2024: Reflecting on a Year of Advocacy, Resilience & Results

NAVIGATING THE STORMS TOGETHER

Reflecting on a Year of Advocacy, Resilience & Results

This year, our team has exemplified the true value of expertise and advocacy in the claims process. By meticulously documenting every detail, negotiating with carriers, and ensuring that our clients, the policyholders, always come first, we’ve been able to deliver results that matter. Our focus on protecting our clients’ rights and helping them navigate the often-complex insurance landscape has reaffirmed why having a trusted advocate is so crucial during challenging times.

From the devastating tornadoes that ravaged the Midwest in the spring, to the powerful hurricanes whose impact extended far inland, and the intense wind and hailstorms that struck communities across the nation, standing by our clients every step of the way. We are incredibly grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us and the opportunity to help them rebuild.

As a year in review, we’ve included some photos of the damage and storms we’ve worked on throughout the year. These moments reflect not only the challenges we’ve faced together but also the resilience and determination of our team and clients. We are deeply thankful for the hard work of our team, the trust of our clients, and the collective efforts of everyone who has helped advocate for policyholders.

 

Below are a few articles we’ve published this year to help spread awareness and education:

Will My Insurance Premiums Go Up? – Learn if your premiums will go up if you seek professional help in navigating the claims process.

Filing a Claim Without Losing Coverage: Know Your Rights – The misconception is that an insurance carrier will drop you if file a claim, but its important to understand that such action is unlikely and illegal.

Are You Underinsured? – Recent market changes—skyrocketing construction costs, supply chain delays, and increasing natural disasters—mean your coverage from two years ago may not cover you today.

Depreciation in Insurance Claims: Are You Getting Short-Changed? – When your property is damaged and you file an insurance claim, but you may quickly discover the insurance carrier short-changes you because of depreciation.

The Role of a Public Adjuster vs Insurance Adjuster – Understanding the role of a Public Adjuster versus an Insurance Carrier Adjuster can make all the difference in how much you get paid.

Hurricane Insurance Claim Timeline for Chicken Farm

Wondering How Long a Hurricane Insurance Claim Takes to Settle?

Follow as we track the series of events after Hurricane Helene and the insurance claim process for a complex claim in Homerville, Georgia. Comprised of two large buildings, the layer chicken farm experienced significant destruction that resulted in many of the birds roaming outside a secure enclosure, or lost due to the damage. 


Timeline to Recovery following a Hurricane Insurance Claim
Layer Chicken Farm in Homerville, Georgia

26 September 2024

11:10 PM — Hurricane Helene made landfall in Keaton Beach, Florida.

27 September 2024

2:45 AM — Hurricane Helene impacts Homerville, Georgia.

30 September 2024

11:31 AM — Premier Claims conducted on—site inspection, and gathered initial documentation (policy declaration pages, and business related documents).

12:43 PM — Premier Claims established representation with the carrier and requested contact information for the carrier adjuster assigned to the claim.

1:21 PM — Premier Claims confirmed coverage for mitigation, and worked with the contractor selected by the policyholder to begin mitigation efforts.

01 October 2024

10:23 AM — Premier Claims client specialist conducted a welcome call with the policyholder to discuss the process, our team members and their role in their claim, the initial mitigation coverage and next steps in the process.

2:02 PM — Premier Claims established communication with the carrier adjuster, and requested a certified copy of the full policy, scheduled joint inspection, and confirmation of policy limits.

03 October 2024

8:03 AM — Premier Claims inspector met on-site with the independent adjuster hired by the insurance carrier to conduct a more thorough inspection to ensure all damage was documented and considered by the carrier.

10:17 AM — Premier Claims gathered documentation for the most recent cost of repairs and service for damaged equipment.

1:59 PM — Premier Claims secured a written email confirmation from the independent adjuster that the buildings are classified as a total loss, as well as additional equipment on site.

Hurricane Insurance Claim Timeline for Chicken Farm in GeorgiaHurricane Insurance Claim Timeline for Chicken Farm in GeorgiaHurricane Insurance Claim Timeline for Chicken Farm in Georgia

04 October 2024

8:07 AM — The carrier reassigned the farm equipment parts of the claim to an additional adjuster that requested additional information to process the claim.

9:55 AM — The carrier reassigned the business interruption coverage of the claim to an outside forensic accounting firm.

10:57 AM — Due to the equipment coverage being reassigned to a new adjuster, Premier Claims inspector went back on—site to gather more photographic and video evidence of agricultural equipment that was damaged.

2:28 PM — Premier Claims received the certified copy of the full insurance policy, and our legal team began their thorough review of the policy. During their review, they identified the policyholder held an ACV policy, but was able to recoup a 5% debris removal after completion.

3:36 PM — Premier Claims adjuster spoke with the forensic CPA to discuss the business interruption coverage. As a result, we received the full list of necessary information they will require for this claim, business, and agricultural type. We coordinated with the policyholder to start compiling the necessary documentation.

09 October 2024

8:19 AM — Premier Claims received a final negotiated estimate totaling full policy limits for the structural damage, as well as 5% in debris removal to be issued following completion.

10 October 2024

3:15 PM — Policyholder compiled a portion of documentation for business interruption coverage. We continue working with policyholders to compile financial documents necessary to receive business interruption coverage.

11 October 2024

11:24 AM — Premier Claims adjuster followed up with the insurance carrier on releasing undisputed funds. Told to be in transit by the end of next week.

17 October 2024

8:14 AM — The carrier has reassigned the farm equipment parts of the claim to an additional adjuster. This is the third adjuster reviewing the coverage for the equipment.

18 October 2024

11:12 AM — Premier Claims adjuster followed up with the insurance carrier on releasing undisputed funds that were promised to be mailed last week.

23 October 2024

11:28 AM — Premier Claims secured written confirmation that full limit coverage for the equipment. Carrier will be purchasing equipment for the full coverage limits through a bill of sale.

24 October 2024

11:08 AM — Premier Claims received confirmation that the carrier has released an initial payment for the structure and equipment settlement.

29 October 2024

10:15 AM — Premier Claims received the executed bill of sale from the policyholder and delivered it to the carrier and requested a full release of payment for the equipment.

01 November 2024

2:15 PM — Premier Claims received initial payment from the carrier. Team overnighted check for endorsement from the mortgage company.

Ongoing Efforts

1 — Premier Claims client specialist continues to work with the policyholder to organize and gather the necessary historical financial information to receive business interruption coverage.

2 — Premier Claims adjuster is working closely with the contractor to compile all invoices and completion documents to issue release of 5% debris removal funds.

3 — Premier Claims advising the policyholder to secure a more inclusive policy that contains recoverable depreciation and adequately covers the needs of poultry farms.

 

Premier Claims Secures $13.95M After Hurricane Ian

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

 

 

Insurance Carrier Offers Spot Repairs for Condominium: Premier Claims Settled at $2.3M

Legends of St. John Condos

Augustine, Florida
Hail Damage


Prior to our involvement, the insurance carrier was only willing to cover the bare minimum for patchwork repairs on the roof. We conducted a thorough inspection and presented a compelling case to the insurer, complete with evidence to support a more comprehensive settlement. This included code upgrades, material matching, overhead & profit, and residential supervision costs. Initially, the insurance carrier offered a more reasonable estimate of $1,820,000, but later withdrew it, attempting to reduce the settlement. Undeterred, we fortified our claim with exhaustive documentation and expert legal counsel, ultimately securing a final settlement of $2,275,000.


Insurance Carrier Offer: Minimum Patch/ Repairs

Premier Claims Settlement: $2,275,000

 

 

Condo Association Restored After Hurricane Ian

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

 

 

Large Loss Agriculture Hail Claim Settled in 4 Months

RL Wilson Family Farms

Montgomery, Indiana
Hail Damage
May 2022


Before a claim was even filed, our team stepped in, effectively neutralizing any attempts by the insurance carrier to delay or underpay the claim. We carried out inspections of the property, both day and night, and assembled a comprehensive damage estimate for every asset involved. To speed up the process, we transparently shared all our findings with the insurance carrier, who initially estimated the claim at $1,892,000 based on our information. Not satisfied, we swiftly countered with precise costs for materials and labor, successfully elevating the settlement to an impressive $2,058,000—all in under 4 months.


Insurance Carrier Offer: $1,892,000

Premier Claims Settlement: $2,058,000 in 4 months

 

 

Day & Night Inspections Provide Full Scope of Damage for 730% Settlement Increase

Confidential Chicken Farm

Ulysses, Nebraska
Hail Damage
June 2022


Our team carried out day and night inspections to accurately assess the full scope of damage to the various buildings on the property. During negotiations, we caught the insurance carrier using flawed measurements based on satellite imagery that failed to account for elevation changes. We didn’t stop there; we also presented a comprehensive plan outlining the necessary materials and procedures for proper insulation and repairs, backed by current market rates for materials and labor. The result? A successful settlement that covered full replacements for all metal roofs, and materials, and even included overhead and profit.


Insurance Carrier Offer: $204,000

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,693,000

 

 

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

Self-Storage Claim Initially Denied: Premier Claims $1.25M Settlement for Full Replacement

Dino’s Storage

Des Moines, Iowa
Hail Damage
March 2022


After the insurance company denied the initial claim, they were reluctant to conduct an on-site joint inspection, basing their decision on an incomplete assessment by an independent adjuster. Recognizing the oversight, we presented compelling evidence and our own detailed estimate to the insurance carrier. This led to an on-site joint inspection and a complete turnaround. We successfully negotiated full replacements for roofs and doors across all structures, and even secured private security to safeguard patrons’ belongings during the construction phase.


Insurance Carrier Offer: Complete Denial

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,247,000