permanent improvements that were installed in a rented space, but rather provides coverage for the commercial property’s contents, such as: ● Furniture and fixtures ● Machinery and equipment ● Personal property owned and used in the business ● Upgrades made to a rented space ● Leased personal property The Personal Property of Others Commercial property insurance also often covers the personal property of others and is often an overlooked element of this type of insurance. This means that other individuals’ property that is under your care, control or custody is allotted some amount of coverage in your commercial property insurance policy. If a claim were filed for this coverage, the payment is often made to the property owner and not the other individual whose property was damaged. Understanding Commercial Property Insurance Claims When it comes to filing an insurance claim for your commercial property, it is important to begin the process and accurately report the property damages as soon as possible after the event occurs. Public adjusters are a great third-party resource to help you efficiently navigate the claim, take the appropriate action, and complete the appropriate documents. When filing a commercial property insurance claim, it is important to retain copies of all documents and relay important data that supports your claim to your public adjuster and other appropriate parties that could include a forensic accountant’s findings or pictures taken of the damage. Your insurance company will assign your claim to an adjuster. However, they are hired by your insurer and may not have your best interests in mind. This is why you should consider hiring a public adjuster who will look out for your best interests and who can verify the damages and provide the proper guidance for your claim. Filing a Commercial Property Insurance Claim Depending on the damages, loss, and expected level of compensation, the time frame for your commercial property insurance claim can vary. To help ensure a smooth claims process and receive the compensation you deserve, you should hire a public adjuster who will advocate for you through the entire negotiation and claims process. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we treat every client’s property claim as if it is our own. Other companies may offer similar services, but we are dedicated to providing the professionalism, knowledge and experience to get you the highest possible settlement for your claim. Contact us today to help you with your claim. No matter how strong the foundation of your property is, windstorms, fire, and floods can compromise and cause damage to your property. If you experience property damage and plan to file an insurance claim, you should hire a public adjuster in West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale.
The job of a public adjuster is to assess the extent of the damage to your property, review your insurance policy and advise you of all the coverages and exclusions in the policy. Your public adjuster should thoroughly evaluate and document all the damages, prepare a detailed estimate of the damage, and assist you with filing an insurance claim. They will also meet with your insurance company for all inspections and deal directly with them to alleviate that stress from you. Is It Time to Hire a Public Adjuster? What Is a Public Adjuster? A professional and reputable public adjuster does not work for the insurance company but work for you the policyholder to protect your interests when you have a property damage insurance claim. They are present for all inspections with your insurance company and hold the insurance company accountable for the proper payment of your claim. More often than not, once you realize that filing a claim is a tedious and painstaking process, you will want to hire a public insurance adjuster. What Can a Public Adjuster Do for You? Public adjusters will assist you throughout the insurance claim process. If you feel that your insurance company underpaid your insurance claim, a public adjuster can reopen your claim and obtain the property payout for your damages. An experienced public adjuster can assist and negotiate water damage, hurricane, wind, fire, smoke, mold, flood damage and sinkholes. However, did you know that property losses can also lead to other losses like business income as well as additional living expenses? Your public adjuster can evaluate and should be able to assist you with those portions of your claim. Let’s admit it, insurance policies and their wording are difficult to understand especially when they include coverage, then remove the coverage, then add it back into the policy with a confusing endorsement. Let your public adjuster review the policy and explain the confusing coverage more simply. Public adjusters are well-versed in this field and speak the language. They can communicate with you to explain your policy and your rights as a policyholder and, at the same time, negotiate with your insurance company for a proper claim settlement. What Could Happen If You Don’t Hire a Public Adjuster? If you want to handle your own insurance claim, that is your right, but you should be prepared to encounter unexpected hurdles during the process. Sadly, most people who forego hiring a public adjuster are disappointed because the insurance company underpaid or denied their claim. The process itself is also time-consuming and will demand your time and attention, pulling you away from your family, work or business. The good news is you don’t have to go through it yourself. Instead, a public adjuster will guide and assist you from day one until your claim is settled. Are You Looking for a Public Adjuster in West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale You Can Trust? If you need help filing an insurance claim, you don’t have to look far. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have your best interest at heart and will treat your property damage as if it were our own. Although many companies offer the same services as we do, we strive to give you nothing but the best service by providing our knowledge, resources, and experience so that you can get the highest possible settlement for your claim. Give us a call to know more about what we do. Life is full of accidents just waiting to happen. And when they cause property damage, it can be challenging to decide whether you should file an insurance claim.
You try to avoid being labeled as a constant claimer by your insurance provider, but you also pay a substantial monthly premium hoping your insurance will financially shield you from accidental damages. It can be complex to determine how best to proceed in the event of property damage, and it’s important to comprehensively evaluate the situation and consider the following:
So, should you file a claim with your insurance provider or not? When You Should and Shouldn’t File an Insurance Claim Determining whether to file an insurance claim for property damage can be challenging. While the purpose of having insurance is to help you pay for the costs of extensive property damages, some question whether filing a claim can result in your premium increasing whether your claim is covered or denied. However, that should not necessarily deter you from filing a claim with your insurance provider. Here are a few pointers to help you determine when it is and is not in your best interest to file an insurance claim for property damage. When it comes to filing an insurance claim for damages to your residential or commercial property, the property damage is generally a result of natural causes and sometimes old (or damaged) structural materials such as your roof shingles, leaking pipes, etc. When You Should File a Claim Ideally, you should file a claim with your property’s insurance company when you have significant damage to your property, such as a damage to your roof causing interior damage to your property. Also, a broken pipe or a leak from your HVAC system can cause a lot of damage to the interior of your property as well. When You Shouldn’t File a Claim You should not file a claim if the property damage is minor or superficial. If you are still unsure whether it makes sense to file a claim or not, you can always calculate the cost of repairs. And if the repairs cost less than what you would pay for your deductible (or if it is only a few hundred dollars over), then you should try to avoid filing a claim. Consult with a public insurance adjuster, like our team at Reliant Insurance Adjusters, and we can help you assess how much damage your property has incurred. Should or Shouldn't You File an Insurance Claim? It can be exhausting and even time-consuming to determine whether you should file an insurance claim. Determining the extent and cost of property damage is a key factor as to whether you should file an insurance claim. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we can assess the damage and help you determine whether filing an insurance claim is truly in your best interest. We are dedicated to providing the professionalism, experience and knowledge to help get you the highest possible settlement for your claim. Settling insurance claims is now, more than ever, a complicated and confusing process. Allow us to give your claim our personal attention and share our expertise, and you will see the difference we can make. Contact us today to see how we can help. Can mold damage your property? According to research, mold not only damages your health, but is also notorious for causing serious damage to your property. It is important to always maintain your property. If you discover mold, it is important to call a mold testing company to find out what kind of mold is present. Once you have received a mold report, you will want to have a reputable mold remediation company evaluate the damage and provide an estimate. Many times, you do not realize the extent of your damage or if the cause of the mold is covered in under your insurance policy. Contact your insurance adjuster in Fort Lauderdale so they can review your insurance policy, inspect the damage and assist you with filing a property damage claim.
How Can Mold Destroy Your Property? Mold thrives in moist environments and is often times the result of water damage from a broken pipe, HVAC leak or flood. If mold is unnoticed or left untreated, it can continue to spread and can cause extensive damage not only to walls, baseboards, flooring, cabinets and wood, but can also spread to your fabrics and clothing. Water and mold can cause far more damage over a longer period of time if left untreated. Aside from structures being damaged, mold can also spread into your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. When you turn your HVAC system or heating on, the mold spores will disperse throughout your property, it can cause an unhealthy environment. Once inhaled, it can cause respiratory problems such as sneezing, coughing, pneumonia, and asthma. What Should You Do When You Discover Mold in Your Home? When you discover mold in your property, never attempt to remove it yourself. Mold is usually toxic and you should always have a reputable licensed professional remove the mold mainly referred to as mold remediation. The mold remediation process is tedious and if not done correctly, mold spores can spread and cause additional contamination causing further damage to your property. Any property that has been contaminated by mold, cannot be cleaned and is not salvageable like drywall, fabric furniture, mattresses, carpeting and wallpaper, should always be discarded. Promptly notify your public insurance adjuster and let he/she inspect the extent of the damage and review your insurance policy. Your insurance adjuster will guide you and advise you if you have a valid insurance claim and will relieve you of the stress by handling your insurance claim for you. They will fully document all damage to your property, prepare and submit all the required documentation in support of your claim and deal directly with your insurance company on your behalf. Just like specific care and concern is needed when dealing with mold, having the proper care and representation from your public insurance adjuster is also important when filing a property damage claim. If you do have a covered insurance claim, it is important that your claim is filed properly and timely. If not, this can result in a claim denial from your insurance company and cause large out of pocket repair costs to you while dealing with mold and an already stressful situation. Are You Looking for an Insurance Adjuster in Fort Lauderdale You Can Trust? The good news is that you don’t have to deal with property damage alone and burden yourself. with all paperwork. Leave that job to us and we will assist you every step of the way to obtain the correct settlement. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have your best interest at heart. We treat every property damage as if it were our own. Although many companies offer the same services as we do, we strive to give you nothing but the best service by offering our skills, knowledge, resources, and experience so that you can get the highest possible settlement for your claim. Give us a call to know more about what we do. The holidays are a festive time of the year filled with so many traditions to celebrate, but they can also present many opportunities for accidents to happen. With all the hustle and bustle of gift-giving, meal planning, and travel scheduling, safety often gets overlooked.
Keeping your property safe throughout the holiday season can be more challenging than you imagine because there are several risk factors that many people often don’t even think twice about. 3 Holiday Safety Tips for Your Property To help you ring in the new year with plenty of cheer, we have created a short list of our top holiday safety tips to help keep your family, property, and belongings safe throughout the holidays. #1: Be prepared for hot stovetops and grease. Plenty of turkeys, hams, stuffing, and casseroles will get cooked this holiday season. If you aren’t cooking with caution and care, it could lead to a fire, especially when butter, oil, and grease are involved. Avoid leaving food unattended when its cooking on the stove or in a fryer to help reduce the chances of igniting or spreading fires. #2: Don’t leave lit candles unattended. The twinkling light of candles on cool winter nights can make your home feel extra cozy and inviting. However, candles can be a fire hazard waiting to happen. Be sure any combustible or flammable items (wrapping paper, Christmas trees, blankets, etc.) are not close to lit candle(s). Consider placing your candles in a holder on sturdy and clear surfaces with at least a foot of space around the open flame. Also, try to blow them out before they burn all the way down so their glass holder doesn’t explode. And, most importantly, never leave a lit candle unattended. You may even want to replace decorative candles with faux options. #3: Check that the seals around your home are intact. While it may not snow in Florida, it can get quite chilly and we are exposed to a lot of heavy rains. Check that the seals around your home are intact. Sealing any cracks in your windows, walls, and doors makes it harder for water to seep into your home and cause problems in the event of a strong thunderstorm. You can also help prevent water damage due to burst hot water heaters or clogged air conditioning lines by checking them for leaks on a regular basis and having them serviced several times a year. Enjoy a Safe and Damage-Free Holiday Season There is so much to celebrate and be thankful for throughout the holiday season, and we hope you enjoy yours safely. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we understand that accidents can still happen even if you are prepared. We are here to help you with any property claims you may need to file or answer any questions you may have to help keep your property safe throughout the year. Contact us today to learn how we can help. |
AuthorKaren Schiffmiller Archives
March 2024
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