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My Property Has Mold. What Do I Do?

Posted on March 8, 2023March 8, 2023 by YLLA@admin

Mold is everywhere and can grow on almost any surface that provides it with the right conditions. Exposure to mold, even for a short period, can lead to several health issues, ranging from mild to severe. Some people are more sensitive to mold than others, but common health effects include nasal stuffiness, irritation of the throat, coughing and wheezing, itchy eyes, and skin irritation.

Since mold thrives in areas with high moisture levels, such as roofs, windows, and pipes, it can quickly become a problem if your property has mold. If left untreated, mold can cause significant damage to your property and negatively impact your health.

Mold growth can occur on a wide range of surfaces, including drywall, wallpaper, insulation, fabric, and upholstery. Removing mold from these surfaces can be a frustrating and ineffective process if not managed properly. It’s crucial to reach out to an expert to help you repair any mold damage and prevent future damage.

How does mold affect me?

Mold is found everywhere, from the great outdoors to the most obscure corners of our properties. It’s easy to overlook mold as just another nuisance, but it’s important to understand just how dangerous it can be when it’s left unchecked.

Mold is a fungus that can be black, white, orange, green, or even purple. Though many people associate mold with the traditional white or green variety, the truth is that mold can take on many different forms. In nature, mold plays a crucial role in breaking down dead leaves, plants, and trees. But when mold finds a damp spot in our properties, it can quickly grow out of control.

Even if you don’t have a mold allergy or sensitivity, exposure to high levels of mold spores can be harmful to your health. When mold grows on a surface, it can release spores into the air that can be easily inhaled by humans and animals. These spores can cause a range of symptoms, including respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even neurological issues in some cases.

The key to preventing mold growth in your property is to keep moisture levels in check. This means fixing leaks, reducing humidity levels, and ensuring proper ventilation in areas like bathrooms and kitchens. If you suspect that you have a mold problem in your property, it’s important to take action right away. Mold can spread quickly and can be difficult to remove once it’s taken hold.

Video via Bulldog Adjuster’s YouTube

What are the dangers of mold damage?

Most people are aware of the more common symptoms of mold exposure, such as allergies, skin rashes, and respiratory issues. However, there are some unexpected dangers of mold damage that many people are not aware of. In this article, I will discuss five of the most surprising ways that mold can impact your health.

The first and most frightening condition that can result from exposure to mold is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.

This is a condition in which the immune system is compromised to such an extent that the body’s immediate allergic reactions are triggered by Mast Cells. The cells release so many antibodies that they send the person into anaphylactic shock. The symptoms of this syndrome are varied and include itching, hives, swelling, and redness. Your throat may be swollen, causing shortness of breath or harsh breathing, and you may also experience diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

Long-term exposure to mold can also lead to neurological problems, including memory loss and difficulty concentrating.

This “brain fog” can be caused by the immune system being attacked by mold spores and mycotoxins. If you find yourself experiencing any of these problems, it is worth mentioning to your doctor that you have an issue with mold.

In addition to neurological problems, mold exposure can also cause respiratory issues.

Mold spores can grow and proliferate within your body, leading to problems such as sniffles, sore throat, and nasal drip. If left untreated, these symptoms can escalate into more serious respiratory problems.

Perhaps the most terrifying consequence of mold exposure is the potential for death.

Prolonged exposure to black mold can cause organs to shut down completely and also leaves the body vulnerable to other conditions that can prove fatal. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable, as black mold can cause miscarriages, birth defects, and even infertility later on.

Finally, it’s worth noting that pets can also be affected by mold exposure.

If you have pets on your property, it’s important to be aware of the signs of mold exposure and to take steps to remove the mold from your property as quickly as possible.

What do I do if my property has mold?

It’s important to understand that visible signs of toxic mold development may not always be immediately apparent, and the professionals who investigated your claim may not have caught all the necessary information. That’s why, if you notice any signs of mold growth after your claim has been settled, it’s crucial to take action right away.

One mistake you definitely don’t want to make is trying to clean up the mold yourself. This can actually make the situation worse and damage your ability to get your claim adjusted successfully. Instead, it’s important to bring in a qualified mold testing and cleanup crew to deal with the situation properly.

If you’re experiencing mold damage on your property, give Your Large Loss Adjuster, powered by Bulldog Adjusters, a call. The insurance experts at YLLA have a proven track record of success in handling water damage claims, and they take care of the entire process for you, so you don’t have to worry about the details. To learn more about what YLLA can do for you, contact us online or call 855-515-4101 today. Don’t let mold damage your health or your finances – take action and get the help you need to make things right.

When Do You Know You Need A Public Adjuster?

Posted on March 7, 2023March 8, 2023 by YLLA@admin

Owning a property is an amazing accomplishment for anyone, but it also comes with lots of new responsibilities, including maintenance and repairs if anything goes wrong. It can happen to the best of us at no fault of our own, and often time things happen that are outside of our control. When things get out of hand, it is beneficial to bring on a public adjuster who can help take care of all of the technicalities.

It’s virtually impossible for us to know what’s going to happen in the future, so instead, we arm ourselves with protection in the event the unthinkable happens. It’s times like these that property owners insurance becomes a golden ticket in aiding with getting back on track.

No one wants to lose out on recovering damages just because they don’t know the ins and outs of their insurance policy. This is when it might be a good time think about whether you need a public adjuster to support you through the claims process.

Public adjusters are agents that represent property owners in insurance claims when disaster strikes. They charge a fee for their services, which is typically a percentage of the total claim settlement. Bringing a public adjuster on board can make all the difference in the success of your claim, and can significantly speed up the process of negotiating a settlement.

Though it is not required to hire an agent to represent you, depending on your situation, you may decide it is the right thing to do to ensure you are getting the most out of your settlement in the long run. If you are faced with one of the five situations noted below, perhaps it is time to hire a public adjuster to represent you.

Wind or Hail Damage

Mother Nature is a force of her own, and no matter how expensive your property is, weather is always something that needs to be considered as a property owner. Depending on where in the country you live, your policy premium may factor in the likelihood of a claim for things like wind or hail damage.

For example, if you live in Colorado, hail season through early summer may leave you with severe damage to your roof, in some cases even beyond repair. If this happens, you would of course want to file a claim under your property owners insurance policy and pay the deductible to have your roof replaced.

If you live in the Midwest, you may experience wind damage during tornado season, like damaged siding or broken windows. You may lose your deck to a tornado, or other structures on your property could be damaged. If you live in the South, you are certainly no stranger to hurricane season, which often leaves trails of destruction behind it. This too would be a cause to file a claim under your policy.

Any of the above scenarios can be terrible for families to go through. It can be stressful and emotional for those involved, particularly when irreplaceable items are lost. When working through a claim, property owners are required to submit document after document to the insurance company, which can be incredibly trying for a family in crisis.

If you choose to hire a public adjuster to represent you in the claim, they can help to not only assess the damage, but assist in filing all necessary paperwork as well as obtaining quotes for contractors to replace or repair the damage. They will be there to make sure the claim is processed as quickly as possible so the insured party can work towards rebuilding what has been lost without the headache of dealing with the insurance company on a daily basis.

Water Damage and Freezing

Though pipes are not something we think about everyday since they can’t be seen on a daily basis. During winter months, it is also possible for pipes to freeze and break, which can cause significant additional damages to your property. If not caught right away, frozen pipes could lead to flooding in certain areas of the property. This is why it’s so important to keep the heat on at a reasonable temperature in cold areas during the winter season.

Another thing to consider is if you have a timeshare or vacation property somewhere where freezing temperature linger through the winter months. When a vacation property is unoccupied for extended periods of time, it may be too late by the time someone discovers the damage done by a broken or frozen pipe. Taking regular precautions against this happening is recommended, but if you find yourself in this position it may be a good time to bring on a public adjuster to help you process your insurance claim.

Fire and Lightning Damage

Fires may possibly one of the most devastating occurrences that could take place in a family property. They rip through a hproperty with no forgiveness for anything in it. In best cases, no life is lost in the event and only the material items are at stake to be replaced. In addition to losing the property, many find it even harder to lose sentimental items that cannot be replaced or valued at any given price. Fires can be extremely traumatizing to those going through it, and leave those affected with concern and heartache.

Lighting damage can also be incredibly devastating. In some cases, lighting can strike a property and leave and entire hole in a roof or wall. It can also lead to fire, which could subsequently spread and create further damage.

Even though some items can’t be replaced, when a public adjuster is hired to handle your claim, you may be able to recover a certain financial amount for items lost that you may not have recognized as recoupable altogether. They will help to catalog all of the lost items, ask the critical questions and assist you with filing all of the necessary documentation for what was lost in the fire. After going through such a traumatic event, it may just be the right thing for your family to sacrifice a small percentage of the settlement in order to have an advocate like a public adjuster guiding you through the process.

Non-Theft Property Damage

This category is a bit different in nature from the others, as it is not necessarily direct damage or theft to a property. You may see this in businesses as well, where another person’s property (or damage to it) is causing a direct loss of use or value to your property. Understandably, coverage under these circumstances may land in a bit of a gray area, but the fine print in insurance policies will dictate the available coverage under each specific policy issued. As a policyholder, it may be challenging to understand the language included in the policy itself along with the rights and obligations of a policyholder.

By bringing on a public adjuster in this case, insured parties will alleviate the responsibility of interpreting the policy alone. As public adjusters are trained to deal with these situations, they will be able to assess the damages and detail those damages in reports to the insurance company. They can take over the back and forth discussions with the insurance company and speak confidently on behalf of the policyholder. Because these situations are what they deal with on a daily basis, they can stand their ground through negotiations and push for the best possible outcome for the insured party.

Liability Claims

Liability claims may not necessarily include damage done directly to the property, but rather incidents that occurred on your property. This can be a sticky slope for many because it’s impossible to predict if something will happen while you have others on your property. As a property owner, you are responsible for such incidents and your property insurance covers you in protecting against lawsuits for various situations.

For instance, if an individual is bitten by your dog on your property, they would have a case against you to file a claim. In addition to facing other potential consequences, such as maybe having to put the dog down or surrender them, you could be held responsible for covering any and all medical costs of the injured party. Additionally, they may come to the table with requests for added damages for pain and suffering. This is never an easy situation to deal with, but having a public adjuster may help to lessen the burden while dealing with the claim.

For instance, if a property owner has a large aging tree in their yard, and it falls over on the neighbor’s house during a storm and causes significant damage, the neighbors could potentially be in a position to directly demand that the property owners cover the damages incurred on their property.

Even though this could be an event completely out of the insured parties hands due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the property owner ultimately has to come to the table to cover any damages that are caused by their property. Much like the situation with the dog bite, when a liability claim includes additional parties, it can be all the more trying to resolve. If you make the choice to have a public adjuster represent you, it will make the process much easier and much more comfortable for you as the insured party.

When remodeling, landscaping or having other renovations done to your property, you are also responsible to keep the contractors that are performing the work safe while they are on your property (to an extent). Unfortunately, if someone is injured while they are on a property and completing services requested, that individual property owner or business owner may be liable to cover the costs of any medical fees associated with the incident.

Claims like this can be quite complicated when it comes to negotiating actual damages, and depending on the medical condition of the injured party, it could drag on for months or even years. This particular scenario is one that often leads to future damages claimed, as medical issues sometimes change or digress after a serious accident. Instead of the property owner or business owner negotiating directly with the injured party or insurance company, a public adjuster can advocate for the policyholder and expedite the settlement process from an unbiased professional position.

Liability claims against your property owners insurance policy can be particularly trying, as there is always an extra third party to deal with. If you decide to hire a public adjuster to assist in your claim, they can help by taking over as the communicator between all parties involved, significantly reducing the amount of stress placed on you.

This will allow the claim to progress without necessarily keeping emotions at the forefront of negotiations. Public adjusters are focused solely on the successful and swift closure of you claim, and will work tirelessly to ensure you are able to walk away from the negotiations in peace.

No matter the scenario, it is never easy to go through the claims process for your property owners insurance policy alone. With any situation in life, it’s always easier if you have someone by your side making sure everything is covered.

Life can throw many surprises our way, but by hiring a public adjuster, you are making sure you are protected against financial losses when such events occur. Though it is possible to file a claim without a public adjuster, it is without a doubt much easier on the property owner if they have someone in their corner advocating for them.

They will push forward on your behalf to ensure you are receiving the largest possible settlement available under the circumstances of the claim, all the while making sure that you don’t have to deal with the darker side of the claims process.

In the event that additional damages surface after your claim is settled, you may want to come back and claim the additional damages. On your own, that could be a challenging task. When and if you decide to bring on a public adjuster, you are guaranteeing that you have someone in your corner to help you come out of the claims process on top.

Now that you know why you might need a public adjuster, consider reaching out to Your Large Loss Adjuster, powered by Bulldog Adjusters , if you’ve had your claim denied, been given a lowballed settlement offer, or have been waiting for months for funds you need for necessary repairs.

We get you the biggest possible settlement on your claim!

My Insurance Company Keeps Depreciating My Claim; What Can I Do To Get More?

Posted on February 24, 2023February 24, 2023 by YLLA@admin

Depreciating an insurance claim can be a difficult lesson when you have a claim. Learning that you receive a fraction of what your property is worth because depreciating an insurance claim is part of the process can be alarming. You may be wondering, “if the company is depreciating an insurance claim how will I ever have enough to replace my ruined property?”

Here we will discuss how depreciating an insurance claim works and what you can do to make sure you get the best settlement to replace your damaged property.

How does depreciating an insurance claim work?

Depreciating an insurance claim applies to most types of insurance. While most people are familiar with depreciating an insurance claim when it comes to auto insurance, many consumers are surprised that it also applies to other types of insurance.

Your home and everything in it loses value with age. This loss in value is due mostly to wear and tear of the property. The decline in value of your property over time is known as depreciation.

Depreciating an insurance claim and the first steps

The claim reimbursement process begins with your insurance company issuing you an initial payment based on the actual cash value (ACV) of the item. So, let’s say lightning struck your home and your laptop and television were damaged beyond repair.

You file the claim. The initial payment from your insurance company is going to be the actual cash value of the laptop and the television. Now if your laptop and television are a few years old, this payment won’t be enough to replace those items. This is known as depreciating an insurance claim.

Replacement cost coverage and depreciating an insurance claim

The key to getting the best claim settlement is having replacement cost coverage on your policy. Still, depreciating an insurance claim is part of the settlement process, but if you have replacement cost coverage on your policy, you have a chance to get fully reimbursed for your damaged property.

If you have replacement cost coverage, depreciating an insurance claim will involve at least two payments. The initial amount is based on the actual cash value of the damaged property. Then you submit your receipts from replacing the damaged items, and your insurance company issues another check for the difference.

It’s important to note that even home damages can be subject to depreciation. For example, if your roof is damaged in a storm, your insurance company will issue a payment based on the actual cash value of the roof. If you have replacement cost coverage on the policy, once repairs are completed and signed off on by a licensed contractor, your insurance company issues payment for the additional cost.

The math behind depreciating an insurance claim

Calculating the depreciation of an insurance claim sounds difficult but isn’t all that complicated. You only need to know two pieces of information when depreciating an insurance claim: the first is the age of the item and the second is the average life expectancy of the item.

So, let’s say for example a lightning strike destroyed your laptop. You’ve owned the computer for two years, and during that time it’s had only normal wear and tear. A similar kind and quality laptop today cost $1,000 – that’s the replacement cost, but how much is your two-year-old laptop worth? What is the actual cash value? Let’s say the life expectancy of the computer is five years. This means the laptop loses 20 percent of its value each year you own it.

So now we can calculate the depreciated value if your laptop. The cost to buy a new laptop of similar quality ($1,000) minus the depreciation of your laptop (2 years multiplied by 20 percent is $400) equals the actual cash value of your laptop $600.

Of course, this is just an example with round numbers, but the formula works the same across the board when depreciating an insurance claim.

Your home and depreciating an insurance claim

Depreciating an insurance claim also applies to your home’s structure, including walls, windows, and the roof. The calculation works the same way. For example, let’s say you have a 25-year composition roof. The roof is ten years old when a windstorm blows in and destroys it. The rate of depreciation for such a roof is four percent per year under normal circumstances. So, if your roof is ten years old when the loss happens, you would subtract 40 percent (4 percent per year multiplied by ten years) from the replacement cost of your roof to come up with the actual cash value.

Making the most out of depreciating an insurance claim

Depreciating an insurance claim isn’t complicated, but it can be frustrating for homeowners who expect to receive full replacement cost immediately for their damaged property. But there are some things homeowners can do to make sure they get the best possible settlement when depreciating an insurance claim:

Make sure you have replacement cost coverage on your policy. Make sure the replacement cost valuation covers your personal property, dwelling, and roof.

Save all your invoices, receipts and records of repair. As you replace items that were damaged in your claim, keep the receipts. As part of depreciating an insurance claim, you may need to submit them to the insurance company.

Keep a video inventory of your home – the inside and out. If you have a significant loss, a video inventory can help substantiate your property’s value.

Depreciating an insurance claim is a standard industry practice. If you have replacement cost coverage on your policy, you should be able to recover the cost to replace your damaged property. If you are having difficulty with your insurance company depreciating an insurance claim and would like a second opinion, contact Bulldog Adjusters. We are a team of public adjusters who work for policyholders to make sure they get fair claim settlements.

Business Interruption Insurance Claim – Are You Covered?

Posted on February 23, 2023February 23, 2023 by YLLA@admin

Did you have to file a business interruption insurance claim? Not sure if you’re even covered for business interruption? Maybe you’re not even sure what business interruption insurance is.

If you are a business owner, you should get familiar with this important coverage. If you ever need to file a business interruption claim, this coverage could be one to save your business. When faced with a loss of income claim, many business owners have questions including: How is it calculated? How much money will I get?

If you have a loss to your business and can’t operate normally, or at all, business interruption coverage is critical, and knowing a few key things about this important coverage can make filing your business interruption claim a lot easier.

What does Business Interruption insurance cover?

So, let’s look at a scenario were a business owner would file a business interruption insurance claim:

Let’s say you own a restaurant and had a fire. Your insurance covers fire losses to your property. Since the kitchen is totaled you are forced to close your restaurant while repairs get made.

You file a business interruption claim to replace some of the income you are losing by having the business closed.

What do I need to know if I have to file a Business Interruption Claim?

Now that you have an idea of what business interruption insurance covers. There are some key terms you may want to be familiar with in case you have to file a business interruption insurance claim.

The Business Interruption Insurance Clause

Most business policies have a clause on business interruption that says they will pay for:

“The actual loss of business income sustained due to necessary suspension of your business operations during the period of “restoration.” The suspension must be caused by the direct physical loss, damage, or destruction to property. The damage must be caused by a covered cause of loss.”

Your policy may not have this exact phrase, but if you have business interruption insurance coverage, your policy contains a similar definition.

So, if you do have to file a business interruption insurance claim, it would be helpful to understand what this phrase means. Let’s look at some of the terms:

Actual loss sustained:

To successfully file a business income insurance claim, two things must happen. Your business must have been interrupted by a covered loss on the policy, and because of this interruption, you have sustained some loss of business income.

The actual loss sustained refers to the actual amount of income that was lost during a covered business interruption insurance claim.

For example, let’s say you own a nail salon and are open Monday through Friday. Saturday morning, you discovered a pipe burst. The damage was minimal, and you managed to get everything repaired and dried out. You were able to open for business Monday morning.

Your insurance policy may cover water damage from a burst pipe, but there is no coverage for business interruption. Why? Because you opened on time Monday morning and didn’t lose any income. There was no “actual loss” sustained.

Business income:

Business income refers to the amount of profits you lost if you had to file a business interruption insurance claim.

This is usually calculated by studying previous months business profits.

Business income includes the net income your business would have earned and the expenses your business would have incurred if you didn’t have to file a business interruption insurance claim.

If the loss is covered, the insurance company is responsible for the income you lost when your business couldn’t operate – either at all or completely.

Period of restoration:

Period of restoration is another term you should know if you must file a business interruption insurance claim.

The term refers to the period needed to repair, rebuild or replace the property that was damaged in the loss.

Keep in mind the period of restoration isn’t connected to the policy term. The restoration period may extend beyond the policy expiration date. If the initial loss occurred within the policy period, the policy should cover any business interruption insurance claim.

Additional coverages when filing a Business Interruption insurance claim

In addition to coverage for business income, the business interruption coverage provides additional coverages that may be available if you must file a business interruption insurance claim.

Extra Expense coverage and a Business Interruption Insurance Claim

One of the most common and helpful additional coverages is the extra expense coverage.

Extra expense coverage is usually included in the business interruption insurance. It is available to cover any extra expenses you may incur because of the interruption of your business operations.

This may include any extra expense you must incur that you would not have had if it weren’t for the business interruption claim.

For example, if you can’t operate out of your office space due to a covered loss and the only way to continue operating is to rent some other office space, that additional rent is considered an extra expense and may be covered under your business interruption insurance claim

What should I do if I have a Business Interruption Claim?

If you have suffered a business loss and think you may have a business interruption claim here are some tips:

Call your insurance company
Mitigate your damages – do anything you can to minimize the damages. This may include boarding up doors or windows or calling a water remediation company.
Document your expenses, and save all your receipts
Gather your operating expense and profit records from the past six months.

Having a business interruption claim is difficult and frustrating. But if you have proper coverage, you should not have to absorb a loss of income or extra expenses taken to continue operations. Call Your Large Loss Adjuster if your business is struggling after a business interruption insurance claim or loss of income.

If you have experienced a loss and your business operations were affected, contact Your Large Loss Adjuster for help.

What Are The Important Deadlines For My Property Damage Claim?

Posted on February 22, 2023February 22, 2023 by YLLA@admin

Deadlines for a property damage claim can determine if a claim gets settled accurately and fairly. The deadlines for a property claim are important. Both the policyholder and the insurance company have deadlines for a property claim they must comply with. So, what are the deadlines for a property claim you must know about and how will they affect you and your claim?

Most deadlines for a property claim are difficult to determine. In most claims, time is of the essence. Here we will discuss the deadlines for a property claim and what you can do as a property owner to make sure you get the best and most fair claim settlement.

Policy contracts

Most deadlines for a property claim are set out not by state laws and regulations, but rather by policy contracts. That’s why it is essential to understand your policy provisions. Some state guidelines monitor fair claim handling practices and include deadlines for a property claim.

Company response

When you first file a property damage claim, your insurance company is required to respond in a certain amount of time. The actual length of time can vary from state to state and contract to contract, but in Florida, insurance carriers have 14 days to acknowledge the receipt of your claim.

Most times the acknowledgment comes in the form of a claim number and an assigned company adjuster. This acknowledgment serves the purpose of letting you know that your insurance company is acknowledging your claim and the process has begun.

This acknowledgment can become vital if you file your property claim without speaking to a company representative. If you use an online portal or emailed a notice to your insurance company, be sure to get a claim acknowledgment.

Communication and deadlines

Once your claim is acknowledged, there will likely be a lot of ongoing communication between you and your insurance company. Even with these exchanges of information, there are associated deadlines. If during the claim process, you contact your insurance carrier for information and leave a voicemail, the company has 14 days to respond to your request for further details.

Similarly, if you send in a written request for information through email, the 14-day contact deadlines for a property claim apply. This time frame exists to make sure your insurance company responds to your inquiries in a timely fashion.

Evidence of loss

Most insurance carriers require you to submit evidence of your claim. This process is also part of the deadlines for a property claim. The requirement for presenting evidence of loss can vary depending on your policy and insurance company, but generally, after you submit the proof, your insurance carrier has 0ten days to begin investigating your claim.

Evidence of loss and the deadlines for a property claim don’t have to be complicated. A proof-of-loss submission may be a list of damaged property or a written statement about what happened. The evidence of loss is one of the most important aspects when it comes to deadlines for a property claim because it kicks off the claim investigation.

Once you notify your insurance company about the claim, they will likely guide on submitting the proof of loss. They may ask for photos of the damaged property, estimates from contracting specialists, or details on the make, models, and manufacturer of the damaged property.

Once you have given this information to your insurance company, they have ten days to respond under the deadlines for a property claim.

Deadlines for a property claim with denials

After a claim is reported and the evidence submitted your insurance company investigates the claim. They take this time to review the information you provided, inspect the property and gather estimates. Most companies and policies give insurance carriers 90 days to complete such an investigation. However, the deadlines for a property claim are subject to change according to the action of the claim itself, but 90 days is a standard time frame.

After the end of 90 days, your insurance company should tell you if your claim is settled or denied. Often, an insurance company won’t take the full 90 days to notify you of the results of your claim. Again, deadlines for a property claim function as guidelines and often change based on the merit of the claim.

Deadlines for a property claim and your responsibilities

As a policyholder, you also have claims duties and responsibilities when it comes to deadlines for a property claim. Keep the following in mind:

Report your claim immediately: If you have damage to your property, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. At this point, you may not have all the information they request. Don’t feel obligated to answer every question. The purpose of the initial report is to just put your carrier on notice that you have damaged property.

Secure your property to prevent further damage: Your policy contract requires that you attempt to mitigate your losses when you have a claim. This could mean installing tarps or boarding up windows. Securing your property isn’t technically one of the deadlines for a property damage claim, but it is an important responsibility of the policyholder.

Track damages: As you begin recovering from your loss, track your out of pocket expenses and damage estimates. One of the deadlines for a property claim may dictate how long you have to submit requests for reimbursement on your out of pocket claim expenses.

Policy contracts dictate deadlines for a property claim

When working on your claim, remember deadlines for a property claim are outlined in your agreement and are subject to change with the circumstances of your claim.

If you are struggling to get your claim settled promptly, contact Your Large Loss Adjusters for help. Our team of public adjusters works to make sure you get your claim settled fairly and quickly.

What is a Lowballed Claim? The Ultimate Guide

Posted on February 16, 2023February 16, 2023 by YLLA@admin

After a natural disaster hits, leaving your property in shambles, one of the first steps of getting everything back to normal is usually to reach out to your insurance company. Regardless of how prone the area is to extreme weather conditions, the majority of property owners choose to protect themselves with an insurance policy, in case something like this ever happens. While it might seem like your insurer is on your side, there is always the possibility of experiencing a lowballed claim if you are not careful.

The truth of the matter is that insurance companies are not looking out for your best interest. As a business, they need to pay as little as possible to maximize the profits on their end. Therefore, if you put your trust into their hands when it comes to your final settlement check, you could get the short end of the stick, and you won’t notice until it’s too late.

How Do I Know If My Claim Has Been Lowballed?

A lowballed claim is essentially a settlement offer from the insurance company that is less than ideal. When a disaster strikes your property and belongings are damaged or destroyed, your policy is supposed to cover any necessary repairs or replacements.

When you pay an insurance premium every month, you are expecting your insurance company to put all of the pieces back together so you can continue your life as it was. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case in reality. Instead, they will try to pay the absolute bare minimum to put a band-aid on the damages, if anything at all.

Before going into the insurance claims process all on your own, it is important to be aware of some of the strategies that insurance companies use on property owners who are not familiar with the ins and outs of the business. This way, you will be able to avoid any potential schemes that they have in their back pocket to avoid paying you exactly what you deserve.

How Will Insurance Companies Try To Lowball Me?

Although insurance companies are generally regarded as helpful when you are paying them a monthly premium, you will learn that they have other motives when it comes time to pay you your settlement. Luckily, there are some age-old tactics used by these companies that are easy to catch on to when you know what you are talking about. Below are some of the proven strategies that your insurer might use to pay a lower amount than what is necessary to repair your life.

Failure to Provide a Fair Assessment

The first trick that insurance companies use to lowball property owners is failing to assess the entire scene. When your property suffers any kind of damage from fire, water, or other means of extreme weather, the insurance company’s adjuster is expected to walk through the premises and record everything wrong. From there, they will be able to come to a number that is sufficient for repairing all of the damages that the property has experienced. However, this process rarely works so seamlessly.

Instead, the company adjuster will most likely try to walk through and leave out a lot of the damages. For instance, if your property was just wiped out by a hurricane and part of the roof came off with it, the insurance company might let you know that they can fix the exterior and patch up the ceiling inside as well. While this might sound ideal to the average property owner with no experience in insurance or contracting, the insurance company would be getting over on you in this instance. Without the professional opinion of a licensed contractor, there will be no way of knowing the extent of the actual damage.

In actuality, you could accept the check from the insurance company and later find out that the inside of your walls has mold and mildew damage. Once the claim is closed, there will be no way for you to backtrack and try to get more money from your insurer. Insurance companies know this and will leave things out wherever they can if they are not immediately visible to the property owner.

Waving a Check In Your Face

When insurance companies give lowball offers, they are trying to get the claim closed out as soon as possible and move on to the next one. As a result, these offers can frequently come with a bit of pressure, especially if they see an opportunity to be dishonest with an inexperienced property owner.

The first step of this strategy is to offer you a number that is almost insulting, and even lower than the low offer they have in mind. When you refuse the amount or try to negotiate, the company adjuster might offer to have a professional come through and give you a more detailed quote.

This professional is usually hired by the insurance company and has already agreed to give a specific number at the end of the walkthrough. Therefore, you will find that the contractor’s offer is much lower than the first one you received, making it look much more attractive than before.

Thinking this is your only option, you might decide to go with the highest settlement it seems you will be able to receive. Insurance companies will take advantage of this and apply more pressure by letting you know that they will give you the money on the spot, essentially just waving the check in your face.

As a property owner in a state of desperation, the insurance companies know that the check is very likely to be accepted in your time of need, which is exactly how they will be able to lowball your settlement.

Leaving Out Damaged Areas

The classic insurance company scams do not stop at the initial assessment phase. In addition to purposefully trying to leave out certain damages to avoid paying for them, they will not necessarily make sure that everything is restored to tip-top shape.

As an example, think about a living room fireplace that gets wiped out by a natural disaster. The insurance company might offer to repair it completely, leaving out the cracks in the ceiling above it that were also a result of the original damage.

How Can A Lowballed Claim Affect My Repairs?

Aside from the more obvious struggle of getting less money than you expected from your insurance company, a lowballed claim can affect your repair efforts in a big way.

It’s hard enough to get your life back on track after a natural disaster as it is, but the usual insurance company gimmicks can make it a lot more difficult on you when it comes to repairs. Below are the bumps in the road that you can experience as a result.

Complications With Contractors

When insurance companies agree to pay for repairs, they will indicate what exactly is going to be done within your property. One of the tactics that they use to lowball property owners is to write up an unrealistic scope of work.

In other words, they will try to describe a service that is not performed by the indicated professional who is expected to complete the task. As a result, you will be left to find someone else on your own who will agree to do the job as promised.

This is something that insurance companies use to make their offer look attractive when it is very unrealistic. As the property owner, don’t fall for this common method that will leave you with the short end of the stick.

As previously explained, insurance companies will regularly describe an unrealistic scope of work, leaving you to pick up the pieces behind them. Even further, if the indicated professional is not able to complete the full repair for any reason, it is safe to say that you will have trouble finding someone legitimate to take their place.

By getting over on you with a lowball offer, the insurance company can force you to hire cheap labor that will fit into the budget they have given you. At this point, you will either have to deal with unqualified individuals who are not licensed or come out of your pocket to get what you need.

Bare Minimum Repairs

When the insurance company offers to do a complete repair on your property damages, you should be wary of how they will go forth with the process. While it is true that they can bring you a proposal that sounds attractive, it is more than likely that they will not do the best they can to get your property and life back to normal.

For instance, if you experience chipping on one of the exterior walls of your property, the insurance company might include repainting of the outside. However, they will not go above and beyond to cover the entire house, making sure that the color even matches. Instead, they might complete one coat of paint on the damaged wall only and leave you with the obvious cosmetic differences.

Additional Permit Costs

When it comes to property damage claims and repairs, there are additional permit costs associated with the action of putting everything back together. When the insurance company gives you a settlement offer, they usually will not account for these extra expenses.

At the point where the check has been cashed, and repairs have begun, you will be stuck to pay for these permits with your own money. Needless to say, this can add up over time, especially when you have not received everything you were entitled to from your insurance company.

Hire a Public Adjuster For a Higher Settlement!

The majority of property owners that go through the claims process alone will experience a lowballed settlement with no way to get around it. This is mainly due to the fact that they are not knowledgeable on the ins and outs of the business, as well as what their policy covers.

When you have no idea what your coverage is, as well as your general rights as a property owner, it is easier than ever for the insurance company to run circles around you, offering a lowballed claim check that is not sufficient for even half of the damages that you have been left with.

Fortunately, there is an advantage that you can keep in your back pocket to avoid the headache all together: a public adjuster. Public adjusters are appointed to take care of the entire insurance claims process for you.

Think of a public adjuster like a good attorney, they are always on your side, fighting for you to make sure that you get everything that you are entitled to. When you hire a public adjuster to handle this process for you, they will walk through your property and take an accurate inventory of your assets and any damages that have occurred to lessen the likelihood of being the recipient of a lowballed claim.

Trust Your Large Loss Adjuster to Negotiate For a Higher Settlement!

Instead of relying on the insurance company to calculate a fair settlement offer, you can have someone in your corner who will make sure that everything goes smoothly. As the property owner, it is not expected for you to know exactly what is covered in your insurance policy, let alone the loopholes that insurance companies use to their advantage during the fight for a check.

Your Large Loss Adjuster has over ten years of experience in the field. Our adjusters are property owners as well, people who know what it’s like to deal with insurance companies over property damage. We’re practiced in making sure that property owners get the largest possible settlement from their insurance companies. If you have property damage and loss as a result of a natural disaster or other incident and you’ve received a lowballed claim settlement by your insurance company, reach out today to find out how we can help you!

What is the Difference Between Denied and Partially Denied Claims?

Posted on February 15, 2023February 15, 2023 by YLLA@admin

We often encounter clients who have experienced a loss and file an insurance claim. However, the outcome of the claim can sometimes be confusing, especially when the claim is either partially denied or completely denied. In this blog, we will explore the differences between denied and partially denied claims and what they mean for policyholders.

A denied claim is a situation in which the insurance company denies the entire request for coverage. This means that the policyholder will not receive any compensation for their loss. On the other hand, a partially denied claim is when the insurance company agrees to pay a portion of the requested coverage, but not the full amount.

It is important for policyholders to understand the difference between these two types of claims as it can have a significant impact on their financial recovery. In the case of a denied claim, policyholders may need to take legal action or seek the assistance of a public adjuster to help them negotiate with their insurance company. In the case of a partially denied claim, policyholders may need to negotiate with the insurance company to determine the exact amount of coverage they will receive.

In this blog, we will delve into the reasons why claims may be partially or completely denied and what policyholders can do to increase their chances of a successful claim outcome. We will also provide tips on how to navigate the claims process and what to expect during the negotiation process. Stay tuned for valuable insights and practical advice on how to handle denied or partially denied insurance claims.

What is a Denied Claim?

It is a difficult and frustrating experience for a property owner to have their insurance claim denied. Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common, with insurance companies often denying claims for various reasons.

A denied property insurance claim is when an insurance company refuses to pay for the damages or losses a policyholder has incurred. This can happen even when the policyholder has paid their premiums on time and has a valid insurance policy in place.

Insurance companies have a vested interest in denying claims as it helps them to keep their expenses low and maximize their profits. They may use various tactics to deny claims, such as arguing that the policyholder is not covered for the damages incurred or that the policyholder is responsible for the damages.

Why Did My Insurance Company Deny My Claim?

When a property loss occurs, it is natural to turn to your insurance company for help. However, the process of filing a claim can sometimes end in disappointment, as the insurance company may deny your claim. This can leave policyholders feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their next steps.

Why did my insurance company deny my claim?

There can be a variety of reasons why an insurance company denies a claim. Some of the common reasons include:

Policy exclusions

The insurance company may claim that your policy doesn’t cover the specific loss you incurred. It’s crucial to have a thorough understanding of your policy coverage and any exclusions that may apply.

Late reporting

If you fail to report your claim within the timeframe specified by the insurance company, they may deny your claim.

Pre-existing conditions

Insurance companies may argue that the damage or loss was already present before you took out the policy, making it a pre-existing condition.

Insufficient evidence

The insurance company may deny your claim if they feel that there is not enough evidence to support it. Having detailed records and substantial evidence can greatly improve your chances of a successful claim.

Misrepresentation

If the insurance company believes that you made false or misleading statements when applying for coverage, they may deny your claim.

It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses and their primary goal is to protect their profits. If your claim has been denied, don’t give up. Reach out to a public adjuster or attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and fight for your rights. With their expertise and guidance, you may still be able to recover the compensation you deserve.

What is a Partially Denied Claim?

A partially denied property insurance claim can be just as frustrating as a fully denied claim. In this scenario, the insurance company agrees to pay a portion of the damages or losses incurred by the policyholder, but not the full amount. This can leave policyholders with additional financial stress and uncertainty as they try to navigate the claims process.

Why Did My Insurance Company Partially Deny My Claim?

When it comes to property insurance claims, a partial denial can be just as frustrating as a full denial. Here are some common reasons for a partially denied claim:

Limited Coverage

Property insurance policies have specific limits and exclusions for coverage. If the damage you’re claiming for isn’t within the scope of your policy, the insurance company may only partially approve the claim.

Not a Covered Event

Insurance companies will only cover damages caused by specific events such as fire, theft, or storm damage. If the cause of the damage isn’t listed in your policy, the insurance company may partially deny your claim.

Reached Coverage Cap

Most insurance policies have a set limit for coverage. If the cost to repair the damage exceeds that limit, the insurance company may only partially approve the claim.

Inadequate Documentation

Insurance companies usually require supporting documentation such as photos, receipts, and police reports to approve a claim. If the necessary documentation isn’t provided, the insurance company may only partially approve the claim.

Pre-existing Condition

Insurance policies typically won’t cover damage that existed prior to the policy being taken out. If the insurance company determines that the damage was pre-existing, they may only partially approve the claim.

Not an Emergency

Some insurance policies have separate coverage for emergency repairs, while others don’t. If the repairs aren’t considered an emergency, the insurance company may partially deny the claim.

It’s important to understand that a partial denial doesn’t mean the end of the road. You still may be entitled to some compensation, and reaching out to an attorney or advocate may help you fight for your rights and get the full coverage you deserve.

What Do I Do About Denied or Partially Denied Claims?

If you’ve experienced a denied or partially denied property damage claim, it can be a challenging and confusing process to navigate. But you don’t have to face it alone. That’s where Your Large Loss Adjuster comes in. As experienced public adjusters, we specialize in helping property owners like you get the best possible settlement for your claim.

With our expertise and understanding of the insurance claims process, we can help you build a strong case for your claim and negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages.

Don’t let your insurance company take advantage of you. Let the team at Your Large Loss Adjuster fight for your rights and help you get the settlement you deserve. C ontact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.

Tired of Waiting? 3 Tips to Get Your Claim Approved Faster!

Posted on February 14, 2023February 14, 2023 by YLLA@admin

Dealing with insurance companies can be a headache for property owners. Whether it’s filing a claim, seeking answers, or updating policy info, getting in touch with a live representative can feel like an uphill battle. But don’t give up hope. In this blog, we reveal the top 3 methods for successful insurance company communication. From determining optimal call times to locating accurate contact details, we’ve got you covered and can help get your claim approved faster. Read on to optimize your insurance coverage and receive the customer service you deserve.

Tip #1 – Have the Correct Contact Information

Experiencing property damage is a tough time for anyone. Hurricanes, fires, and break-ins can be overwhelming and stressful, and the last thing you want to deal with is navigating the claims process with your insurance company. But, to make the process as smooth as possible, having the right contact information is key.

Unfortunately, many property owners don’t have the contact information for their insurance company readily available. This can lead to frustration and added stress as they search through old paperwork or go online searching for the right phone number or email address.

Having the correct contact information can make a significant difference in the aftermath of an incident. When you know how to reach your insurance company, you can file a claim and start the process as soon as possible, which can help speed up the settlement of your claim.

To ensure that you have the right contact information, take the time to review your insurance policy. Make sure you know the name of your insurance company, the policy number, and the contact information for the customer service department. Familiarize yourself with any online portals or apps offered by your insurance company, as these can be a convenient way to access your policy information and file a claim.

It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your insurance policy in a safe place. Whether it’s a fireproof safe or a digital document storage app, having this information at your fingertips can provide peace of mind and help you stay prepared in the event of a disaster.

Tip #2 – Be Prepare: Be Specific About Your Needs

Dealing with an insurance claim can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, with the right preparation and approach, the process can be much smoother and more efficient. In this blog, we will explore the importance of being prepared with your policy information and being specific about your needs when communicating with your insurance company.

One of the most important steps in maximizing your insurance claim is to have all of your policy information readily available. This includes details about the coverage and any relevant documents, such as receipts or estimates. Having this information on hand will help to streamline the claim process and ensure that nothing gets overlooked.

In addition to being prepared with your policy information, it is crucial to be specific about your needs when communicating with your insurance company. This means clearly stating what you require from the insurance company and what actions you need them to take. By being specific, you can avoid confusion and ensure that your insurance company fully understands your situation and what you need.

For instance, if you have a property owner’s policy that covers damage from a storm, it is essential to provide all the relevant details of the storm, such as the date, time, type of damage, and any estimates for repairs. This will not only help the insurance company process your claim more efficiently, but it will also increase the chances of your claim being approved.

Being prepared with your policy information and specific about your needs is essential when dealing with an insurance claim. By following these steps, you can make the process much smoother, faster, and less stressful. Don’t let an insurance claim become a source of stress and frustration – be proactive, prepared, and specific to get the help you need.

Keep a Call Log

Dealing with insurance claims can be a complex and frustrating process. There are many steps involved, and keeping track of every interaction with the insurance company is critical to ensure that everything runs smoothly. That’s why we recommend keeping a log of every phone call you make to the insurance company.

A call log can help you keep a record of the person’s name, phone number, and the date and time of each interaction. This information is essential if you need to follow up with the insurance company later. By having the phone number on hand, you can quickly reach out to the person you spoke with, and by referring to your notes, you can remind them of the conversation and any important details discussed.

Creating a log is easy, and you don’t need anything fancy to get started. You can use a simple notebook or spreadsheet to keep track of your interactions. To get started, simply write down the following information for each phone call:

Person’s name

Phone number

Date of the call

Time of the call

Notes on the conversation (what was discussed, any important details, etc.)

Keeping a log of your interactions with the insurance company is a simple yet effective way to ensure that you have all the information you need to follow up on your claim’s progress. By having this information at your fingertips, you can streamline the process and minimize frustration.

Tip #3 – Hire a Public Adjuster

Dealing with property damage can be a difficult and challenging experience. The physical damage to your property can be coupled with financial stress, making the situation even more complicated. In this situation, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve from your insurance company. This is where the services of a public adjuster come in.

A public adjuster is a professional who works on behalf of the policyholder to ensure they receive a fair settlement from their insurance company. With their knowledge and expertise in the complex claims process, a public adjuster can help you get the compensation you deserve for your damages.

Here are some of the key reasons why hiring a public adjuster is a smart move for property owners:

Expertise in the Claims Process: A public adjuster is a professional who specializes in insurance claims and has a thorough understanding of the claims process. They can help guide you through the process and ensure that your claim is handled correctly and efficiently.

Maximizing Your Compensation: A public adjuster can help you to get the most out of your insurance policy. They know how to properly document and present your claim to the insurance company, ensuring that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Avoiding Common Mistakes: A public adjuster can help you to avoid common mistakes that property owners often make when filing insurance claims. For example, they can help you to avoid undervaluing your damages, which can sometimes result in a lower settlement.

Negotiating with the Insurance Company: A public adjuster can help you to negotiate with your insurance company. They are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and know how to advocate for your rights as a policyholder.

Saving Time and Stress: Filing an insurance claim can be a time-consuming and stressful process. However, a public adjuster can handle all the details for you, allowing you to focus on other important matters.

Hiring a public adjuster is a smart move for property owners dealing with property damage. With their expertise and experience, they can help you to receive a fair settlement from your insurance company, saving you time and stress in the process.

Get help from Your Large Loss Adjuster on your insurance claim

Facing property damage from a natural disaster or any other cause can be a stressful and confusing experience. The process of filing an insurance claim and getting reimbursement can seem daunting, but there’s a solution. Enter Your Large Loss Adjuster, your trusted ally in the claims process.

Your Large Loss Adjuster is a team of seasoned public adjusters, dedicated to helping property owners like you get the compensation you deserve for your property damage. We understand the importance of restoring your property to its pre-damage state, and we’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure your claim is handled efficiently and effectively.

We thoroughly document all damages and use that information to negotiate with your insurance company, ensuring that you receive the maximum settlement possible. Our team has the knowledge and expertise to make sure no detail is missed, and that you’re not taken advantage of by the insurance company.

Don’t let the insurance company dictate the outcome of your claim. Trust Your Large Loss Adjuster to help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with us today and learn more about how we can assist you in navigating the claims process and getting your property back to normal. Don’t wait any longer, take action now and contact Your Large Loss Adjuster to help you get the most out of your insurance claim.

Everything You Need To Know About Hurricanes, Tropical Storms & Your Property Insurance

Posted on February 13, 2023February 14, 2023 by YLLA@admin

Hurricanes, tropical storms, and other severe weather events can be incredibly destructive, causing damage to homes, businesses, and communities. As a property owner, it’s important to understand how these storms can affect your insurance coverage and take steps to protect yourself and your property. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into everything you need to know about hurricanes, tropical storms, and your property insurance. We will cover topics such as the different types of storms, the importance of reviewing your insurance coverage, how to prepare for a storm, and what to do if your property is damaged.

By understanding these important concepts, you can better protect yourself and your property in the event of a severe weather event. So, whether you live in an area prone to hurricanes or tropical storms or not, it’s always better to be prepared and informed.

Understanding the different types of hurricanes and tropical storms

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventures and relaxation, but it’s also the time when many property owners start to worry about the upcoming hurricane season. The season officially starts in June and lasts until November, but it’s important to be prepared all year round.

Understanding the different types of storms is important for preparing for and responding to severe weather events.

Here is more information on the different types of storms and what to expect from each:

Hurricanes: Hurricanes are large, powerful storms that form over warm ocean waters. They are classified as Category 1 to 5 based on wind speed, with Category 5 being the most severe. Category 1 hurricanes have wind speeds of 74-95 mph, while Category 5 hurricanes have wind speeds of 157 mph or higher. Hurricanes can cause significant damage to homes and property, including flooding, structural damage, and power outages. Hurricanes can bring much more rainfall than tropical storms, and this can cause flooding and landslides.

Tropical Storms: A tropical storm is a low-pressure system that has sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour. These storms typically form over warm ocean waters, and they can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges. Tropical storms have a smaller circulation and are not able to produce as much rainfall.

The impact of hurricanes and tropical storms on property insurance

Reviewing your property insurance is an important step in preparing for a storm. Here are a few key things to consider when reviewing your coverage:

Damage coverage: Make sure you understand what types of damage are covered under your policy. This can include damage from high winds, flooding, and falling debris. It’s also important to understand any exclusions or limitations in your policy, such as damage caused by a lack of maintenance or a natural disaster that is not covered.

Replacement cost vs. actual cash value: Your policy may provide coverage for the replacement cost of your property or the actual cash value of your property. The replacement cost is the amount it would cost to replace your property with new items of similar kind and quality, while the actual cash value is the replacement cost minus any depreciation. Make sure you understand which type of coverage you have and how it may affect your claim.

Additional living expenses: Some policies include coverage for additional living expenses if you are unable to live in your property due to damage. This can include expenses such as hotel stays and restaurant meals. Make sure you understand what types of expenses are covered and what the limits are.

Flood insurance: It’s important to note that standard property insurance does not cover flood damage. If you live in an area that is at risk for flooding, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. Make sure you understand the coverage limits and exclusions of your flood insurance policy.

After the storm hits, another big concern that comes from hurricanes and tropical storms is the potential damage they can cause to your property.

Hurricane damage can range in size and intensity that can affect almost every single area in your property. Even the smallest of storms can lead to catastrophic amounts of damage that you can’t repair easily or affordably on your own. Be sure to check your property carefully after a storm, as there is a myriad of damages that could take place as a result of a hurricane:

Roof Damage – Wind damage to roof tiles or the entire roof being blown apart, crushing damage from debris.

Windows and Door Damage – dents to stormproof windows and doors, cracks to windows, door jambs, and windowsills.

Water Damage – Flooding from the storm itself or storm damage to your roof, windows, and doors.

Lightning Damage – this can cause fires or electrical surges.

After the storm

For most property owners, the idea of paying even a few thousand dollars on roof repairs or clearing debris away from their property is hard to imagine. Without property insurance, rebuilding is almost impossible. With insurance? Many property owners find themselves struggling to get their insurance companies to pay the amount needed to make complete repairs following a hurricane or tropical storm.

However, this is where public adjusters like Bulldog Adjusters come in. After a hurricane or another natural disaster that does widespread damage, we work hard to get you the best possible settlement for your claim! Unlike the insurance adjusters that work for insurance companies and whose goal it is to make sure that their employers don’t lose money, public adjusters work for you.

Following a massive natural disaster like a hurricane or tropical storm, we understand that recovery and safety are the most important things on any property owner’s mind.

At Bulldog, our adjusters make the claims process easy, and we guarantee we will be working hard on your insurance claim every single day. We know what it’s like to struggle through a hurricane and the hassle of getting an insurance company to give a satisfying settlement the first time around.

Bulldog Adjusters is the insurance claim disaster expert.

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, our adjusters throughout the nation are ready to help property owners navigate the complex insurance claim process while putting the pieces of their lives together. Our experience with Hurricane Ian of 2022 took our adjusters all over Florida, and we developed new ways to prioritize our client’s needs. Our team holds a strong sense of care for our clients that fuels our drive to help clients around the country put their lives together after a natural disaster like a hurricane.

Still in the planning phases as you wait for a storm to arrive? If you’re ready, reach out to Your Large Loss Adjuster over a storm damage claim! Our experts are always available to answer all your disaster-related questions.

We make sure that you know everything that you’ll need to keep your family organized and safe in the time before, during, and after a storm hits!

Public Adjuster 101: Why Do I Need a Public Adjuster?

Posted on February 10, 2023March 17, 2023 by YLLA@admin

When it comes to filing an insurance claim, many people underestimate the power of having a good public adjuster by their sides. In reality, this is one of the best tools that any property owner can have in the event of a disaster or any kind of property damage.

As public adjusters, we find it increasingly important to educate people who own properties on how we can assist them with their property insurance claims. Whether you are currently dealing with property damage or simply preparing yourself in case something goes wrong, it is beneficial to understand why we fight for you so you can take advantage of the helpful services we provide.

What Is a Public Adjuster?

The process of filing a property insurance claim is not one that many people are familiar with or prepared for. When purchasing a property, one of the last things that come to mind is anything bad happening to the property.

While property damage is not something that anyone wants to deal with, it is, unfortunately, a risk that all property owners face. Whether there is a natural disaster, a fire, or even theft, the only way to prepare for unforeseen circumstances is to hold a property insurance policy.

When you pay a premium fee every month to your insurer, you are guaranteeing your own protection against anything that might happen that is out of your control. In the event that you suffer loss or damage, the normal procedure is to call your insurance company to file a claim, which will hopefully result in receiving a settlement check to cover all costs.

This is exactly where public adjusters come in.

Many people don’t actually know what a public adjuster is, considering how the topic is easily confused with other roles within the insurance claims process.

A public adjuster is a professional in the insurance industry who works independently with property owners who are dealing with property damage claims. Public adjusters speak for property owners, representing them throughout the entire claims process and ensuring that everything is done correctly within the claim.

This is not to be confused with a claims adjuster, which is a professional that works with the insurance company. They will essentially be the ones handling your case and determining how much money will be paid out for your final settlement. Since claims adjusters work for the insurance company, they will not share your best interest, which is why property owners turn to public adjusters for assistance.

In order to work with a public adjuster, you will need to hire them on your own and bring them in on your case to guide you through the technicalities. Public adjusters have no connection to your insurance company, meaning that their sole purpose will be to assist you as the property owner, collecting a fee from your settlement after the claim is closed.

How Can A Public Adjuster Help Me?

Public adjusters are essentially tasked with the responsibility of representing property owners against their insurance companies when they suffer loss or damage within their properties.

This includes a wide range of job duties, all of which fall under the best interest of the insured. The responsibilities of a public adjuster that pertain to property owner’s insurance claims are listed down below

The Responsibilities Of a Public Adjuster:

Assess and evaluate damage/loss

Determine fair costs for repairs

Filing property insurance claims correctly

Communicating with property insurance companies on behalf of the property owner

Negotiating settlement amounts and expediting process

Retrieving the highest possible settlement

The first thing that your public adjuster will most likely do is assess the damage or loss that you have experienced within your property. From there, they will be able to come up with an evaluation and determine a fair cost to get your property fully repaired.

On top of making these professional assessments and letting you know what you should expect, they will file your insurance claim for you in the best possible manner. Once your adjuster submits your claim, they will communicate with your insurance company on your behalf, meaning that no additional actions will be necessary until the closure of the case.

The process will conclude after your adjuster has negotiated your settlement amount and you have received your final check of the highest possible value.

This Is How a Public Adjuster Can Help You:

Preventing mistakes with your claim

Protecting you against your insurance company

Improving the overall outcome of your claim

Along with completing their standard job duties, your public adjuster will come as a benefit to you in a variety of ways. Since most property owners are not experienced with property insurance claims, there are a lot of potential mistakes that can happen when going through the process alone. With a public adjuster, you can rest assured that they know exactly what to submit in order to get your insurance company to pay.

By acting as the middle-man between you and your insurer, your adjuster will protect you against any tricks that your insurance company might have up their sleeves. Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently take advantage of property owners who are going through a claim without representation. With the help of a public adjuster advocating for you, there will be no need to worry.

Finally, your public adjuster will improve the overall outcome of your claim. Property owners who file claims on their own might not know exactly how much money they are entitled to, nor how to make sure they receive it at the end of the process. This is not the case with a public adjuster, who will be able to grant you a larger settlement than you could realistically achieve yourself.

When Should I Speak With a Public Adjuster?

After you have suffered any kind of loss or damage on your property, it is vital that you know exactly how to proceed with the insurance claims process when it involves a public adjuster. Like many other things, there is a right time to consult a public adjuster, which all property owners should be aware of for the best results of their claim.

A good rule of thumb to follow is calling a public adjuster within 48 hours of discovering the damage, if not much sooner. This will give your adjuster time to properly assess what has happened before it gets worse.

The right time to consult a public adjuster not only has to do with the time frame that the damage has occurred but the timeline of your claim as well. As the property owner, you should never enter into the claims process on your own. This is a job for your public adjuster, who will initiate everything for you within the ideal 48 hour time frame of discovery.

Along with consulting your public adjuster at the right time to protect yourself, it is important to know what to look for and consider before doing so.

The Characteristics Of a Good Public Adjuster:

Holds necessary requirements and credentials

Behaves professionally

Exemplary communication

The public adjuster that you hire must hold all necessary requirements and credentials, including a valid license in your state. You should never hire door-to-door public adjusters, and should only consider those with great references and a high success rate.

In addition, your potential adjuster should behave professionally, meaning that you should never feel pressured or as if you are being scammed. Great public adjusters are upfront about their fees, and will not try to overcharge you.

Before coming to the final decision of which public adjuster you will bring to your case, all of the below questions should be considered.

Things To Consider Before Hiring a Public Adjuster:

Is your public adjuster licensed in your state?

What is your public adjuster’s relevant experience?

How many other claims has your public adjuster taken on in addition to yours?

Who will be handling your claim?

What will be the terms of your contract?

One of the most important questions to find the answer to is whether or not your public adjuster is licensed in your state. It is a legal requirement that your adjuster is qualified to practice in your area before becoming involved in your claim.

The rest of these necessary questions can and should be asked directly to your public adjuster before you hire them. Along with the relevant experience that your adjuster possesses, you will need to ask them how many other claims they have taken on aside from yours.

What Else Do I Need To Know About Public Adjusters?

If you are filing a claim due to damages that occurred due to some kind of accident or other unexpected events, you might not need to worry about how full your adjuster’s plate. However, if you have experienced a natural disaster that affected many other properties in your area, it is much more likely that your adjuster will not have as much time to focus on your claim alone, which is something you have the right to know before you sign anything.

While your public adjuster will be the only one that you communicate with throughout the process of your claim, there is no telling who else they will be working with. In some cases, public adjusters will work with law firms or other colleagues on property damage claims. Ask your adjuster who exactly will be handling your claim or have access to it once your contract starts.

Lastly, you will need to discuss the terms of your agreement in depth before you enter into one. This includes the fee and payment structure of your deal, as well as how lenient termination is. In the event that you want to get out of the contract, how will you be expected to pay?

Are you still able to get in contact with your insurance company throughout the duration of the claim, or will this be handled by your adjuster exclusively? All of these factors should be considered and discussed with your public adjuster before moving forward.

How Do Public Adjusters Help Property Owners?

As professionals in our industry, public adjusters are known for our tireless work ethic and the fight we put up for each policyholder we represent. After learning about the roles and responsibilities that come with the job, many property owners are quick to wonder why we are willing to fight for them to win their claims.

First and foremost, we have advanced knowledge of the insurance industry that the average property owner is not expected to possess. On the other hand, it is very easy for insurance companies to take advantage of those who do not.

Therefore, our primary goal as public adjusters is to help those in need of the unique services we provide. In other words, this is what we are great at, and we use our skills to the fullest extent when working on each and every claim.

Aside from our expertise, we as public adjusters make our living only by winning claim settlements for property owners. The average payment structure will be a percentage of the final settlement check, meaning that the claim must be fully won before any reward is given. As a result, public adjusters work just as hard as property owners would themselves to speed up the process and obtain the highest possible amount.

The reason why we fight for you, though, is the fact that we are all property owners too. As human beings, we understand the stress and sorrow that comes with losing something within your property to natural disasters, theft, and any other unforeseen damages.

Trust Your Large Loss Adjuster To Help With Property Insurance Claims!

We understand that we could all find ourselves in the same situation, which is something that no property owner wants to deal with. For this reason, we do our absolute best to fight for other property owners and give the outstanding service that we would expect for ourselves and our families in a time of need.

For all of these reasons, establishing and building a relationship with a public adjuster that you trust is one of the best ways to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances as a property owner. When your insurance company fails to protect you, you will have a representative there to catch you and retrieve the settlement money that you need to rebuild your life as much as you possibly can.

The best part is that we only charge 10% of the final settlement!

Reach out to Your Large Loss Adjuster to find out how we can help you handle the hassle of your property insurance company after your property is damaged as a result of a storm, fire, or even vandalism. Here at Your Large Loss Adjuster, we work our hardest to make sure that you get the largest possible settlement from your insurance company!