As a public adjuster in Fort Lauderdale, we are here to help you get all the information you need to file a claim with your insurance company. Pre-loss inspections are one of the tools we use to help you get the proper results for your insurance claim.
If you are a condo owner, it is useful to understand when you should get a pre-loss inspection, and what exactly we look for during this service. How Pre-Loss Inspections Benefit Condo Owners Prepare for Hurricane Season As a property owner in Florida, you are likely aware of the trouble that hurricane season can cause. Having your unit inspected beforehand narrows the window of time during which damage to your property could have occurred. This is important because policies are specific about what they cover. If the insurance company believes your unit sustained damage due to a maintenance issue, your claim is less likely to be covered. A pre-loss inspection adds clarity and proof to your claim, which allows you to show that the damage was not present prior to the loss or damage occurring. Give You a Better Understanding of Your Insurance Coverage Even putting hurricane season aside, a pre-loss inspection can be very helpful. It gives you a deeper understanding of the condition of your property. More important, if there is an existing problem that is hidden and unknown to you, our pre-loss inspections give you the opportunity to repair it and protect your property from further damage. What to Expect from a Pre-Loss Inspection of a Condo Unit If you have a standard HO-6 policy, pre-loss inspection will document the condition of the interior of your property. The association owns the building and their insurance policy will provide coverage for the exterior of the property, therefore, the exterior would not be included in this type of report. Before we begin our inspection, we will explain what is and is not covered in your HO-6 policy. There are certain elements covered in the policy such as your wall coverings, cabinetry, tile, flooring etc. as well as appliances and personal belongings. We will then prepare a report. This documentation can include both photos and videos. Having this information will help you in the event you need to file a property damage insurance claim with your insurance company. If you do not want to file the claim yourself, or you need help with your insurance company, we are here for you. Looking for a Public Adjuster in Fort Lauderdale? At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we are committed to making the insurance claims process as effective and simple for you as possible. We understand that it can be frustrating and difficult to document your damages and negotiate with your insurance company while you are going through repairs to your property. We have decades of experience handling insurance claims and providing public adjusting services to our clients. We specialize in residential and commercial insurance claims whether it is a new claim, underpaid or denied claim. We also provide free policy reviews. Contact us here if you have any questions.
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One of the most overwhelming things that can happen to a property owner is to be unprepared for potential property damage and to discover that the cause is not covered by their insurance policy.
Water damage caused by seepage is the leading cause of non-weather-related property owner’s insurance claims in the state of Florida. Because, water damage coverage has evolved dramatically over time, and insurance companies handle these claims differently, it is important to be familiar with your policy. Here are some helpful facts to guide you as you evaluate your coverage. Seepage Coverage Explained In the context of property insurance, seepage refers to water damage that develops over time as a result of a slow leak of water. Often times, this is discovered to be due to a broken pipe in a wall or floor. Seepage may not seem like a huge issue, as compared to flooding or other natural disasters, but a slow leak over time can create significant damage that may be difficult to remediate. What is not covered? You should educate yourself on the risks of water damage to your property and understand the different categories of damage. For example, a leaky pipe or other damage caused by a lack of maintenance is not covered in your property insurance policy. Insurance companies consider seepage to be the result of a lack of maintenance rather than a sudden and accidental event. A simple definition to remember is … damage due to lack of maintenance, neglect or wear and tear, as well as flood-related damage, are not covered by your property insurance policy. What is covered? Water damage caused from a leak within your property is covered such as a sudden and unintentional discharge from a broken pipe, accidental overflow, air conditioner leak, or water damage caused from a windstorm or hurricane. Water Damage Risk Most seepage risk can be avoided with regular property care and routine checks of the plumbing and HVAC system and keep an eye on your entire property for damp spots on walls or flooring. Early detection of a broken or leaking pipe can help to limit the extent of the damage. You may not even need to file a property damage insurance claim if you identify these minor problems right away. If you have a leak and it is hidden and unknown but continues for days, weeks or even months, and you sustain significant damage to your property, the damage may or may not be covered. Some policies have wording that excludes damage that is unknown whether it is hidden or not. What to Do if You Discover Water Damage If you discover water damage, it is important to stop the leak and prevent your property from further damage. There is a difference between flood and water damage. Flood water enters the property from the exterior inward, where water damage originates from within the property. You should review and understand your insurance coverage to verify that your property is properly insured. You can also schedule a free consultation with Reliant Insurance Adjusters to walk you through your policy and coverage. If your property has sustained damage, or your insurance claim has been underpaid or denied, call us today. We are experienced, licensed, and bonded public adjusters who work for you, not the insurance company. We are here to help. Call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here. If you are filing a claim, you want to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve. This can be complicated, both because of the details of the policy and the nature of determining how the damage occurred.
At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we provide the services necessary so you receive full settlement of your claim. Along with offering public adjuster services in Broward County, we also offer appraisal and umpire services. Let me explain when you might need an umpire, as well as the qualities you should look for from that umpire. When Umpires Are Necessary When you and your insurance company are not be able to come to an agreement on the amount of your claim, some policies are written with an appraisal and umpire clause, also known as an alternative dispute resolution. An umpire is called in when both the appraiser for you and the insurance company are unable to reach an agreement. Similar to an arbitration agreement, an umpire clause allows for a third-party to come in and resolve the dispute. The exact process will vary depending on your policy, which is why it is important to speak with an insurance professional. That said, the umpire will typically become part of an appraisal panel, consisting of the umpire, as well as representatives for both the insured and the insurance company. Only two of the three members need to agree to resolve the claim. How Do You Find the Right Insurance Claims Umpire? The umpire has a major impact on how much the property owner receives for their claim settlement, which means it is essential to work with an umpire that both parties agree to and trust and who will be fair and unbiased. There are several qualities to look for from any umpire that you are considering:
In most cases, the appraiser for the insurance company and your appraiser, will both have lists of acceptable umpire candidates. They normally share their lists and agree to a mutual and acceptable umpire in the event they are not able to reach an agreement. Looking for an Umpire or Public Adjuster in Broward County? You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we are committed to helping our clients receive the proper claim settlement. The claims process can be very complicated and daunting, and we are here to relieve you of the burden. Whether you have a new, underpaid or denied claim, or you just have a question, we are here to assist. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help you understand your insurance coverage. With hurricane season quickly approaching, the best way to prepare for a hurricane is to plan ahead so that you are ready when the storm is coming. Property owners all too often find themselves unprepared and anxious when these devastating storms are heading their way. Fortunately, there are some precautionary measures you can take in advance to better protect your property and financial well-being. With a little preparation, you will be in a better position to navigate the unpredictable 2022 hurricane season. Here are 6 steps you can take ensure that you are hurricane ready and make sure you do not miss our free hurricane checklist below. #1 Verify Your Insurance Coverage Take the time to review your property’s insurance policy to verify that you are fully covered for any damage. Property insurance typically covers temporary repairs after a hurricane, in addition to extra living expenses that may be required as a result of relocating to a temporary dwelling. It is important to note that property insurance does not cover flood-related damage and you should have a separate flood policy. Additionally, make sure your insurance policy covers damage caused by hurricane and wind. #2 Have a Pre-Loss Property Inspection You should get a pre-loss property inspection before a storm in the event you need to file an insurance claim. By doing so, you are equipping yourself with sufficient evidence to prove the new damage is not pre-existing damage. This can certainly help increase your chances of receiving full coverage for your damages. Before a storm, not everyone has the time, resources, or equipment to comprehensively document the interior and exterior of their home and/or commercial property. Reliant Insurance Adjusters has a Pre-Loss Inspection Program for both residential and commercial properties in Broward and Palm Beach County and includes a complete and thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of your property. This documents the condition of your property before you have an insurance claim. Our inspections include photos and/or video report of the exterior and interior of your property together with aerial images and video footage of your roof with our state-of-the art drone equipment. It can often be difficult, if not impossible, to prove to an insurance company the full extent of your damages once disaster strikes. This is an extremely important and useful report to have prior to hurricane season. #3 Take an inventory of your property It may seem like an unnecessary step but compiling a list of all your belongings within your home or business will help show the condition of your property before they are damaged. Keep the inventory with your important documents. In the event you need to evacuate, be sure to take it with you. It is also wise to keep an electronic copy saved where you can access it anytime via your phone, tablet, or computer. #4 Prepare and Protect Your Property Prepare and protect your residential and/or commercial properties in preparation for hurricane season. Since you don’t know when or if a hurricane will impact your property, it is recommended that you prepare as if it will happen. Here are a few suggested steps you can take:
#5 Have an Emergency Stock of Necessary Supplies Having an emergency stock of supplies ready to go well in advance of a hurricane is essential. During a storm, stores and suppliers tend to run out of bottled water, medical kits, and other essential goods rather quickly. To provide for your family, it is a good idea to have these items already on hand and stored in plastic bins. Keep at least a seven-day supply. We created our own Hurricane Supply Checklist that will help you with everything you will need in case of an emergency. Click below to download your free copy. #6 Plan Your Evacuation Ahead of Time One of the most important elements of hurricane preparation is planning your evacuation process. If you think evacuations are only for those who live on or near the coast, keep in mind that hurricane storm surges can often push water tens of miles inland. If you do have to evacuate, it is important to unplug all electronics and appliances. Helpful information for planning your evacuation route can be found on your local county or city website. You will undoubtedly get instructions from local news reports as well as social media. However, it is still important to create your evacuation plan and familiarize yourself with nearby shelters and boarding options for your pets well before a storm. Review your plans with everyone in your home and make sure each person knows what to do in case of this type of emergency. In the event of a hurricane, Reliant Insurance Adjusters is here for you. Our team is experienced with handling all types of insurance claims, interpreting insurance policies, and protecting our clients’ interests throughout the entire claims process. We also have the resources to conduct pre-loss inspections which can help you with any insurance claim. Contact us today for your Pre-Loss Inspection or for more information on how we can help you.
If you need a public adjuster in Boca Raton, you have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we offer a variety of services designed to help you should you have an insurance claim. One of these is roof inspections recorded with a drone.
Learn why drone videos are valuable, what you should look for when hiring a drone pilot, and the situations where we may recommend a different kind of inspection. Why Are Drone Videos Valuable? You want to have as much information as possible when filing your claim. The more ambiguity, the easier it is for an insurance company to potentially deny a claim. Drone videos can provide essential information in support of your claim. A pre-loss property inspection can also help narrow down when the damage occurred. It also provides clear evidence of your property prior to a loss. This is important because insurance policies are not typically designed to cover maintenance related issues or long-term damage. Interior property inspections and drone footage can help you show the condition of your roof and the exterior and interior of your property before it is damaged. This type of report will assist in getting coverage for your claim. What Should You Look for When Hiring a Drone Video Roof Inspection Expert? The next step is to find someone to assist you and two qualities you should look for:
Are There Any Situations Where We Cannot Use Drones? Yes, there are certain situations where we cannot use drones. Airports and military bases have restrictions against civilian drones. If you own property close to either, call us and we will help you determine whether drones can be flown over your property. If there is any reason why we may not be able to use a drone, we will discuss your best options for getting your property inspected. Our goal is to make sure you have all the documentation you need for your insurance claim. Looking for a Public Adjuster in Boca Raton? You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we are committed to helping property owners receive the compensation they need in the aftermath of an unexpected event. We have been interpreting policies and handling insurance claims for years, which means you can rest easy knowing we are on your side. Do you have any questions about what we can do for you? Would you like to speak with an expert who can help you file your insurance claim? Please do not hesitate to contact us. Hurricane season begins June 1, which means it is time for homeowners to start preparing. As the best public adjusters in the 33434 zip code, we want to make sure you have the knowledge you need.
Today, we will discuss what you should know as a Florida homeowner during hurricane season. This includes both how to prepare before the hurricane comes, as well as how to get compensation after the storm. Preparing for a Hurricane One of the best ways to protect your home is by preparing it for hurricane season. This can help reduce the need to file an insurance claim. We have spoken before about the three hurricane checklists you want to be aware of:
With regards to property damage, the Red Cross recommends that any loose objects like plants, lawn chairs, grills, are either brought inside or anchored. You also want to make sure that when planting trees, they are far enough away from your home to ensure that if they do fall over, they will not cause damage. Along with doing your best to prevent property damage, you also need to prepare for your own safety. This means determining whether you need to evacuate or shelter in place, as well as making sure you have food, water and medicine. Pre-Loss Property Inspections It is important to document the condition of your property before you have a loss. A pre-loss property inspection does just that. So, if you sustain damage to your property and you need to file an insurance claim, a report like this is the best way to prove new damage. Am I Covered for Hurricane Damage? Insurance policies vary and coverage changes from year to year so you want to make sure you understand what is covered and excluded in your policy prior to the need to file an insurance claim. Most homeowner’s insurance policies offer Hurricane and Wind coverage with a 2% deductible. The deductible is based upon a percentage of your Dwelling or Building policy limit. How Long Do I Have to File an Insurance Claim? In the state of Florida, you need to file an insurance claim for damage within two years after the date of loss. That said, it is best to file your claim as soon as possible. Along with ensuring that you receive coverage and payment for your claim in the timeliest manner possible, this also minimizes any uncertainty that could arise regarding your claim. If a long period of time lapses between when you sustain property damage and when you file a claim, you must still protect your property from further damage. If you do not, some of the damage may be attributed to events not covered by your insurance policy. This is also one of the reasons why a Pre-loss Property Inspection is so helpful as it narrows the timeframe during which the damage could have been caused, lending further proof to the fact that the damage was caused during the hurricane. Making repairs to your property, unless taking emergency measures to protect your property from further damage, is not recommended. The burden of proof is on you to show and prove damage to the carrier. Filing an insurance claim after you have repaired your property will not help your hurricane claim. Looking for the Best Public Adjusters in 33434? At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have the knowledge, understanding and experience necessary to obtain the highest claim settlement. We are well respected in the industry and are prepared to handle any residential and commercial claim. Whether you have questions about a claim, or you have been denied or underpaid on your claim, please do not hesitate to contact us. Settling claims today is complicated and we are ready to assist and guide through the process. You likely chose to live in a condominium to make life a little simpler and to free yourself from the headaches or maintenance that comes with owning a home.
However, much like homeowner’s insurance is a critical element of owning a home, having the proper condo unit owner’s insurance is also important. Although your condominium association carries insurance, that is not necessarily going to provide coverage for your portion of the unit, your personal belongings, liability, or your loss of use. If you are currently in the market for the perfect condo for you and your family, keep in mind that you will need to invest in insurance, not only because it is required by mortgage lenders, but also because it will give you peace of mind. What does your Condominium Association Insurance Policy provide? The simple answer is that it typically covers everything from your drywall outward of your individual unit. Your condo association has what is called a Condo Master Policy. This policy covers the building itself, and that usually includes the common areas, offices or staffing spaces, and the building structure itself. If someone is injured on the property, in certain common areas, or if something goes wrong with the shared amenities and equipment such as elevators and other building systems, this policy covers those circumstances. However, it does not cover your own personal property nor the portion of your unit you own and are responsible to replace in the event of damage. Condo owners in Florida used to be required to purchase condo insurance by state law, but this is no longer the case. That being said, you should consider your risks and be aware that your mortgage lender will require it, and your condo association may also require it. What does your Condo Insurance Policy Typically Cover? Condo insurance policies (also known as an HO-6 policy) can be customized to fit your needs. In basic terms, condominium insurance provides coverage for your unit where condominium association insurance does not. A typical condo insurance policy covers your personal belongings and pays out if someone is injured inside your condo. You are responsible for the interior of your unit, so think “wall covering-in” to help define It. For example, wall texture, paint or wallpaper, kitchen, bathrooms, cabinetry, flooring etc. Much like renter’s insurance, condo insurance covers the interior of the unit. However, renter’s insurance only insures your personal belongings. Typically, for a condo owners insurance policy, you would need personal property and liability coverage in addition to coverage for your floors, wall coverings, cabinets, and fixtures that your association’s insurance does not cover. Appliances If your appliances, like your stove or washing machine, were already in your condo when you purchased it, be aware that you are liable for them. That is because “walls-in” coverage refers to anything within your unit. Your condo association’s insurance doesn’t cover them. This is true even if you didn’t bring the appliances into the condo yourself. Personal Belongings Anything inside the walls of the unit, including any items of personal property, are your responsibility. What is personal property? I like to think of it this way - If you turn your property unit upside down, everything that would fall out is your personal property. And just like with appliances, condo association master policies do not cover unit owner’s personal property. Liability What happens if someone gets hurt in your condo and they file a lawsuit? This is just another reason to get your condo owner’s insurance policy in place. That circumstance would be covered by your personal condo insurance, and not the condo association’s insurance. Every association’s insurance policy is different regarding what each unit owner is responsible for, so it is important to review your association’s policy and condominium by-laws carefully. There are circumstances when the association documents state that you are responsible for the walls and what is inside of the walls, including windows and doors. In cases such as this, you must make sure your unit owner’s insurance policy covers these items. Loss of Use If your condo unit becomes damaged and you are unable to reside in your condo, loss of use coverage will help pay for temporary housing, including any increased cost of food and other extra expenses you incur while completing repairs. Of course, the damage must be caused by a covered loss in the policy. However, the Loss of Use limit may be calculated on a percentage of your personal property limit, so be certain to confirm this detail when purchasing a policy. Investing in the Right Condo Unit Insurance As you can see, if you do not purchase insurance coverage for your unit, none of your personal belongings will be protected, and this puts you at risk. You must always remember that a catastrophe such as a fire or hurricane can happen at any time. Life is unpredictable and it’s important to make sure you are covered if disaster strikes. Whether you are purchasing a new condo or you have an existing condo owner’s insurance policy, we are here to help. We are happy to offer free policy reviews to help you ensure you have the right policy for your needs. Give us a call today at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here. Pre-loss property inspections are important when dealing with property damage insurance claims. They allow you to prove the condition of your property was in prior to the damage occurring.
As a Boca Raton public adjuster, Reliant Insurance Adjusters offers pre-loss property inspections. The following explains two situations where these inspections are advisable and help avoid claim denials in the future. Before a Natural Disaster In the wake of a natural disaster, it is not always easy to determine the source of any damage that was done to your property. For instance, is there a leak in your roof because of a hurricane, or is it the result of improper maintenance? These questions can be difficult to answer after the fact, which is why pre-loss inspections are so important. They allow us to ensure we are equipped with all the knowledge needed during the claims process, helps narrow down the timeframe during which any damage has occurred and most importantly, allows us to prove the damage is not pre-existing. These inspections can be done before hurricanes, fires, floods, or any other event that might be covered by your insurance policy. In the event of a fire, this type of inspection report will also help show proof of the contents inside the property. What Needs to Be Inspected Before a Natural Disaster? We offer different pre-loss inspection packages. For instance, when performing inspections for residential property owners, it would be important to inspect the roof as well as interior of the property. However, an inspection for a condominium unit owner, we only inspect the interior of the unit. If performed for the condominium association, the inspection would cover the building exterior and common interior areas. For commercial buildings, we personalize those inspections on a case-by-case basis, as this allows us to factor in the unique needs of your building. Being a public adjuster provides the knowledge and understanding of what is needed. Contact us if you are unsure what kind of pre-loss inspection you need. We can also review your insurance policy and advise if you have enough coverage for your property and what the policy covers and excludes. Looking for a Public Adjuster in Boca Raton? Reliant Insurance Adjusters is here for you. Our team is very experienced with handling all types of insurance claims, interpreting insurance policies, and resolving underpaid or denied insurance claims. We represent you, not the insurance company and protect and represent your interests throughout the claim process. If you are interested in our pre-loss inspection service, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to answer any questions you have and provide any information you need. Buying a home is an exciting time. It also happens to be one of the largest investments an individual will make in their lifetime.
While you can easily get caught up in the moment and the excitement, there are a few things you should consider to best maintain your new investment and keep everything running in tip-top shape. 3 Tips for New Homeowners If you have found the perfect home that meets your lifestyle and budget needs, you may want to consider the following essential tips for new homeowners. #1: Safely store your warranties and manuals As you begin purchasing new appliances, you will want to save their manuals and warranties. Storing them in an organized folder or binder, perhaps in page protectors with tabs, can help make them easy to find whenever you may need them. #2: Thoroughly vet any contractors you want to hire Not everything may be suitable for a DIY project. As tempting as it may be to save a buck or two by repairing or renovating items on your own, sometimes you will have to hire a contractor. When you do, be sure to thoroughly vet them before hiring them. Make sure you check that they are licensed and insured. Check their referrals and reviews and also be sure that you have checked with your local building authority to ensure that you can get any permits needed to complete the work. #3: Don’t neglect routine maintenance There are many factors that go into keeping a home running in tip-top shape. This often requires some routine maintenance. Change your air conditioning filters on a monthly basis and have the system checked for blockages and leaks. Make sure your windows and doors are sealed and that you do not have any leaks under your sinks. One of the best ways you can start your journey of homeownership is by having a professional conduct a thorough inspection of your home and tell you what needs to be updated now and what can be done at a later date. Get Started on the Right Foot Homeownership is an exciting time and a remarkable achievement. It can be easy to get swept up in choosing the right furnishings and color palettes for your new home, but there are a few things that should be on your priority list. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we provide several services including an independent Pre-Loss Property Inspection as well as detailed estimating services. Contact us today to learn how we can help you. When discussing a property insurance policy, it is always important to outline that different policies have different terms. This is why we take our duties as a public adjuster in Broward County so seriously: we want to make sure we understand exactly what your policy covers.
Generalities are useful for helping you understand the likelihood that your policy covers a specific form of compensation when you have a covered loss for damage to your property. In this instance, it is safe to say that property insurance policies do not cover the cost of property maintenance. To explain why, we should discuss what these types of policies are designed to cover, as well as what to look for if you want home maintenance costs included. What Do Homeowners Insurance Policies Typically Cover? Most insurance policies are designed to cover unforeseen incidents also known as sudden and accidental damage. The exact nature of your policy may vary, but insurance companies often offer plans that include: Therefore, it is important to understand your options carefully when purchasing an insurance policy. While it is tempting to choose the cheaper coverage available, this may not give you adequate protection for your property. I always say shop coverage not price! What If Your Insurance Company Believes Damage to Your Home Was Caused Due to Lack of Maintenance? It is important to note, that although your policy only covers damage from sudden and accidental loss, it is still important to maintain your property with the proper upkeep. This will certainly avoid any issues with your insurance company should you have to file a claim. For instance, if a minor leak goes undetected and continues over a period of time, this will result in more extensive damage than if it was stopped immediately. Because the damage to your property would then be long term, your insurance company may deny coverage and claim that the water damage is not the result of a sudden and accidental loss. This situation can get especially complicated if it is ambiguous whether the damage was caused by an unforeseen event or a lack of maintenance (e.g. Did your property experience water damage due to a hurricane or because of an unrelated leak that was not fixed? This is one of the reasons why it is useful to speak with a public insurance adjuster. They can review your policy and help you determine if your damage is covered in your policy and exactly what your insurance company should provide with coverage. It is important to have a pre-loss inspection, which allows you to document the condition of your property before you have a loss. Sometimes, insurance companies mislabel damage as either pre-existing or long term damage. With a detailed pre-loss inspection report, we document your property from the exterior to the interior so this will not happen to you. What If You Want a Policy That Covers Maintenance? Insurance policies are designed to help you in the event of a covered loss/damage to your property. They are not designed to maintain the property, therefore, if you are a homeowner, you may wish to purchase a home maintenance/warranty contract which usually covers maintenance of the air conditioning, appliances and plumbing. You should always have your roof and windows checked on an annual basis to make sure there are no active leaks and the caulking around your windows and doors are sealed properly. Additionally, it is important to make sure that sprinkler heads are faced away from the building to ensure that no water seeps into the property. It is important to make sure you understand what your warranty covers. While some companies just offer coverage to repair these items, others will cover replacement. If you choose to go this route, it is important to determine whether the cost of the warranty is worth the repairs you think you will need. Looking for a Public Adjuster in Broward County? You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, our goal is to help you better understand the coverage that your insurance policy provides. Whether you want us to help you with an insurance claim, a pre-loss inspection, or you just have questions you would like to ask first, please do not hesitate to contact us today. It is our primary goal that our clients’ needs come first. |
AuthorKaren Schiffmiller Archives
March 2024
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