No one ever wants to think about the possibility of water or fire damage, but the fact is that it can happen at any time. And when they do, it’s important to be prepared. One of the most important things you can do is make sure you have insurance. But even if you have insurance, it doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get the full amount you’re entitled to from the insurance company.
That’s where a public adjuster comes in. A public adjuster is someone who works on behalf of the policyholder to make sure they get a fair settlement from the insurance company. They know the ins and outs of the insurance industry, and they can make sure you get the money you need to rebuild your home or business.
If you find yourself in the position of having to file a claim with your insurance company, here are 8 steps you can take to make sure you get enough money from the insurance company:
Bypass all of the steps below and hire a public adjuster: A public adjuster will work on your behalf to make sure you get the best possible settlement from the insurance company.
1. Get an estimate of the damage: Before you file a claim, get an estimate of the damage from a reputable contractor. This will give you a starting point for negotiations with the insurance company.
2. Gather all relevant documentation: Make sure you have all the documentation the insurance company will need to process your claim. This includes things like receipts, photos, and police reports.
3. File your claim as soon as possible: The sooner you file your claim, the sooner the insurance company will start processing it.
4. Be patient: The claims process can take time, so it’s important to be patient.
5. Keep track of all correspondence: Keep copies of all correspondence with the insurance company, including emails and letters.
6. Don’t accept the first offer: The insurance company will likely try to lowball you with their first offer. Don’t accept it – counteroffer and continue negotiations until you reach a fair settlement.
7. Get everything in writing: Once you reach an agreement with the insurance company, make sure you get it in writing before you sign anything.
8. Read the fine print: Before you sign any documents, read them carefully and make sure you understand everything.
If you follow these steps without the help of a Public Adjuster, you’ll decrease your chances of getting a fair settlement from the insurance company.