How to hire a public insurance adjuster after a disaster?

Nov. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Public adjusters do not get paid upfront for the work done during the insurance claim process. The overview of how it works is simple, a property owner experiences property damage covered under the insurance policy and the public adjuster steps in to assist the property owner in the claim process to collect what is deserved. The public adjuster is paid based on the collection.

Insure.com realsed the following information:

If you're like most people, you probably haven't memorized the details of your home insurance policy. But these details are important in case your property ever suffers major damage in an earthquake, fire or other disaster.

Even if you did spend time reading your policy from front to back, you may find it chock full of legalese. However, in cases of home or property damage (with the exception of cars), you can turn to public insurance adjusters to decipher your policy and help you get a fair settlement with your insurance company. Public adjusters work for both individuals and businesses, but most cater to the individual policyholder

If you're like most people, you probably haven't memorized the details of your home insurance policy. But these details are important in case your property ever suffers major damage in an earthquake, fire or other disaster.

Even if you did spend time reading your policy from front to back, you may find it chock full of legalese. However, in cases of home or property damage (with the exception of cars), you can turn to public insurance adjusters to decipher your policy and help you get a fair settlement with your insurance company. Public adjusters work for both individuals and businesses, but most cater to the individual policyholder

Choose your adjuster well
While most adjusters will be fair and honest, every profession has a few individuals who do not live up to their industry standards. A public adjuster's fee is based on a certain percentage of the total value of your settlement. A few adjusters may be tempted to exaggerate the value of your claim in order to secure a larger chunk of money for themselves.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), public adjusters typically charge around 15 percent of the total value of your claim settlement.

"The thing to remember is that a public adjuster can't get you more than you are legally entitled to and they will charge you that fee," says Jeanne Salvatore, spokesperson for III.

For example, if you and your insurance company settle for $10,000, the public adjuster is could take $1,500 of that. Also, the adjuster's fee is not covered by your insurance policy. But if you do decide to hire a public claims adjuster, Salvatore recommends checking his or her qualifications with your state insurance department. It is also be a good idea to ask your friends for referrals, she says. Avoid individuals who go door to door after a major disaster to offer their services, unless you are sure they are qualified.

In addition, NAPIA can help you find a public insurance adjuster where you live.

If you decide to hire a public insurance adjuster, you'll have to sign a contract with him or her. It will define what percentage you will pay to the adjuster out of your total settlement. If you have second thoughts, you may terminate the agreement within a certain period, generally 72 hours after signing. If the adjuster doesn't perform the job correctly, you can resort to a lawsuit against him.

The best time to hire an adjuster is at the beginning of a big claim. That will allow the adjuster the best chance to expedite your claim. If you didn't hire a public claims adjuster and then find yourself in the middle of a claim nightmare, you can bring in a public adjuster in the middle of a claim.

http://www.insure.com/articles/homeinsurance/public-adjus...

Here's a Youtube video we found with a clear explanation. It's not releated to South Florida but it's a great explanation to the benefits of hiring a public adjuster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jwrs1DuUb4&feature=player...



Elite Insurance Services Corp., provides the most thorough and professional insurance claim representation in the industry. We Represent "YOU" The Policy Holder.
Contact Us: 786-486-4280

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Elite Insurance Claims Services Corp specializes in representing consumers in the adjustment of insurance claims for both commercial and residential property losses.We have many years of experience in providing assistance to all types of insurance claims.