IF we've heard that once, we heard it a thousand times!!
RE-READ
your policy!! Read the fine print!! Consult with the experts in property damage claims!
RE-READ YOUR POLICY AGAIN!
If you cannot locate your policy, have your agent provide you with a copy!!
This is VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Policy
conditions requires you to prove your loss to the insurance company. Most people falsely believe that when they have a claim
they can just call the insurance company and leave it up to them. All property insurance policies have a section that is titled
"REQUIREMENTS WHEN LOSS OCCURS" this section of the policy spells out your responsibilities. Generally you are required to
provide immediate written notice to the insurer of any claim. This does not necessarily mean that you have to sit down and
write a letter. In fact, in most cases a telephone call to your agent will suffice to meet this requirement. The agent will
generally fill out a form that is sent to the insurer relaying the information you have furnished to the agent about the particulars
of your claim.
Claims adjusters from the insurer are generally divided into to segments, staff adjusters (work directly
for the company, capitive empolyees) independent adjusters,(work for independent companies hired by the insurer on a case
by case basis to adjust its claims.) Claimants often believe that independent adjusters receive a cut of what they save an
insurance company, this is not true. Nonetheless, the independent does have a vested interest in protecting the insurer. Common
sense tells you that the independent adjuster has to put the insurer first since future assignments depend on keeping the
company happy.
MANY TIMES AGENTS DO NOT EVEN UNDERSTAND THE POLICY THEY SOLD TO YOU THEMSELVES!
IF DENIED,
BY AGENT OR COMPANY; Ask for specific reasons for denial, and ask them to indicate in writing - where in the policy it says
your claim is not covered!
If you still feel your loss should be covered, AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY STILL DOES NOT
WANT TO PAY, then it's time to get an attorney and/or a public adjuster!
CASE FILE STATISTICS #1: Joe Caulfield had
ONE CASE DENIED exactly AS THE SAMPLE ABOVE! Yet upon Caulfield's evaluation of the policy, and after evaluating the conditions
causing the loss, Caulfield was confident the loss was covered. They called the insurance company.
GUESS WHAT?
THE INSURANCE COMPANY PAID THE CLAIM!
AND THIS CLAIM WAS SUBSTANTIAL, ESPECIALLY TO AN ELDERLY MAN IN HIS UPPER 70'S,
WITH LIMITED INCOME, WHO LOST ALMOST EVERYTHING IN HIS LOWER LEVEL/BASEMENT, and CARPETS, CONTAMINANTS, ETC., ON HIS FIRST
FLOOR.
BUT CAULFIELD WAS ABLE TO COLLECT THIS GENTLEMAN THE PROPER DOLLAR AMOUNT!
THEREFORE, RE-READ YOUR POLICY,
OR CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL OR EXPERT!!
GROSS UNDERPAYMENT ON YOUR CLAIM!
Your insurance Adjuster has a contractor who can make repairs for about
HALF the actual damages!
EVER WONDER WHY? Perhaps they SUPPLEMENT the claim, collect the money from the insurance
company, then - of course - there is THE POSSIBILITY OF MONEY EXCHANGING HANDS, YET YOU ARE STUCK WONDERING IF THE CONTRACTOR
RETURNED YOU TO PRE-LOSS CONDITION!!!
FIRST THING TO KNOW: IF YOU DON'T HAVE A PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE,
IE; PUBLIC ADJUSTER - GET YOUR OWN ESTIMATES!
Get 2 or 3 estimates! Make sure all damages are listed for
repairs! REMEMBER, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PRESENT YOUR LOSS TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY ~ IT SAYS SO RIGHT IN YOUR
POLICY!
ALSO, Remember to ALWAYS get EXPERT advise on damages, to the extent of damages, including, insulation,
stud walls, contamination, smoke infiltration and mold!!
It's the damages you DON'T see that can kill you!
Finally,
IT'S YOUR PROPERTY, BUSINESS OR HOME! The Insurance Company owes you to 'put you back in the same condition - as prior to
the loss'
IT IS YOUR HEALTH, YOUR FAMILIES' HEALTH, YOUR FINANCIAL WELL-BEING AND YOUR ECONOMIC FUTURE AT STAKE!!
WOULD
YOU GO TO COURT WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY? WOULD YOU FLY A PLANE WITH OUT A LICENCE OR EXPERIENCE?
Of Course NOT!
THEN
DO NOT BE TAKEN FOR A FOOL BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER, WHO ~ IN ALL PROBABILITY ~ DOES NOT HAVE A LICENCE TO REPRESENT
THE INSURANCE COMPANIES!
REMEMBER ~ THEY REPRESENT THE INSURANCE COMPANIES!!
WHO REPRESENTS YOU????
GET
YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL/EXPERT! IT SAVES TIME & MONEY, GET YOU INDEMIFIED & HAVE YOUR PROPERTY RESTORED CORRECTLY AND FOR THE
PROPER DOLLAR AMOUNT!
ASK IF YOUR INSURANCE ADJUSTER IS LICENSED IN YOUR STATE; GET HIS QUALIFICATIONS FOR EVALUATING
YOUR LOSS AND DAMAGE