 After a nice dinner out with their friends in Boynton Beach, Florida, our client arrived home to the sound of smoke alarms and a wall of smoke as they entered the home. They soon found a fire raging in the master bathroom and called 911.
Fires are hazardous and can cause significant damage quickly. They put off extreme heat and you can get severely burned trying to put a fire out on your own. To avoid serious injury or smoke inhalation, you should always call 911 and leave the job to trained professionals. Accurate Information is Important When you file a property damage insurance claim, it’s important to provide accurate information to your insurance company, and the fire investigator to help determine the cause of the fire. When we met the fire investigator assigned to the claim, he interviewed our client. One of the questions he asked was if they use candles. Our client said his wife does occasionally when she relaxes in a bath. In addition to asking multiple questions, he asked if they have pets, and our client confirmed they have two cats. We were with the inspector while he was going through the burnt debris in the bathroom. The bathroom countertop and vanity were severely fire damaged. There were remains of two candles on the countertop, an electric makeup mirror, and what we soon realized was charred jewelry. He kept leaning toward the candles as the cause and thought the cats may have knocked one over. However, our client never lit the candles that day and had just come home from work and left for dinner. I informed the inspector of this information and pointed to the burned wire on what remained of the makeup mirror. As he inspected the electrical cord, he noticed that part of it was caught in the vanity drawer of the burnt cabinet. He pulled the wire out of the drawer and showed us the wire was crushed by being caught in the drawer and this was the cause of the fire! 3 Simple Tips To Avoid A Fire
Inventory Your Property Make a list of all your personal belongings, together with photos or video so in the event you do have a fire or other type of loss, you can easily identify them and compile a list of your damaged property. Know Your Insurance Coverage Review your insurance policy to verify that your property is fully protected and covered for damage. Keep a copy of your policy in your email or cloud storage for easy access. Reliant Insurance Adjusters is here for you. Our team has the knowledge and experience to handle all types of insurance claims. We also conduct Pre-Damage Inspections of your property and provide a detailed photo report for your records. If you have a new or underpaid property damage insurance claim or need a pre-damage inspection report, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection.
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 Hurricane Season in South Florida is around the corner and begins June 1st through November 31st. Whether you own a residential or commercial property, you should plan ahead and be prepared. You can take many precautionary measures in advance to protect your property and financial well-being and avoid being unprepared at the last minute. Although preparation and property protection are important to avoid filing a property damage insurance claim, there are times when it cannot be avoided. Following our checklist and tips below will help alleviate the stress and anxiety of last-minute preparation. Hurricane Supply Checklist We created our own Hurricane Supply Checklist to help make your preparation easy so you do not have to think about what you need. Click below to download your free copy. Why Pre-Damage Property Inspections Help Get a pre-damage property inspection before you need to file an insurance claim. This will prepare you with sufficient evidence and proof that new damage is not pre-existing damage. Not everyone has the time, resources, or equipment to comprehensively document the interior and exterior of their property before damage occurs. Reliant Insurance Adjusters has a Pre-Damage Inspection Program for both residential and commercial properties in Broward and Palm Beach County. We conduct a complete and thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of your property to document its condition before you have to file an insurance claim. Our inspections include a photo report of the exterior and interior, together with aerial images of your roof with our state-of-the-art drone equipment. Know Your Insurance Coverage Reviewing your insurance policy to verify that your property is fully protected and covered for any damage, such as fire, water damage, hurricanes, and wind, is important. You must obtain a separate flood insurance policy because a property insurance policy does not cover flood-related damage. Inventory Your Property Compile a list of all your personal belongings or business personal property together with photos or video showing the condition before any damage occurs. This is not only for hurricane damage but also in the event of water damage and fires. Keep any important reports, documents, photos, and videos stored in cloud-based storage for easy access, as well as protect physical copies in plastic bins. Prepare & Protect Your Property Reduce or prevent water damage by diverting water away from your property by clearing your gutters, downspouts, and drains. If you do not have impact windows or storm shutters, cover your windows with plywood. Trim large trees and store outdoor furniture and items indoors. This will help protect the exterior of your property. Plan Your Evacuation Route You should always plan your evacuation ahead of time in the event you must leave. Evacuations are not just for those who reside on or near the coast. If you do evacuate, unplug all appliances and electronics and try to place them above ground level in case of flooding. When planning, familiarize yourself with nearby shelters and where you can board your pets. Make sure to review the plans with everyone in your home and that each person knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Reliant Insurance Adjusters is here for you. Our team has the knowledge and experience to handle all types of insurance claims, interpret insurance policies, and protect our clients’ best interests. We also have the resources to conduct a Pre-Damage Inspection of your property. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and receive a free insurance policy review.  Wildfires can start during the dry months of the year. They are fierce, can happen instantly, and spread quickly.
With the warmer weather fast approaching in West Palm Beach, Florida, and South, keep your property safe by removing any flammable debris, especially dry leaves and branches that can catch fire fast. Cooking fires are responsible for thousands of injuries per year. The following are some safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe. Check Smoke Alarms Frequently Changing the batteries every 6-12 months is important if your smoke alarms are not hard-wired. All too often, fires start in homes where owners have not maintained their smoke alarms. Ensure you have fully functioning smoke alarms near your kitchen, bedrooms, and each level of your home. Keeping your family free from harm is the top priority. Remove Fire Hazards While Cooking Thoroughly review all countertops near your stove and remove anything flammable. This may include hand towels, plastic bags, wooden utensils, hot pads, and oven mitts. If you like to burn scented candles, place them out of reach from children and pets to avoid burns or fire. Cooking Safety Tips Year-round kitchen safety is important. Here are additional tips to ensure everyone is safe:
Following these suggestions will help ensure that you, your family, and your guests keep safe year-round. Do you want to receive more helpful tips and great information? Contact us to be added to our blog list.  Condominium insurance coverage is essential when you own property in Highland Beach, Florida, or any other part of the state.
When you first purchase a condominium unit, you are provided with a set of “condo documents” at closing. Those documents include the Declarations of the Condominium, Articles of Incorporation, Amendments, Rules & Regulations, etc. The documents will also explain the parts of the unit and building that are the responsibility of the unit owner and the condo association. In the event that you need to file a property damage insurance claim, it’s important to understand your insurance coverage. What Does Condo Unit Owner Insurance Cover? As a unit owner, your insurance policy typically covers your personal property and floor, wall, and ceiling coverings. Also, electrical fixtures, appliances, water heaters, water filters, plumbing fixtures, built-in cabinets, countertops, and window treatments. Coverage Usually Excluded In A Unit Owner Policy A unit owner’s policy does not cover drywall, plumbing, and electrical fixtures inside the walls or above the ceiling. Also excluded from a unit owner’s policy are roof coverings, windows, and exterior doors, as well as any common elements that are the responsibility of the association. Although your condominium documents may state the unit owner is responsible for some of these items, the Florida Statute says otherwise. Read your condo documents to ensure you have the right coverage in your policy. Who Should File An Insurance Claim Depending on what portion of the building is damaged and what caused the damage will determine if you or the association should file an insurance claim. When there is damage to the portions of the building owned by the association, the association should file a claim with their insurance company. If a unit owner sustains property damage to the interior of their unit, depending on what caused the loss, will determine if the unit owner should file a claim with their insurance company. Reliant Insurance Adjusters has the knowledge and experience to understand the complexities of insurance policies and condo documents. We handle new, underpaid, and denied claims. Contact us today to help you with your claim or for a free insurance policy review.  We are approaching that time of year again in South Florida when the rain doesn’t seem to end.
Rainy season can be peaceful and tranquil sometimes, but it may not feel that way when you have a roof leak. We will begin to receive calls that someone has property damage, and their roof is leaking. However, will the damage be covered, and is there enough damage to file an insurance claim? Assessing The Damage Oftentimes, when your roof begins to leak, the damage can be isolated to a small area of your property. Many people see water stains on the ceiling and instantly want to file an insurance claim. They do not view the amount of their deductible compared to the amount of the damage. Also, your policy may not cover the roof repair cost, depending on what caused the roof to leak, and your claim may be under deductible if the damage is minimal. Is The Damage Covered? During the past few years, I have written many blogs about the erosion of coverage. Most policies today no longer cover interior damage resulting from a roof leak. Some insurance companies still do, but very few remain that will cover interior damage from a roof leak. You need to know and understand your insurance policy, your deductible, coverages, and the exclusions. Causes of Loss That Are Covered Your property insurance policy generally covers ensuing damage caused by fire, water damage, lightning strikes, hurricanes, hailstorms, and tornados (unless hurricanes and wind are specifically excluded). Additionally, some policies contain water damage limits, which could mean a large amount of money out of pocket if you have property damage. Make sure your property is fully covered and protected with the proper coverage. Should You File An Insurance Claim? Not all property damage results in a covered insurance claim. You should understand your insurance coverage and your deductible. Then, assess the damage and determine if the amount of damage warrants filing an insurance claim. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, our knowledge and experience matter. We specialize in new, underpaid, and denied claims and pride ourselves on honesty and integrity. We understand insurance policies and are dedicated to providing you with our knowledge and experience. Contact us today to help you with your claim or for a free policy review.  Whether you live in Boca Raton, Florida or any other part of the state, property damage can occur at any time and can result from a plumbing leak, fire, hurricane, flood, or other cause of loss.
We will never forget a call from a potential client who had water damage to his property. When we arrived at his home to assess the damage, he showed us multiple areas that were leaking. One area stood out because there was noticeable rot on the baseboard and lower cabinetry, and it appeared to have been going on for a period of time. As we questioned how long it had been leaking, water was dripping on his head from another leak above him. He confirmed both had been ongoing for over a year. Sudden and Accidental Damage is Covered Whether you own a residential or commercial property, sudden and accidental damage that results from a covered cause of loss is covered under your insurance policy. You have an obligation to mitigate this damage and preserve the evidence as soon as possible to avoid additional damage to your property. Long Term Damage Is Not Covered Property damage that has been occurring over a period of time and has not been mitigated, is not covered under your insurance policy. Sometimes, factors beyond your control may prevent you from mitigating the damage. However, you must notify the insurance company in this event and ask for assistance. Your insurance policy is a contract with your insurance company, and you must comply with the duties and conditions of the policy. One of the duties is to protect the property from further damage. Know Your Coverage Understanding your insurance policy and knowing what is covered and excluded is important. Oftentimes, we receive calls for a denied insurance claim because the property owner was unaware there was no coverage for what occurred at the property. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we specialize in new, underpaid, and denied claims and provide free insurance policy reviews. Our Team is dedicated to providing you with our knowledge and experience, so in the invent you do have a loss, we make sure that you have the coverage. Contact us today to help you with your claim or for a free policy review.  Weather conditions can impact the number of insurance claims reported to insurance companies, especially in South Florida and throughout the state.
Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, severe storms, and tornados can cause property damage. Additionally, weather events like this also cause damage to vehicles, boats, and equipment. Whether you own a commercial or residential property, certain insurance policies will not cover damage caused by weather events. Types of Damage That May Not Be Covered
Types of Damages That are CoveredDamage caused by hurricanes, hailstorms and tornados are generally covered in your property insurance policy, unless hurricane and wind are specifically excluded. There are separate hurricane and wind policies available in instances such as this. A tornado or hailstorm can cause damage to your property as well as the vehicles you own, whereas a hurricane can lead to widespread property damage and flooding. Know Your CoverageDuring periods of adverse weather conditions, Insurance Companies often see an increase in claims. Not all property damage results in a covered insurance claim, so it’s important to understand your insurance policy and know what is covered. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we specialize in new, underpaid, old and denied claims, and are dedicated to providing you with our professionalism, knowledge and experience. Contact us today to help you with your claim or for a free policy review.  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.
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 your commercial property, many individuals are not sure where to begin. It is important to properly understand the basics of commercial property insurance policies in South Florida to properly file an insurance claim. General Commercial Property Insurance Policy Coverages The primary reason to have commercial property insurance is to financially safeguard your company’s physical assets in the event there is damage that results from a fire, broken pipe, hurricane, windstorm, theft, vandalism, etc. Below are some common coverages in commercial property insurance policies. The Building Commercial property insurance policies generally include an amount of coverage for the building or structure. There is often coverage for completed additions, interior or exterior fixtures, and permanently installed machinery and equipment. Business Personal Property Coverage for Business personal property (BPP), does not normally include the building 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 There may be coverage for the building when there are permanent improvements that are installed in a rented space. Personal Property of Others Commercial property insurance also covers the personal property of others and is often an overlooked element of this type of insurance. This means that other individuals’ property, under your care, control or custody may be allotted an amount of coverage in your commercial property insurance policy. 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 required documents needed. When filing an insurance claim for your commercial property, it is important to retain copies of all documents that support your claim and provide them to your public adjuster and other appropriate parties. This could include a forensic accountant’s findings or pictures taken of the damage at the time of the event. 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 is essential. The insurance company will have an adjuster to represent their interest, and you should have one to represent yours. Filing a Commercial Property Insurance Claim To help ensure a smooth claims process and receive the maximum claim settlement you deserve, you should hire a public adjuster who will advocate for you throughout the entire 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.  We received a call regarding a plumbing leak under the kitchen sink that caused water damage to the cabinets.
The homeowner asked if she should stop using the sink. I explained that she has a duty under her insurance policy to prevent further damage to her property and confirmed she should stop using the sink. She said that because the damage was already there, she didn’t see the harm if she continued to use her sink. Her reply shocked me for a moment. Avoiding A Claim Denial An insurance policy is a contract with your insurance company. There are specific conditions that must be complied with, or you risk the possibility of having your claim denied. Examples Of Policy Conditions:
Mitigate Your Damage It is important to stop the leak as quickly as possible to prevent further property damage. Contact a reputable plumber to make sure the leak is stopped and repaired. Make sure to keep any broken plumbing parts that are replaced. This is evidence and proof of repair that your insurance company may request. Understand Your Policy & Know What’s Covered Lack of knowledge is no excuse for not understanding and knowing your responsibilities under your insurance policy or what is covered and excluded. We Are Here To Help At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have all the skills necessary to understand an insurance policy and to make sure you are properly paid for your property damage insurance claim. We are also proud longtime members of the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA). Whether you have a new, underpaid, or denied insurance claim, we can help. We treat every client’s claim as if it were our own. Call us today.  When you sustain property damage in South Florida, and you file an insurance claim, hiring a knowledgeable and experienced public adjuster is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful insurance claim process.
Simply stated, Public Adjusters are insurance experts that play a significant role in representing policyholders and help obtain fair and equitable claim settlements. Tips to help you choose the right public adjuster for your claim:
Know What You Are Signing An established public adjuster should have a network of professionals, such as engineers, contractors, and specialists, to support the claims process if needed. Carefully review the terms and conditions of their contract and ensure you understand the scope of services, fees, and any additional costs involved. By taking the time to thoroughly vet the public adjuster, you increase the likelihood of a successful and smooth insurance claims process. Your Resource for Insurance Adjusting Services Both Karen and Scott are licensed public adjusters and certified appraisers and umpires. They have handled thousands of claims for their clients during their careers. In addition to those services, they also provide estimating services and pre-claim property inspections to document the condition of your property before you have an insurance claim. Let Reliant Insurance Adjusters be your go-to resource for all your insurance adjusting needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you. |
