Debunking Public Adjuster Myths: Delaying a Claim

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.

 

What is a Public Adjuster?

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.

 

Louisiana New Law: Allows for Public Adjusters

A new law, signifying a significant development for policyholders in Louisiana, has passed, forbidding property insurance policies from containing provisions that deny an insured individual’s right to hire a public adjuster. Before the introduction of this new law, insurance policies with anti-public adjuster clauses prevented policyholders from hiring a public adjuster. The legislation aims to provide all policyholders and businesses with greater control and expertise in navigating insurance claims. 

On June 12, 2023, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law a bill from Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, and Rep. Ray Garafalo, R-Chalmette, that prohibits insurance carriers from inserting anti-public adjuster clauses into property insurance policies. The new law (SB156) in Louisiana will take effect on August 1, 2023, and allow all policyholders to hire public adjusters.

Benefits for Policyholders:

Removing the anti-public adjuster clauses is a significant win for policyholders in Louisiana. Here are some key benefits that policyholders can expect:

Expertise and Representation: 

Licensed professionals with in-depth knowledge of insurance policies and claims processes, public adjusters actively operate. They can assess the full extent of damages, and strive for fair compensation per the policy.

Time & Stress Reduction: 

Navigating an insurance claim can be a complex and time-consuming process. By engaging a public adjuster, policyholders can offload the burden of handling paperwork, documentation, and negotiations. This allows them to focus on other important aspects of recovery, such as restoring their property or business.

Maximizing Claim Settlements: 

Public adjusters skillfully value losses accurately and ensure fair compensation for policyholders. They can help policyholders avoid potential underpayments or claim denials, leading to maximized settlements.

Rules and Regulations for Public Adjusters in Louisiana:

While the new law in Louisiana enables policyholders to hire public adjusters, it’s important to understand the existing rules and regulations governing their operations. Here are some key points to note:

Licensing:

Public adjusters in Louisiana are required to obtain a license from the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI). Additionally, the licensing process involves meeting certain criteria, including background checks and the successful completion of an examination.

Fee Limitations: 

Public adjusters charge fees for their services, typically calculated as a percentage of the insurance claim settlement. In Louisiana, these fees are regulated and should conform to state guidelines. Policyholders should discuss fee arrangements with the public adjuster before signing any contract.

Contractual Agreements: 

Public adjusters must provide written contracts to policyholders, outlining the terms and conditions of their services. The contract must clearly state the fees, scope of work, and any additional expenses that policyholders may incur during the claims process.

Prohibited Activities: 

Public adjusters are prohibited from participating in any deceptive or fraudulent practices. Furthermore, they have a fiduciary responsibility, must act ethically and in the best interests of the policyholders they represent. Violations of these regulations can lead to disciplinary actions by the LDI.

Louisiana’s new law granting policyholders the ability to hire public adjusters is a significant step toward empowering individuals and businesses when dealing with insurance claims. With the expertise and representation provided by public adjusters, policyholders can expect a smoother and more favorable claims experience. By leveraging this new legislation, policyholders can navigate the complexities of the insurance world with confidence, knowing they have dedicated professionals on their side.

Premier Claims Louisiana #765044

 

Prepare Before the Storm

Being Hurricane Preparedness Week and with hurricane season quickly approaching, it is important you and your family are prepared by planning ahead. To prepare before the storm, we suggest focusing on four areas: Hurricane information & evacuation plan, strengthening your home & business, updating & reviewing your insurance policy, and stocking your supplies.

Hurricane Information & Evacuation Plan

If you live in a hurricane prone area, it is critical that you have a list of ways you can get trusted hurricane information readily available. We suggest bookmarking National Weather Service, Ready and national news outlets on your mobile devices for immediate access to information. In addition, social media can be a great source of real time updates — Join the latest Facebook group for the named Hurricane to receive multiple updates from various sources. 

For your safety, planning a general evacuation plan and knowing alternative routes can save you time and stress when a hurricane strikes. When a hurricane is approaching, make sure you communicate your evacuation plan with someone else outside of the storm’s path. 

Corner business with windows boarded up

Strengthen Your Home & Business

Take a walk around your home and your business and look at areas that may be vulnerable in the event of a hurricane. Trimming trees regularly can help prevent excessive broken branches that can cause damage. Minimizing the number of outside loose items, such as patio furniture & recreational equipment, will reduce the amount of time you need to properly secure the items prior to the storm hitting. In advance, we recommend having the necessary materials to board up any windows to protect them from flying debris. 

If you have not had your roof or property inspected in the past 12 months, we recommend having a contractor or public adjuster confirm the structural integrity of your roof and home. The inspection will include photos and documentation of the current condition of your home. Should your home experience damage during a hurricane, the inspection documentation will be crucial evidence in getting your home back to its prior condition. We offer free home inspections — Give us a call today to schedule!

Update & Review Your Insurance Policy

We recommend having your insurance policy reviewed by a third party for a detailed review of coverage. Flooding is the leading cause of damage from hurricanes and many policyholders in hurricane prone areas are not required to have this coverage. In addition, your insurance policy may outline specific preparation steps that are required in order to ensure damages are covered. Our team of legal experts provide free policy reviews and will outline any gaps in your current coverage, and what steps must be taken prior to the storm hitting per your policy. If you’d like to have your policy reviewed — Contact us or send your policy to info@premier-claims.com.

Prepare before the storm Hurricane Preparation Checklist

Stock Your Supplies

Waiting until the hurricane is announced to stock your supplies could put you at risk of being unable to obtain the emergency supplies you need. According to Chuck Duncan, a Florida Ace Hardware employee in a local interview with CBS 4 News, says it is normal for residents to wait until the announcement before they head to the stores for supplies: “Usually within a few days after it comes out that it [the hurricane] is coming this way, they start coming in.” 

During and after a hurricane, you may need supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. However, once a hurricane is announced, there is a mass surge of people going to stores and supplies are limited. We recommend gathering supplies early in the season in May or June prior to a potential hurricane hitting land. You can be prepared by including the following:

For a full list of items you may need, you can find a checklist here: Download Checklist

Hurricanes are costly and can cause damage hundreds of miles from the shore. Being prepared ahead of time can be critical for your safety and recovery after the hurricane. Continue to follow us this week for more information and resources to prepare for this upcoming hurricane season!

Additional Resources

Florida Disaster
CDC Preparing for a Hurricane
National Weather Service Hurricane Plan

 

History of Hurricane Preparedness Week

May 1st through the 7th is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. If you don’t live in an area prone to hurricanes, you probably haven’t given them much thought. However, if you live in Florida or the surrounding area, chances are hurricanes have impacted your life in one way or another.

How did Hurricane Preparedness Week start?

Prior to 2004, Hurricane Preparedness Week had been known as Hurricane Awareness Week. The first Hurricane Warning Service originated in Cuba and was adopted by the United States Weather Bureau during the 1870s. On June 1, 1956 the National Hurricane Center was founded in Miami, Florida.

The change from Awareness to Preparedness was an initiative to encourage communities to be prepared prior to a hurricane hitting land. Costing billions of dollars in damages every year just in the United States alone, hurricanes are considered one of Mother Nature’s most destructive events worldwide.

Outside of the United States, hurricanes are often referred to as typhoons or tropical cyclones. Other countries, such as China, experience the same destructive forces and are reported to have the most typhoons annually than any other country in the world.

With continual changes in weather patterns and rising sea levels, hurricanes will continue to be destructive storms hitting our coast. As a community, we hope we can use this week to educate our neighbors on preparing before the hurricane, how to stay safe during the storm and what to expect following a devastating hurricane.

Follow us this week as we continue to cover different topics and provide resources to prepare for this upcoming hurricane season. If you’re still battling your insurance claims from prior hurricanes, please reach out to our team members to help get you the support you need: click here.

Additional resources:

National Today Hurricane Preparedness Week,

National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness Week

NOAA: National Hurricane Preparedness

 

Thorough Investigation Turns $1.9M into a $5.9M Claim Settlement

Sanoh America Distribution Facility

Archbold, Ohio
Hail & Wind Damage | May 2022


The expansive 223,000 square-foot distribution facility experienced significant hail and wind damage, resulting in a small portion collapse. The insurance carrier enlisted an engineer to refute the more extensive hail damage, dismissing it as merely cosmetic and initially only approved repairs for the collapsed section. At this time, our team was brought on and we began to gather evidence from comprehensive on-site investigations, demonstrating the long-term repercussions of neglecting the full extent of the damage. Within six months, these efforts resulted in a reversal of decision to a full roof replacement. In addition, we were able to show historical storm activity that had impacted the building within the policy terms for more accurate dates of loss, as well as reimbursement for business interruption and loss of contents. Thanks to our diligent efforts, we successfully secured an additional $3.9 million in claim settlements.


Insurance Carrier Offer: $1,985,000

Premier Claims Settlement: $5,893,000

Navigating Insurance Deductibles

In the world of insurance claims, the concept of deductibles is a crucial aspect that policyholders often encounter. These deductibles are designed to discourage unnecessary claims, yet their implications can have a significant impact on the policyholder’s financial burden of damage to their property.

 

Flat-Rate Deductibles vs Percentage-Based Deductibles

When exploring the realm of deductibles, policyholders encounter two main variations: flat-rate deductibles and percentage-based deductibles. Flat-rate deductibles entail a fixed dollar amount that the policyholder must pay before their insurance coverage kicks in. On the other hand, percentage-based deductibles involve a percentage of the total insured value (TIV) of the property, which the policyholder must cover out-of-pocket. While flat-rate deductibles are straightforward and easy to understand, percentage-based deductibles can lead to varying commitments depending on the property’s value.

 

Perils 

One significant aspect of deductibles is the concept of “all other perils” (AOP) deductibles. These encompass a wide array of perils that may affect your property such as Wind, Hail, Hurricanes, Sinkholes, Collapses, and Floods. As you might anticipate, more severe perils tend to carry higher deductibles. While opting for a lower deductible may seem appealing, it can inflate your premium significantly. Insurance agents often suggest higher deductibles as a strategy to reduce premium costs, which can be a tempting proposition for policyholders.

 

Things to Consider

Imagine you reside in a condominium complex consisting of eight buildings, each with varying liability limits. Let’s say your property carries a 5% Hurricane deductible. In this case, the total insured value (TIV) is multiplied by the deductible percentage to determine the out-of-pocket expense in the event of a claim. For instance:

You own a condo where there are 8 buildings ranging liability limits of $1,684,874 and $2,026,302, and you have a 5% Hurricane deductible. The total TIV (Toal Insured Value) is multiplied by the deductible percentage, 5%.

Building A: TIV $2,000,000= Deductible $100,000

Building B: TIV $1,500,000= Deductible $75,000

Considering all eight buildings:

Total TIV: $14,000,000

Total Deductible: $700,000

Now, if a 1% deductible were in place instead:

Total Deductible: $140,000

 

The Implications and Beyond

While the calculations above solely focus on the deductible, other provisions can significantly impact coverage and claim outcomes. A high deductible might seem insignificant initially, but it can prove pivotal in determining the success of your claim. This hold especially true if you reside in an area prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

 

In conclusion, comprehending the nuances of insurance deductibles is crucial for policyholders seeking to safeguard their assets effectively. Empower yourself with knowledge on the complexities of insurance claims and your policy. By making informed decisions about your deductible, you can not only manage your premium costs but also ensure that your claim process is smooth and financially viable in times of distress. Connect with us today to explore how Premier Claims can assist you on your journey to comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.

 

FEMA Extends Deadline for Hurricane Ian Proof of Loss

Hurricane Ian Damage

After delivering the deadliest storm Florida has seen since the Labor Day hurricane of 1935, FEMA has issued a directive that extends the deadline to submit the Proof of Loss (POL) for a flood claim.

The FEMA announcement detailed which states are eligible for the extension, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

The usual time frame for submitting a sworn Proof of Loss is 60 days. However, FEMA extended this deadline to 365 days from the loss date. It’s important to note that FEMA has also implemented a significant adjustment in its procedures. They’ve authorized NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) to accept an Unsigned Adjuster’s Report instead of a signed Proof of Loss for claim evaluation and payment. This change aims to streamline the process and provide more flexibility for policyholders in the aftermath of property damage.

While FEMA has allotted insureds this extension to file their Proof of Loss with their insurance company, it is still vital to file your claim as soon as you possibly can. Your insurance company must inspect the property before you proceed with any repairs. However, you must mitigate the damage, meaning you need to protect the property from any further harm.

The claims process is difficult enough, don’t navigate it alone. Premier Claims experts guide you through the process, handle daunting tasks, and fight for your maximum payout.

 

Hurricane Ian to hit Florida: Prepare for the Storm

 

Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana in 2021, and now in 2022, Hurricane Ian is impacting Florida, with a projected hit on Thursday. Hurricane Charley arrived at 150 mph in 2004, but wind speed isn’t the sole threat of a hurricane. Storm surge and storm tide, life-threatening risks for Florida residents during Hurricane Ian, have prompted a Storm Surge Warning in Tampa. Rising water along the coastline will swell and can invade several miles inland. While you can’t prevent a hurricane from coming, you can take a few actions to prepare for the storm.

Hurricane Tips:

If your local officials direct you to evacuate, don’t hesitate. Your life means more than any possession. 

Have you located your property’s policy? 

A hurricane brings immense stress, damage, and chaos. Don’t let the worry of finding your policy add to the burden. Secure your vital documents now; this will save time and headaches after the storm passes and the community begins cleaning up.

Download the Premier Claims Hurricane Checklist here. For hurricane tips and guidance on how to prepare for the storm, follow Premier Claims. We’re ready to assist after the storm. Contact us today to ensure that you’re ready to manage any property damage.