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Water Damage Insurance Claims

Are Public Adjuster’s Worth It?

Filing an insurance claim after a disaster is a stressful process. To avoid having to deal with the hassle, and with hopes of getting more money from the insurance company, many homeowners seek the help of a public adjuster. A public adjuster is an insurance claims specialist who interprets the homeowner’s policy, assesses the damage and how much it will cost to repair, and negotiates with the insurance company on behalf of the homeowner until the claim is settled. Public adjusters market themselves as professionals who act solely on behalf of the policyholder and help ensure homeowners get the money they are entitled to under the policy. They differ from adjusters hired by the insurance companies to assist with the claim because their compensation comes out of the homeowner’s pocket, not the insurance company’s. Homeowners don’t always need the help of a public adjuster, says David Barrack, executive director of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters in Potomac Falls,...

When Is It Time to Call a Public Adjuster?

Not long ago, I was attending a deposition when the insurance company’s lawyer questioned my client about why he had hired a public adjuster. The non-verbal reaction of my client spoke volumes. With wide eyes, he leaned closer to the attorney and explained that his world was turned upside down the day of the loss and he was not just completely overwhelmed by the destruction to his home, but, more than that, he was concerned for the wellbeing and care of his family. He knew he needed professional assistance because of the magnitude of the loss and his experience in dealing with his insurance company on a prior loss. As more was learned about the circumstances of the loss, the sincere appreciation and respect the insured held for his public insurance adjuster was clear. At the time of the loss, he had more questions than answers and did not know where to turn until he hired his public adjuster. Recently,...

4 Signs You Need a Public Adjuster

Following an unexpected property damage loss, you can expect your insurance company to come prepared with experts. A fire, earthquake, flood, winter storm, hurricane, or other natural disaster can turn your life upside down without a moment’s notice. As an insured policyholder, you have rights and obligations. One of which is the ability to hire a public adjuster to advocate on your behalf. So, how can you tell when you need to bring in a professional to represent your interests? Following an unexpected property damage loss, you can expect your insurance company to come prepared with experts. A fire, earthquake, flood, winter storm, hurricane, or other natural disaster can turn your life upside down without a moment’s notice. As an insured policyholder, you have rights and obligations. One of which is the ability to hire a public adjuster to advocate on your behalf. So, how can you tell when you need to bring in a professional to represent your interests?...