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Your property has experienced damage, and after much contemplation, you have decided to hire a public adjuster. Seeking expert assistance in filing a claim will be beneficial to you.
The Advantages
Documenting a claim is something that needs to be done at the very beginning of the claims process. This involves itemizing and describing everything you lost as well as how much it will cost to replace or repair each item. It is a process that takes more effort than you think.
Once that step is complete, you will then need to negotiate with your insurance provider. Most people who have to work with their insurance on their own usually get paid less than they are owed. Therefore, it will be valuable to have a public adjuster who is trained in the insurance business work with you.
Finding a Trustworthy Public Adjuster
How do you know if a public adjuster is reputable and will work alongside you every step of the way? First, research the ones you have decided to interview and see if they are licensed in your state. Then consider these four points to help you determine which choice is right for you.
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Number of Claims
Ask each public adjuster how many claims they are currently managing. If it is a high amount, this may be good, but you might see a delay in your claim processing time. To get an idea of what to expect, inquire about the average turnaround time for similar claims.
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Skills
Have them describe their experience and training. Some points to focus on include:
- In what states are they licensed?
- How many claims have they handled since working as a public adjuster?
- How many years have they been licensed?
- Why do they think they would be the best choice for you?
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References
Request that the public adjuster provide personal references from their clients over the past three years. These references will give you an idea as to how they treated their clients and how many different companies they’ve worked with. You will be able to see if they jumped around to different firms, or remained stable. The steadier they have been, the more reliable they are likely to be. This, of course, doesn’t apply if they work independently. However, working on your own usually means you have the requirements and experience to do so.
When reviewing previous client reviews, look to see if the public adjuster actually worked on their claim. See if they described their experience. Was working with a public adjuster more valuable than working alone with the insurance company?
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Face-to-Face
Try hiring a local public adjuster so you can meet in person if needed. If you live in a rural area, you may need to work with an adjuster that is outside the area. Be sure to ask them about their plans for working with you. Make sure they are clear on what you can expect throughout the entire process.
At Aftermath Adjusters & Consulting, our team has over 50 years of combined experience in the field. We’ve worked major hurricanes from Florida to New Jersey to Texas. Call us today for your free consultation. We look forward to helping you with your damage claim.
