Severe weather events, such as hailstorms, have become increasingly more common and devastating in recent years. As we enter an era where the cost of insured losses from severe storms continues to rise, it becomes crucial for property owners to act promptly after a date of loss. Get ready to explore the significance of taking immediate action in the wake of extreme weather like this year’s hail storms, gain insights on the rising costs of storm damage, and discover valuable guidance on protecting your property.

Why Acting Promptly Matters

When faced with property damage caused by hail or other severe weather, time is of the essence. Acting promptly allows you to:

Mitigate further damage: Addressing issues quickly can prevent additional damage to your property and save you from costly repairs.
Expedite the claims process: Reporting the loss promptly helps initiate the claims process, ensuring you receive compensation in a timely manner.
Preserve evidence: Acting promptly allows you to document the damage before it worsens, providing crucial evidence for your insurance claim.

Storm Damage (1)

The Soaring Costs of Severe Weather:

Hailstorms have had a significant financial impact, with insured losses skyrocketing in recent decades. Gallagher Re, a reinsurance firm, reports insured losses from hail exceeding $10 billion since 2008. In 2023 alone, insured losses from severe convective storms are projected to surpass $30 billion. With the growing number of severe weather events, it’s crucial to be proactive in protecting your property and securing the necessary coverage.

Reviewing Policy (1)

Protecting Your Property:

To safeguard your property and ensure a smooth claims process, consider the following steps:

Document the damage: Take photographs or videos of the property damage immediately after the event, providing visual evidence for your insurance claim.
Consult with a Public Adjuster: Seeking assistance from a licensed Public Adjuster can help streamline your claims process. They will advocate for your rights, assess the damage accurately, and help negotiate a fair settlement with your insurance carrier based on your states guidelines.
Mitigating further damage: Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage to your property, such as covering exposed areas or making temporary repairs. Keep receipts and document the expenses incurred.

Acting promptly after a date of loss is essential to protect your property and ensure a smooth claims process. With the increasing costs of severe weather events, it’s crucial to be proactive in securing the necessary coverage and taking immediate steps to mitigate further damage. By documenting the damage, reporting the loss promptly, and seeking assistance from a Public Adjuster, you can navigate the claims process with confidence.

Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to protecting your property from severe weather-related losses. Act promptly, protect your investment, and fight for the coverage you deserve. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team today.

Bacon’s Furniture

Port Charlotte, Florida
Hurricane Ian
September 2022

Our team stepped in when the policyholder faced challenges securing a fair settlement, largely due to an insurance policy that fell short in covering the asset. Despite the policy’s limitations and the insurance carrier’s attempts to underpay significant parts of the claim, we remained undeterred- even when the carrier employed delay tactics by bringing in three new adjusters and two engineers to reassess the damage from Hurricane Ian. Our expertise and persistence led to a 520% increase in the settlement, totaling $13,955,000. Beyond that, we offered invaluable advice to the policyholder on securing a more robust insurance policy for future protection.

Insurance Carrier Offer: $2,251,000

Premier Claims Settlement: $13,955,000

Understanding when to hire a public adjuster is the first strategic move in your claim process. Every decision plays a role in the pursuit of fair compensation for your property damage. We unravel the layers of timing – from the initial moments of property damage to the complexities of denied claims.

Timely Claims Assistance

Understanding the Role of a Public Adjuster

Before going into the timing aspects, it’s crucial to comprehend the role of a public adjuster. These professionals act on behalf of policyholders, assessing and negotiating insurance claims aiming to earn a fair compensation for property damage. Their experience in the claims process can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Immediate Action after Damage Occurs

Swift action is vital when property damage occurs. While policyholders might be tempted to start the claims process independently, involving a public adjuster from the start can streamline the process. A public adjuster’s early involvement aims to make a thorough assessment of the damage, setting the stage for a comprehensive and well-documented claim.

Before Filing a Claim

Policyholders often question when is the right time to bring in a public adjuster. Ideally, it’s before filing a claim. By consulting with a public adjuster beforehand, you benefit from their expertise in evaluating policy coverage, estimating potential damages, and strategizing the most effective approach. This proactive step can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.

Denied or Underpaid Claims

If your insurance claim has been denied or you feel the compensation offered is inadequate, it’s not too late to hire a public adjuster. These professionals excel in reevaluating claims, identifying discrepancies, and negotiating on behalf of policyholders. Their involvement can lead to a fair resolution and the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Complex Claims and Policy Understanding

Insurance policies can be intricate, and navigating complex claims requires a deep understanding of the language and nuances within. Hiring a public adjuster becomes crucial when faced with intricate claims, aiming for every detail is thoroughly examined, and your interests are protected.

Premier Claims encourages policyholders to consider engaging a public adjuster early in the process or, if needed, at any point when challenges arise. Our team stands ready to provide the expertise and guidance necessary for the intricacies of the claims journey. Don’t wait; connect with Premier Claims today for a smoother, more informed claims experience.

Is Involving Legal Professionals Necessary for Your Insurance Claim?

While the optimism of seeing the world through rose-colored glasses may suggest otherwise, the complexities of insurance claims can make legal assistance invaluable. Discover why having someone advocate for your best interests is crucial in the modern insurance landscape, where carriers aim to protect every cent.

Public adjusters typically handle claim advocacy effectively, rendering attorney involvement unnecessary. However, there are scenarios where legal assistance becomes vital:

Coverage Denial and Refusal to Negotiate

In instances where insurance coverage is denied or negotiations are refused, consider involving legal professionals. Legal professionals work to challenge denials, advocating for policyholders’ right to secure the coverage they’re entitled to. Legal professionals can also engage in negotiations with insurance carriers, striving for a settlement that is fair and reasonable.

Policy Interpretation Issues

Insurance policies often involve intricate language open to interpretation. Legal assistance becomes essential when disputes arise over policy terms. Attorneys can provide clarity on policy language, aiming to safeguard the rights of policyholders and that carriers adhere to the agreed-upon terms.

Bad Faith Practices by Insurance Carriers

Bad faith practices occur when an insurance carrier acts dishonestly or unfairly toward a policyholder. This includes unreasonably delaying claims processing, undervaluing claims, or wrongfully denying valid claims. Legal professionals can identify and challenge such practices, holding carriers accountable for acting in good faith and aiming to maintain fair treatment throughout the claims process.

Beyond the situations highlighted above, there are less apparent, yet valid reasons to consider legal counsel. Chip Merlin of Merlin Law Group, discusses one of these less apparent reasons in his blog “Insurance Company Claims Adjuster Bonus Programs and Criteria.” Some carriers may incentivize adjusters to underpay claims, making it crucial to involve legal representation. Legal professionals can file discovery motions to uncover any undisclosed bonuses that may compromise the fairness of claim payouts.

Uncovering these bonus programs may be challenging, as carriers often attempt to disguise them. An attorney, equipped with the expertise to refine discovery requests, can reveal less savory bonus programs. While not every claim requires legal intervention, having an attorney available ensures that, if needed, assistance is just a phone call away.

Explore the nuances of public adjusting claims and understand when legal involvement can make a significant difference in securing a fair and favorable settlement.

By: Ashley Balsbaugh | Associate Attorney

At Premier Claims, we believe in empowering policyholders with knowledge. One way to do this is by debunking the public adjuster myths that surround the insurance industry. One common misconception we encounter is the belief that public adjusters delay claims, leading people to believe that hiring a public adjuster will negatively impact their claim.

The Truth Behind the Myth

Insurance claims inherently involve a series of steps, documentation, assessments, and negotiations. The complexities of the claim itself and the policies and procedures of the insurance carrier primarily dictate the duration of this process however, our team of public adjusters at Premier Claims possess a deep understanding of these procedures. Their expertise streamlines the entire process, ensuring they effectively navigate each step, avoiding delays.

Understanding the Public Adjuster’s Role

A public adjuster’s fundamental responsibility is to advocate for you, the policyholder. Their expertise lies in comprehending the intricate language of insurance policies, assessing the damage thoroughly, and negotiating with the insurance carrier on your behalf. However, contrary to the myth, their involvement expedites the process by:

Accurate Assessment

Public adjusters meticulously evaluate the damage, aiming to account for all aspects of the claim. Their precise documentation prevents back-and-forth with the insurance company, saving time. Additionally, this detailed approach strengthens the foundation for a smooth negotiation process.

Negotiation Expertise

Public adjusters are skilled negotiators. They engage with the insurance carrier, presenting a well-documented claim and advocating for a fair settlement promptly. Furthermore, their experience often leads to swifter resolutions.

Policy Knowledge

Understanding the intricacies of insurance policies is crucial. Therefore, public adjusters actively interpret policy language, aiming to maximize every entitlement and coverage benefit, thus preventing unnecessary delays in processing or delaying a claim due to misunderstandings.

It’s important to debunk the misconception that public adjusters delay claims, ensuring accurate information prevails in the industry. Gain valuable insights from Dana Langfeldt, a seasoned Public Adjuster at Premier Claims, as she dives deeper into the crucial support public adjusters provide to policyholders. Understanding that the public adjuster doesn’t negatively impact the claims processing timeline is crucial. Instead, they actively expedite the process, fighting on your behalf, to try to secure a rightful settlement.

When faced with significant damage to your property, navigating the complex terrain of insurance claims can be overwhelming. That’s where a public adjuster comes into play. What exactly is the role of a public adjuster, and how can they assist you during this stressful time?

Decoding a Public Adjuster’s Role in Your Claim

A public adjuster is an insurance expert you can hire to manage your claim for you. Unlike insurance company adjusters who represent the insurer’s interests, they work exclusively for you. Their primary goal is to ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to under your policy.

Role of a Public Adjuster

Damage Assessment

A public adjuster will inspect and assess the damage to your property. Furthermore, they will evaluate the scope of repairs and estimate the replacement value for those repairs.

Policy Understanding

They will help you understand your insurance policy, decipher the legal jargon, and ensure you are aware of what is covered.

Negotiation

Public adjusters communicate with your insurance carrier on your behalf, attempting to negotiate a settlement that accurately reflects the damage and coverage.

Documentation

They document everything you’ve lost and double-check the damage to your property, potentially leading to a larger insurance settlement.

When Should You Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster?

Large or Severe Claims

Public adjusters are particularly valuable for significant claims involving high-value or extensive damage to your property, such as after a fire or a natural disaster.

Claim Disputes

If you are dissatisfied with your insurance carrier’s settlement offer or feel that the claim settlement is too low, they can help dispute the settlement and advocate for a higher payout.

Complex Claims

When you face complex claims involving multiple policies or intricate questions about coverage, a public adjuster’s expertise can be invaluable.

Benefits

Fair Settlements

Public adjusters are skilled negotiators, fighting for your right to a fair and accurate settlement. This can be hard for a policyholder to obtain on their own.

Time Savings

They handle all the paperwork and communication with your insurance carrier, saving your significant time and stress.

Policy Understanding

Additionally, public adjusters help you comprehend your policy details and navigate the often confusing claims process, ensuring you make informed decisions throughout the entire journey.

Reliability

Get Referrals

Seek recommendations from friends, family, or online reviews to find reputable public adjusters in your area.

Check Licenses

Ensure the adjuster holds a license in your state. Most state insurance departments provide online license verification tools.

Research

Look for adjusters affiliated with professional associations like the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, ensuring adherence to industry standards and ethics.

Read Contracts Carefully

Understand the fees, services, and terms, outlined in the contract before hiring an adjuster.

Remember, hiring a public adjuster can level the playing field between you and your insurance carrier, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve after a disaster. Furthermore, by entrusting the complexities of your insurance claim to a skilled professional, you can focus on rebuilding and regaining peace of mind while your public adjuster advocates for your rightful settlement.

As hurricane-prone regions brace themselves for another potentially intense season, recent news about insurance carriers making policy changes has raised concerns among policyholders. In a surprising move, Farmers Insurance is no longer serving Florida policyholders, leaving thousands of residents in search of new coverage options. This decision serves as a stark reminder of the importance of reviewing your insurance policy before hurricane season arrives.

“Florida requires affected policyholders to receive a 120-day notice that their policies aren’t being renewed,” Ramishah Maruf, CNN. According to the state’s regulations, this provision ensures that homeowners have ample time to prepare and seek alternative coverage options before their existing policies expire. The non-renewals will play out over several months.

The Business Decision Behind Farmers Insurance’s Exit:

Farmers Insurance explained its decision to exit the Florida market as a necessary step to manage its risk exposure in the hurricane-prone state. While “Farmers is the 11th company to pull out of Florida since 2019. Farmers’ decision affects more than 100,000 customers,” Dave Elias, NBC. Individuals utilizing Farmers Insurance’s owned subsidiaries, such as Foremost Signature and Bristol West, will not experience any disruption in coverage. It is crucial for policyholders affected policyholders by the termination to review notifications and explore replacement coverage options.

Insurance Challenges in Florida:

Farmers Insurance’s departure highlights the challenges faced by insurance companies operating in Florida. Over the past 18 months, numerous insurers have imposed moratoriums on new policies, while others have voluntarily withdrawn from the market or faced insolvency. The situation is exacerbated by a legal system that some insurers claim encourages litigation abuse and excessive claims, leading to financial strain within the industry.

The Need for Legal Reforms:

Recognizing the need for change, the insurance industry successfully advocated for reforms aimed at curbing litigation abuse. Despite these efforts, insurers’ outlook remains uncertain due to the surge in lawsuits filed before the new laws kicked in. Nearly 300,000 lawsuits have flooded the marketplace, creating an enduring challenge that may force regional insurance companies out of business. While legal reforms have been implemented, market conditions continue to pose a significant challenge.

Florida’s Vulnerability to Hurricane Damage:

Florida’s geographical location and low elevation make it particularly susceptible to hurricane damage. As the Atlantic hurricane season approaches, it is crucial for homeowners to assess their insurance coverage adequately. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a normal hurricane season this year, but there is still a 30% chance of an above-average season. The devastating impact of hurricanes in recent years, such as Hurricane Ian, which caused $114 billion in damage, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared.

Reviewing your insurance policy before hurricane season is crucial to ensure you have the necessary coverage and avoid potential disruptions. Farmers Insurance’s decision to exit the Florida market is a reminder for property owners to stay vigilant. By staying informed and considering replacement options if needed to protect your property during hurricane season. Remember, being proactive can make all the difference when it comes to safeguarding your property against potential storm-related risks.

In light of Farmers Insurance no longer serving Florida policyholders, Premier Claims understands the concerns and challenges faced by policyholders. With hurricane season approaching, it’s crucial to have the right coverage for your home and belongings. We recommend a third-party expert review of your policy. If you’re a Farmers Insurance policyholder, explore new coverage options well before your policy expiration date.

Confidential Condo Association

Cape Coral, Florida
Hurricane Ian
September 2022

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, this five-building complex suffered from both roof damage and first-floor flooding. Despite the insurance carrier’s attempts to stall the process by repeatedly reassigning the claim, our team remained steadfast. We put together irrefutable estimates that clearly demonstrated that the policy limits had been met. Taking into account the widespread damage, we guided residents through their individual claims and managed the inspections and repairs for each unit. In the end, we achieved full coverage up to the policy limits for every building in the association and extended free consultation services to residents to aid in their recovery.

Insurance Carrier Offer: N/A

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,077,000

Hurricanes are among the most destructive natural disasters, bringing devastatingly high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges that can cause widespread damage and loss of life. These powerful storms can strike coastal areas and inland regions with little warning, and leaving residents with only a short amount of time to prepare. In this blog, we’ll explore the dangers & tips for a hurricane so that you can weather the storm.

Dangers

Understanding some of the most severe dangers posed will better prepare you for anything the storm throws your way.

- Devastating Winds: A hurricane can be accompanied by strong winds up to 200 miles per hour. These winds can cause significant damage to buildings or completely destroy them. Vehicles, infrastructure, power lines, and trees are all susceptible to immense damage and can become airborne, which poses its own dangers.

- Heavy Rainfall: Alongside devastating winds, hurricanes bring flood-inducing rains potentially causing landslides. Rising sea levels have provided hurricanes with an ample supply of water to produce monstrous storm surges.

- Storm Surges: When water level rises dramatically at abnormally high levels storm surges occur and they have the ability to travel several miles inland. Storm surges wreak havoc and leave destruction for miles.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Governor DeSantis of Florida surveys the destruction that spread across Fort Myers. In an interview with BBC, DeSantis comments, “To see a house just sitting in the middle of Estero Bay, literally must have gotten picked up, flown because of the massive wind speed and the storm surge and depositing in a body of water.”

Tips

It’s clear hurricanes are forces to be reckoned with, destructive, dangerous, and downright terrifying. For your safety, it is important to properly prepare and have plans in place.

- Evacuate: If local authorities have given the order to evacuate, listen and follow the prescribed protocols. Don’t wait.
- Supplies: Stock up! The time to prepare is before the storm (previous post link). This is important whether you evacuate or stay, but it’s all the more crucial if you weather the storm. You need several days, to weeks, of supplies to be prepared.
- Secure your Property: If you haven’t read our Day 3 Post for Hurricane Preparedness Week, Review Your Policy– We discuss the importance of reviewing your policy and why it’s important to not only protect your property from potential damage, but document it.
- Stay Informed: Always have access to current weather information from your local authorities and the National Hurricane Center. FloridaDisaster.org recommends an NOAA Weather Radio that is battery operated or hand cranked. For a downloadable checklist, click here!
- Stay Indoors: The volatility of a hurricane poses too high a risk to venture outdoors once the hurricane hits. Avoid windows and doors.

Be informed and prepared to endure the devastatingly high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges hurricanes bring. Widespread damage will be imminent. However, employing these tips and knowledge about this destructive natural disaster gives you the best chance at safety and security. For more information on the dangers & tips for a hurricane, please visit Prepare before the storm.

Importance of Acting Promptly After a Date of Loss

Why Acting Promptly Matters

The Soaring Costs of Severe Weather:

Protecting Your Property:

Premier Claims Secures $13.95M After Hurricane Ian

Bacon’s Furniture

When Should I Hire a Public Adjuster?

Timely Claims Assistance

Understanding the Role of a Public Adjuster

Immediate Action after Damage Occurs

Before Filing a Claim

Denied or Underpaid Claims

Complex Claims and Policy Understanding

Involving Legal Professionals in Your Claim

Is Involving Legal Professionals Necessary for Your Insurance Claim?

Coverage Denial and Refusal to Negotiate

Policy Interpretation Issues

Bad Faith Practices by Insurance Carriers

By: Ashley Balsbaugh | Associate Attorney

Debunking Public Adjuster Myths: Delaying a Claim

The Truth Behind the Myth

Understanding the Public Adjuster’s Role

Accurate Assessment

Negotiation Expertise

Policy Knowledge

What is a Public Adjuster?

Decoding a Public Adjuster’s Role in Your Claim

Role of a Public Adjuster

Damage Assessment

Policy Understanding

Negotiation

Documentation

When Should You Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster?

Large or Severe Claims

Claim Disputes

Complex Claims

Benefits

Fair Settlements

Time Savings

Policy Understanding

Reliability

Get Referrals

Check Licenses

Research

Read Contracts Carefully

Farmers Insurance No Longer Serving Florida Policyholders

The Business Decision Behind Farmers Insurance’s Exit:

Insurance Challenges in Florida:

The Need for Legal Reforms:

Florida’s Vulnerability to Hurricane Damage:

Condo Association Restored After Hurricane Ian

Confidential Condo Association

Dangers & Tips for a Hurricane

Dangers

Tips