Public Adjusters Are Your Trusted Ally

After a devastating event like Hurricane Helene, the last thing you want to deal with is the labyrinth of insurance claims. It can feel like navigating through a maze blindfolded—frustrating and, quite frankly, exhausting. That’s where a public adjuster, like those at Premier Claims, comes in. Think of us as your personal guide, helping you understand your rights, make the most of your claim, and stand up to those pesky insurance carriers who often try to take advantage of you.

Comprehensive Damage Documentation—More Than a Checklist

When the storm clears, it’s essential to capture every nook and cranny of the damage—this is not just about broken windows or missing shingles. A skilled public adjuster meticulously documents all damages and potential recoverable losses, including things you might not even think about, like hidden water damage or structural issues. They utilize advanced tools and techniques to provide a clear picture, attempting to ensure that no detail is overlooked. This thorough documentation sets a solid foundation for your claim.

In-Depth Policy Review

Before diving into the claims process, understanding the policy is crucial. Our legal team will dissect your insurance policy with laser focus, checking for coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions that could impact your claim. They’ll highlight the fine print that often gets ignored, determining exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. This knowledge is power, and it’s your best defense against any surprises down the line. To submit your insurance policy for a complimentary review, fill out the following form: https://premier-claims.com/policy-review/

Understanding Your Claim’s True Value

Let’s be honest: insurance jargon can feel like a foreign language. What’s the real value of your claim? A public adjuster translates that complexity into understandable terms, helping you see the full picture. Our team will review your policy and look for key things to tie to your property’s damage. They’ll conduct a detailed assessment of your losses and repairs, fighting for your right to a fair payout. This clarity not only empowers you but also prevents insurance carriers from pulling a fast one.

Public Adjusters Handle All Communications

The paperwork that follows a disaster can feel like it’s piling up faster than your to-do list. A public adjuster takes the headache out of managing forms, claims, and deadlines. They know the ins and outs of the process and will handle the administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on more pressing matters—like finding a safe place to sleep or regrouping with your family. They’re your safety net, catching all the details that could slip through the cracks.

Speak Directly with Your Insurance Carrier

Have you ever tried to get a straight answer from your insurance carrier? It can feel like talking to a brick wall. Your public adjuster will act as your liaison, managing communications with your insurance carrier. This means you won’t have to endure endless hold music or baffling conversations. They ensure your concerns are heard, documented, and addressed, streamlining the process and hopefully reducing your stress.

Experienced Negotiation Skills

Negotiating with insurance adjusters can feel like David vs. Goliath, especially if you’re going in without the right expertise. A public adjuster brings invaluable negotiation skills to the table, advocating for you and your interests. They know the tactics insurance carriers use to minimize payouts, and they won’t back down until they’ve explored every option—fighting for you to receive the compensation you need to restore your property adequately.

Protection Against Bad Faith Tactics

Sadly, not all insurance carriers play fair. Some may resort to bad faith tactics, like delaying your claim or offering significantly lower settlements. A knowledgeable public adjuster is your advocate, protecting you from these unfair practices and aiming for you to be treated with the respect and fairness you deserve. They’ll keep a watchful eye on the process and challenge any unjust actions from the insurer.

You Deserve More Than Just a Band-Aid Solution

At the end of the day, your public adjuster isn’t just there to get you a quick payout—they’re dedicated to getting your property restored to its pre-loss condition. They’ll fight for the comprehensive repairs and support you need, helping to ensure that your property is not just fixed, but truly restored. Hurricane Helene doesn’t get the last laugh, and neither should your insurance carrier.

Why Partner with Premier Claims After Hurricane Helene?

Recovering from Hurricane Helene is not just about rebuilding your property; it’s about reclaiming your peace of mind. A public adjuster can be your trusted ally in this journey, navigating the complexities of insurance claims and advocating for your best interests every step of the way.

Ready to Reclaim Your Recovery?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed after Hurricane Helene and need a guiding hand, contact us today. Our experienced public adjusters are here to help you maximize your claim and restore your property so you can move forward with confidence.

No-Nonsense Guide to Turning Rejection into Victory

Got a big, fat “denied” stamp on your insurance claim? Ouch—we know how much that hurts. A denial isn’t the end of the road—it’s just a detour. If you’re ready to file an appeal for your denial, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, gather your facts, and call the Premier Claims team to tackle the appeal process head-on.

Step 1: Get to the Bottom of Why Your Claim Was Denied

First, understand why you can appeal your denied insurance claim. Your insurance carrier will send you a formal denial letter explaining their reasons. The terms could be straightforward, like missing documentation or a policy exclusion, but sometimes, they’re more complicated.

Review the Denial Letter Thoroughly

Compare the reasons in the letter with the terms of your policy. Does the denial align with your understanding of your coverage?

Discuss the Denial

Contact your claims adjuster or agent if the explanation doesn’t add up. Sometimes, a simple conversation can clear up misunderstandings.

If the letter looks like it’s written in a foreign language, Premier Claims is here to help. Our team will break down the fine print and help you understand your policy and the so-called reasons for denial.

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence Like a Pro

Once you understand why your claim was denied, it’s time to build your case. This step is all about showing your insurance carrier why they got it wrong. You’ll need:

Proper Documentation

Collect all the paperwork tied to your claim—damage photos, repair estimates, and correspondence with the insurer. If you have photos of your property before the damage occurred, make sure to include them!

The key here is thorough documentation. The more compelling your evidence, the harder it is for the insurer to stick to their denial.

Step 3: File a Formal Appeal

If a friendly conversation with your insurance carrier doesn’t lead to a resolution, it’s time to file a formal appeal. Your insurance policy will outline the specific appeals process, including any deadlines. Don’t miss these—once the window closes, so does your chance to appeal.

Write an Effective Appeal Letter

Address the reasons for the denial directly and back up your argument with the evidence you’ve gathered. Make sure everything is organized and easy to follow.

Stay Professional

This is all about facts, not feelings. Keep the tone professional, and let your evidence do the talking.

Do you want your appeal letter to be as effective as possible? Premier Claims can take this task off your hands, writing a clear and compelling appeal intended to increase your chances of success.

Step 4: Get a Public Adjuster on Your Team

Here’s where things can start to turn in your favor. A licensed public adjuster, like those at Premier Claims, can make a world of difference. They understand the ins and outs of property insurance claims and know how to best get results.

Why You Need a Public Adjuster

Public adjusters work for you—not the insurance carrier. They’ll review your policy, document and value your losses, and negotiate your settlement on your behalf.

Timing is Key

The sooner you get a public adjuster involved, the better. They can help strengthen your case and handle the tough conversations with your carrier. To learn more about when to get a Public Adjuster involved in your claim, read our blog: https://premier-claims.com/blog/when-to-hire-public-adjuster/

Don’t wait until your appeal is denied before calling for backup. Getting our team involved early can turn the tide in your favor before things get messy.

Step 5: Consider Filing a Complaint or Taking Legal Action

If you’re still not getting anywhere, you may need to escalate the situation. Filing a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner is one option. If things have really gone south, you might consider legal action.

Filing a Complaint

Insurance regulations govern the industry. If you believe the insurer treated you unfairly, submit a formal complaint to your state’s regulatory body, which can sometimes push the insurer to reconsider.

Legal Action

In some cases, hiring a lawyer who specializes in insurance disputes may be necessary. This can be costly and time-consuming, but sometimes, it’s the only way to get what you’re owed.

If you’ve reached this stage, Premier Claims can still help. We can connect you with trusted legal experts who know how to handle property insurance disputes and fight for your rights.

Don’t Go It Alone

Appealing a denied insurance claim can feel like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Working with experts like Premier Claims can significantly increase your chances of success. We’ve helped countless clients turn denials into approvals, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Need help with your appeal? Contact Premier Claims today!

When disaster strikes—whether it’s a storm, fire, or water damage—one of the first steps in getting your life back on track is filing an insurance claim. But when it comes to navigating the complex world of insurance, understanding the role of a Public Adjuster versus an Insurance Carrier Adjuster can make all the difference in how much you get paid. Let’s break down the key differences so you know exactly who’s on your side.

What is an Insurance Adjuster?

Simply put, an Insurance Adjuster works for the insurance carrier. Their job is to evaluate the damage to your property and determine how much the insurance carrier should pay out on your claim.

Now, before you think, “Well, that sounds fair enough”—let’s take a moment to remember who signs their paychecks. While they’re there to assess the situation, their ultimate goal is to minimize the payout, ensuring the insurance carrier saves money. It’s like letting the fox guard the henhouse.

What is a Public Adjuster?

On the flip side, a Public Adjuster works for you, the policyholder. They’re licensed professionals who evaluate your claim, just like the insurance adjuster does, but with your best interests in mind. A Public Adjuster’s job is to fight for you to get the payout you deserve by thoroughly inspecting the damage, reviewing your insurance policy, and negotiating with the insurance carrier on your behalf.

Think of them as your advocate—a Robin Hood of sorts in the often murky insurance world.

How Does This Affect You?

Having a Public Adjuster in your corner can significantly change the outcome of your claim. While the Insurance Adjuster might tell you that your damage isn’t “severe enough” or certain repairs aren’t covered, a Public Adjuster will go through your policy with a fine-tooth comb to make sure every bit of damage is accounted for. They’ll fight for a settlement that reflects all the damages you’ve suffered, not just what the insurance carrier wants to acknowledge.

When Should You Call a Public Adjuster?

If your claim has been denied, underpaid, or you feel overwhelmed dealing with the insurance carrier, calling a Public Adjuster can be a game-changer. They’ll step in to handle the heavy lifting, freeing you up to focus on getting life back to normal.

In the majority of states, Public Adjuster’s fees are dependent on the payout of the claim by the insurance company. For example, Public Adjusters may fee off a small percentage of the settlement. Alternatively, some state contracts are drafted to include provisions for hourly fees. Each contract is drafted to accommodate the fee requirements of the state in question. In either case, Public Adjusters are motivated to obtain the largest settlement payout possible on behalf of the client.

At the end of the day, filing an insurance claim can feel like navigating a maze, but you don’t have to do it alone. A Public Adjuster is on your side, fighting for the settlement you deserve, while the Insurance Carrier Adjuster is there to protect the insurance company’s bottom line.

If you’re looking to make sure your claim is handled fairly, it’s worth having an expert in your corner who isn’t tied to the insurance company. Premier Claims is your trusted Public Adjuster, dedicated to making the most of your claim and fighting for your right to a fair settlement.

Ready to get what you’re owed? Contact Premier Claims today, and we’ll work together to restore your property.

At Premier Claims, we understand that life can be busy and scheduling conflicts arise, but canceling your property damage inspection appointment can significantly hinder the progress of your insurance claim. Keeping your inspection appointment assists in making the claim process as smooth and beneficial as possible.

Why Is an Inspection So Important?

1. An Inspection is Essential for Your Claim

The property damage inspection is critical for both us and your insurance carrier. Without it, we may be unable to proceed with your claim. The inspection allows us to accurately document the extent of the damage, which is essential for determining the appropriate compensation. Skipping this step could delay your claim or even lower your payout.

2. You Don’t Need to Attend the Inspection

No need to worry if you can’t attend the property damage inspection. Your presence is not required as long as we can access the roof and other necessary areas. Our team is fully equipped to handle the inspection independently, trying to ensure that all damage is thoroughly documented.

3. We Advocate for You

Our inspectors act as your advocates during the inspection. We have your best interests in mind and work diligently to ensure every known detail of the damage is documented. This comprehensive documentation is crucial to support your claim best and increase the likelihood of compensation from the carrier.

4. Transparent and Ongoing Communication

We believe in keeping you informed throughout the entire claims process. Your designated client specialist will provide regular updates to inform you of your claim. This transparency helps you stay engaged and understand each process step, even if you can’t attend the inspection.

Canceling your property damage inspection can delay your claim and potentially reduce the compensation you receive. By keeping your appointment, move forward efficiently and continue to advocate on your behalf. Even if we find that there isn’t damage to your property, documenting the current state of your property can be beneficial for potential future claims. To learn more about the benefits of a damage-free inspection, read our full blog: https://premier-claims.com/blog/no-damage-inspections-benefits/. Remember, your presence at the inspection is unnecessary as long as we have access to the damaged areas. Trust our team to handle the inspection competently and keep you informed along the way.

If you have any concerns or questions about the property damage inspection process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you and ensure your claim is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

Facing the aftermath of a storm can be a daunting experience. But when it comes to safeguarding your property and filing an insurance claim, it’s essential to have a clear plan of action. Below is a guide to assist you through the initial steps following a date of loss.

Survey Exterior Damage

After ensuring your safety, the first step is to assess the storm damage to your property.

Exterior Inspection

Begin by examining the exterior of your property for visible damage. Look for missing shingles or broken gutters. As well as obvious roof leaks or scattered roofing materials.

Air Conditioning Unit

Even if it’s not the summer season, check your AC unit for damages. You wouldn’t want any surprises when it’s time to use it.

Other Damages

Be thorough in identifying all storm-related damages, including those caused by trees, neighbor’s trees, or missing fencing.

Survey Interior Damage

Inspect the inside of your property for signs of internal damage.

Water Leaks

Keep an eye out for water leaks or puddles on walls and floors, especially on the ground floor.

Windows and Attic

Check windows for leaks and inspect your attic for any issues.

Take Photos

Capture clear photos to document all damage you see on your property in the aftermath of a storm.

Exterior Damage

From damaged roofs to broken AC units, photos play a significant role in your insurance claim.

Interior Damage

Document any damage inside your home, ensuring clarity in the images.

Keep Everything

Hold onto damaged items, as your insurance assessor may need to inspect them for your claim. Even if you can’t keep large items, like a waterlogged carpet or a broken TV, take photos and keep small samples if possible. A piece of your wet carpet can serve as evidence!

Shield Your Property

To prevent further damage to your property while waiting for repairs, we recommend covering visible holes or broken windows. You can do this by using tarps or canvases. Furthermore, ensure that you move valuable belongings and electronic equipment out of harm’s way.

Public Adjuster Inspection

Enlist the expertise of a public adjuster to ensure that all damage to your property is accounted for prior to filing a claim. Their in-depth knowledge, negotiation skills, and commitment to your best interests can significantly impact the outcome of your insurance claim. Ultimately providing you with the peace of mind you deserve after a date of loss occurs.

Navigating the aftermath of a storm and filing an insurance claim can be challenging, but with the right steps and the support of Premier Claims, you can restore your property with peace of mind. Remember, our dedicated team is here to assist you throughout the process.

Imagine yourself walking into a courtroom. Let’s say you’ve been sued by a disgruntled employee alleging you unlawfully fired them. Unfortunately, their lawyer is very good at making the judge believe that they were the victim of workplace abuse. Despite documentation that clearly demonstrates their poor performance as an employee—including unexcused absences, frequently missed deadlines, and complaints from other employees regarding their conduct—you opted to represent yourself to forgo additional legal fees. Without legal representation, you fail to introduce evidence of poor workmanship in your defense, and you overlook any viable objections.

Now ask yourself: Was saving the initial expense of a lawyer lucrative, even with the knowledge that if you lose, it will cost you more money? This hypothetical scenario paints a picture of a level of risk comparable to the risk of filing a large loss insurance claim without a public adjuster.

With the involvement of a public adjuster, a claim settles for more, which means more money for you to restore your property to its former glory. Without our assistance, your settlement could be lower, resulting in a lower payout of the claim as a whole.

Do You Know Your Worth?

In 2022, Hurricane Ian swept through the Florida coast, destroying homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Bacon’s Furniture in Port Charlotte, Florida, experienced a total building and inventory loss due to the high winds. The hurricane pulled off the roof down to the plywood, leaving bits of the roof sprinkled among the rubble.

As a furniture store, the inside of the building contained dining room chairs that no one would ever use for a Thanksgiving meal, couches, and armchairs that would never spark sibling rivalry during family movie night, and beds that would never receive praise for giving their owners the best sleep of their lives.

The financial loss would cost Bacon millions, but their carrier’s initial offer was only slightly over two million dollars. Enter Premier Claims.

Our experts did a thorough inspection of the damage outside of the building, as well as the torn and broken furniture inside. After multiple negotiations, inspections with a handful of experts, and hiring a Business Personal Property (BPP) company to do a full inventory of the damaged furniture, we got Bacon’s carrier to release over thirteen million dollars.

Don’t Settle For Less

Bacon could have settled and accepted the two million, but it wouldn’t have covered the entirety of the cost for the damage and loss of inventory sustained by the store. By retaining Premier Claims, Bacon’s Furniture benefited significantly from higher payouts, even with Premier’s added fee expenses.

At Premier Claims, we understand the importance of transparency and trust. Our fee structure varies depending on the state and the specifics of the claim. In some cases, fees are billed hourly, while in others, they are contingent on the successful resolution of your claim. Rest assured that we’re committed to advocating for your best interests and aim to maximize the potential of your claim. We’re here to provide the support and expertise you need, tailored to your situation.

Empower Yourself with Premier Claims

Don’t let concerns about our fee overshadow the significant benefits of partnering with Premier Claims. With our full team of experts on your side, you can navigate the claims process confidently, knowing that you have dedicated advocates fighting for your rights under your policy. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help secure the compensation you deserve.

Your Decisions Could Cost You

You’ve just discovered extensive damage to your property, and your first instinct is to call your trusted contractor. They’ve always done a great job with repairs, so why not rely on them to handle the insurance claim too? Before you make that decision, consider this: entrusting your claim solely to your contractor could lead to unexpected complications and potentially costly consequences.

The Potential Risk You’re Unaware Of

Did you know that it’s illegal in most states for contractors to represent themselves as public adjusters? This distinction is crucial because, generally, handling insurance claims requires specific licensing and expertise. By relying on an unqualified individual, you’re risking the outcome of your claim and potentially facing legal repercussions. Imagine the added stress of legal battles on top of property damage.

Expertise vs. Qualifications

Sure, your contractor might excel at repairs, but do they have in-depth knowledge of insurance policies and negotiation strategies? Public adjusters undergo extensive training and licensing precisely for these reasons. They know the ins and outs of the insurance claim process, always trying to ensure that your claim is accurately documented. Trusting someone without the right qualifications is like navigating a minefield blindfolded.

The Power of Collaboration

Instead of choosing between your contractor and a public adjuster, why not have both working for you? At Premier Claims, we collaborate closely with your contractor to try to achieve the best outcome for you. Your contractor focuses on restoring your property while our team advocates for your best interests and negotiates with your insurance carrier. This partnership is intended to ensure that every aspect of your claim and restoration process is handled with expertise and care, creating a win-win situation for you.

Take Control of Your Claim

Don’t gamble on your property’s ability to be fully restored. Take control of the situation by contacting Premier Claims today. Our team of licensed public adjusters is here to help you navigate the complex claims process, fight for the best settlement, and restore your peace of mind. Don’t wait until it’s too late- ensure your claim gets the attention it deserves from the people who are qualified to do it.

Who are the players in the intake process?

Think of the claims intake process as one big video game, where the decision maker or policy owner plays the most integral part of the claims game. Throughout your quest for a fair claim payout, you’ll meet some additional key figures or characters to help you along the way.

Player Character or Protagonist: The Policy Owner

The policyholder is the main character. They’re the ones whose name is listed under “Named Insured” in the policy. This person is typically the business or building owner who either knows all of the information needed in connection to the property or knows the best person to ask for help obtaining the necessary information.

Ensure you know the differences between signee, named insured, and claimant. Not sure what they are? We’ve got you covered.

Signee vs. Named Insured

- - Signee: The person who signs any document or contract. They acknowledge and accept the terms of the document.
  - Named Insured: The person or entity specifically named in an insurance policy as the primary policyholder who receives coverage and benefits.

Named Insured vs. Claimant

- - Named Insured: The main policyholder identified in the insurance policy who has the legal rights and responsibilities associated with the policy.
  - Claimant: The person or entity making a claim under the insurance policy, which could be the named insured or another party eligible to claim benefits due to an insured event.

Signee vs. Claimant

- - Signee: The individual who signs the document, which could include contracts, agreements, or forms.
  - Claimant: The individual or entity filing a claim for benefits under an insurance policy, regardless of whether they signed the policy.

The Guide: The Property Manager

The property manager serves as a point of contact for the building’s condition. They may provide essential information about the property and assist with gathering documentation throughout the claims process. Their job is to oversee the property and ensure that its condition is up to par. They should have records of any issues with the building and repairs made, the insurance policy, and inspection records. When it comes to providing information on any changes to the property or past issues, they are an excellent resource.

Information Hub: Your Broker or Insurance Agent

Your broker or broker agent is the keeper of policy knowledge. They’re key when trying to track down your policy. That isn’t a problem if you’ve never seen your policy. Your broker is required to give you a copy if the signee asks. If you are getting a runaround when requesting a copy of your policy, Premier Claims is happy to assist.

The Ally: Premier Claims

Premier Claims is your claims team’s muscle and brains. Throughout the intense battle with the insurance carrier, we will always be on your side, advocating on your behalf. We are experts in the claims process and have the tenacity and drive to fight for your rightful compensation.

Your Arsenal

One of the first steps in the claims process is to gather all necessary information about the property. The policy owner should have access to their insurance policy documents, including the declaration pages outlining key coverage details. This readily available information can expedite the intake process and facilitate smoother communication with the insurance adjuster.

You should also have a detailed timeline of the building. Whether it’s recent renovations, prior damage, or maintenance issues, you should be prepared to provide insights into the building’s history. This information can help the adjuster properly assess the extent of the damage.

Once Premier Claims has the primary information concerning your property, we can start investigating and ultimately battling it out with the villain of the claims process: the insurance carrier.

Hiring an insurance broker can save you a ton of money. They can quickly compare plans of dozens of insurance carriers, taking the stress off of your plate. While that is great in the long run, when it comes time to file an insurance claim, you’re left wondering which carrier your insurance policy is even with.

Not having a copy of your insurance policy can land you in hot water. Even worse— you don’t know who your insurance carrier is! Take action and ensure you have your policy ready to go when you need it most.

Where do I start?

This is where Premier Claims steps in. When you hire us, it’s like getting a hammer when you’ve been driving nails in with the end of a screwdriver. The screwdriver was able to get the nail into the wood. However, the hammer is more accurate and cuts time in half.

Are you having a tough time getting your insurance information from your broker? One of our representatives is happy to help get the info you need. As an additional service, we offer free policy reviews. To have your insurance policy reviewed, use the following link: https://premier-claims.com/policy-review/

Our tenacity does not waver throughout the claims process. We are your hammer. We are going to call who we need to call, meet who we need to meet, and debate who we need to debate in order to get what you are owed.

What’s next?

As we gather your insurance information, we’ll make sure you have a digital file with all necessary documents in case of another catastrophe.

These include:

Digital copy of your policy.
Blueprints of your property.
Digital inventory of all the updates and construction to your property.
Photos of your property, both pre-storm and post-damage.

Once we start the claims process, we will need to track down all of these documents to get a clear picture of your property. The more information our adjusters have, the smoother the claims process.

How Can a Public Adjuster Help with Your Hurricane Helene Claim?