Everyone should be aware that insurance companies don't always care how much money they have to pay claimants for property damage. However, because they must also abide by the law, they usually make an effort to reach a settlement at the lowest cost. You do have the option to engage a public adjuster.
When it comes to getting an insurance adjustment, you need to go with a public adjuster you can trust: the best way to do that is by asking the questions below before you hire an adjuster for insurance loss recovery.
Q. Does the Insurance Adjuster have References?
There are instances when one has never needed a claims adjuster's services and, if they have, only once or twice at most. If the customer receives outstanding service, they already know which business to use in the future. Ask for recommendations if this is your first time using the service. Think of them as being discarded if they don't have them.
Q. Is the Insurance Adjuster Licensed?
Be careful to conduct thorough research. The most crucial question you should ask yourself before employing a public adjuster is, by far, this one. If they lack the necessary state licensing, they are ineligible for the position and lack the authority to support your claim. That's how easy it is! Before moving on, be aware of what you're searching for because many of them are really not authorized or licensed by the state.
Q. How Long Has the Public Adjuster Been in Business?
Being fresh to the industry has nothing to do with anything. Even the largest, most respected companies were once just one individual starting their own modest company. However, you would anticipate someone just starting out in their own business to have prior experience working for another company. Stay away if they haven't. Storms should be routine for any licensed public adjuster. However, if your claim is unusual—say, if a car went off the road and into your living room—you'd want to be sure that your public adjuster is capable of handling its more peculiar elements.
Q. What About the Fees?
Most public adjusters charge 5 to 15 percent of the settlement proceeds from your claim as contingency fees. In certain states, these costs are capped, while in all others, they are flexible. Your loss's magnitude, nature, and current claim status should all be considered when determining the cost you agree to pay a public adjuster. Make sure you decide up front if the Public Adjuster will receive a portion of whatever money the insurer has already promised to pay in writing but hasn't yet done so. Negotiate this upfront if you simply want the public adjuster to handle some of your claim—not all of it.
For more questions on residential claims, you can always contact the team at Affiliated Adjustment Group today.