Don’t Underestimate the Storm: Why Your Property Needs a Damage Assessment

The “It Wasn’t That Bad” Trap

It’s a common reaction: “The storm wasn’t that bad; I don’t think I’ll have much damage.” Many property owners, after experiencing what seems like a minor storm, tend to dismiss the need for a damage assessment. However, this mindset can lead to more significant issues down the line. Ignoring potential damage can turn minor problems into costly repairs. Here’s why you should always consider a professional damage assessment, even if the storm didn’t seem severe.

The Hidden Dangers of “Minor” Storms

Not all storm damage is immediately visible. While your property might look unscathed, hidden damage can lurk beneath the surface. Small leaks can develop into significant water damage, minor cracks can expand, and what seems like a tiny dent can compromise the structural integrity of your roof.

Water Damage: The Silent Destroyer

Water damage is one of the most insidious issues that can stem from a storm. A tiny leak might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it can lead to mold growth, rot, and severe structural damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage claims are among the most common and costly types of property owner insurance claims.

Structural Compromise

Even a seemingly insignificant storm can weaken your property’s structural integrity. Minor damage to your roof, windows, or foundation can worsen over time, especially with repeated exposure to the elements. It’s essential to address these issues early to prevent more severe damage and higher repair costs.

The Importance of a Professional Damage Assessment

A professional public adjuster has the expertise to identify a multitude of types of damage, potentially even hidden damage. A public adjuster can obtain a comprehensive assessment of your property’s condition, thereby helping you file a more accurate and timely insurance claim. This proactive approach can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. To learn more about what happens during a damage assessment, watch our full video: What is a Damage Assessment?

Expertise and Experience: Why DIY Isn’t Enough

While it may be tempting to assess the damage yourself, even the most vigilant property owners can overlook critical issues. Public adjusters and professional inspectors bring years of experience to the table, spotting damage that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. They know what to look for, from the most minor signs of water intrusion to subtle structural shifts that could indicate a larger problem.

Move Forward with Confidence

Opting for a professional damage assessment after any storm, no matter how minor it seems, provides peace of mind. You’ll have a better understanding of your property’s condition, and if there is damage, you’ll be able to address it promptly before it escalates. This proactive step can also simplify the insurance claim process, helping to ensure that you receive the coverage you’re entitled to without any surprises down the line.

The Cost of Complacency

Skipping a damage assessment might save you time and money in the short term, but the long-term costs can be significant. By the time damage becomes apparent, repairs are likely to be much more expensive. Additionally, delayed claims can lead to disputes with your insurance carrier, potentially reducing the payout or extending the claims process.

Don’t Gamble with Your Property

In the aftermath of a storm, your property’s well-being isn’t something to gamble with. The risks of hidden damage far outweigh the perceived inconvenience or cost of a professional assessment. Protect your investment, and make sure that even the “minor” storms don’t lead to major headaches.

Schedule Your Damage Assessment Today

Don’t wait for the damage to become a significant problem— or for it to be too late. Schedule a professional damage assessment today and ensure your property is in the clear. Whether it’s a minor storm or a major one, your property deserves the best care possible.

When you file an insurance claim, you expect your insurance carrier to have your back. Right? After all, that’s why you’ve been paying premiums all these years. Unfortunately, the reality is often quite different. Insurance companies, like any business, are driven by profits. This can lead to practices prioritizing their bottom line over your best interests. Here’s a closer look at some common insurance carrier tactics and how Premier Claims, a dedicated public adjusting firm, can help you combat them:

Common Insurance Carrier Tactics

1. Denial of Valid Claims

Insurance carriers may deny your claim for various reasons, often citing that the damage is not covered or is excluded due to policy limitations. One common tactic is to label damage as “old” or outside coverage limits, even if it occurred during the policy period. This is where regular property inspections become crucial. Premier Claims emphasizes that regular inspections document the condition of your property and ensure that you can clearly distinguish any new damage from pre-existing issues. To have your property inspected by our team, contact us today.

2. Underpayment of Claims

Insurance carriers may significantly underpay claims even if your claim is not outright denied. They rely on policyholders’ lack of insurance knowledge and the frustration of navigating the claims process. At Premier Claims, we counter this by leveraging our expertise to analyze your policy meticulously. We break down complex industry terminology and ensure that you receive compensation according to the terms of your policy.

3. Confusing Policy Language

Insurance policies are notorious for their complex language and industry-specific terminology. Carriers may use this to their advantage, hoping to confuse policyholders into accepting less than they deserve. Premier Claims provides a critical service by interpreting and explaining your policy in plain language. Our team dives deep into the fine print, uncovering any hidden benefits and ensuring that every clause is interpreted to maximize your claim. To ensure your property is adequately protected, have your policy reviewed by our team: Complimentary Policy Review

How Premier Claims Can Help You

At Premier Claims, we understand the challenges you face when dealing with common insurance carrier tactics. Our mission is to level the playing field and to help protect your rights throughout the claims process. Here’s how we can assist you:

COMPREHENSIVE POLICY ANALYSIS

Our legal team dissects insurance policies to uncover every potential benefit available to you.

STRATEGIC CLAIM NEGOTIATION

We fiercely advocate for you, negotiating with insurance carriers to secure the maximum compensation available.

EXPERT GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT

From initial consultation to final settlement, we provide personalized support and guidance, intending to keep you informed and empowered.

Don’t let insurance carriers exploit your trust and lack of industry knowledge. At Premier Claims, we are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the best compensation available. Whether your claim has been denied, underpaid, or needs professional guidance through the claims process, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your interests and maximize your insurance claim.

Emotions run high as communities assess the full extent of devastation caused over the weekend. About 40 tornadoes tore across the Midwest, including Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Kansas, as well as a few down in Texas. Some reports show around a hundred tornadoes touched down over the tumultuous weekend. It’s clear there is much work ahead to recover from this disaster. But where do you start?

If this whirlwind of devastation affected you, then you most likely asked yourself that very question: Where do I start?

When you experience such a level of devastation that rips your entire life from its foundation and scatters it about, it becomes almost impossible to think straight. The flattened view of homes and memories before you is captioned by children’s confused cries as they search for their Wubbie or bicycle – the equivalent of an emotional tornado. Where do you find time to pick up the pieces of littered remnants of your home and everything within it?

Recovery & Claim Tips

Take care of yourself and your family and make sure you’re all safe.
The first step is to take pictures. Take pictures of everything even if you’ve already filed with your insurance company and a carrier adjuster came out to take photos. Take your own! Often, without photos and proof, the carrier may pushback and fight covering certain things.
Locate a copy of your policy, if possible. If you have an online account, most insurance carriers will provide a copy of your policy there. If you don’t have an online account, see if you can create one. This is the quickest route to your full policy!
Note your deductible and coverage for Additional Living Expenses or ALE. These funds will be critical. They will cover a place to stay while your property is being assessed/repaired, food, and other necessities.
Your insurance company will probably issue a check for Additional Living Expenses sooner rather than later so you can establish somewhere to stay and take care of daily living expenses.
If you have downed trees and/or tree debris, be mindful that your policy may not cover much for tree removal. Tree removal companies won’t be taking this into account when they’re cleaning up, but they’ll get paid one way or another. A typical residential homeowner’s policy will cover $1,000 for tree debris with $500 allowed per tree. A full tree removal will be $3-$6k.
Utilize local resources – News 6 WOWT has a list of resources for Nebraska and Iowa, as well as how we can all help as a community. For Oklahoma, visit The Oklahoman for a list of resources, which will update as more information becomes available.

Next Steps

The next steps become increasingly complicated and time consuming. The claims process can take 6 months to a year or longer. Do you have an additional 20 hours available to spend on a claim for the next 6 months to a year on top of your normal life? I know I don’t and most other people don’t either.

Are you prepared to tackle all that is required in the claims process?

Unlike the carrier adjuster, a public adjuster solely has your interests in mind. They can manage the additional 20 hours a week to handle your claim, reducing your burden. Public adjusters are experts in their field. They will advise and assist you throughout the entire claims process, eliminating those nagging questions and uncertainties you have right now.

What should I do?

Where do I start?

How do we get through this?

Premier Claims is familiar with disaster response and aiding property owners with claims, and this time, it’s in our own backyard. Our experts are here to help our community rebuild and heal from this tragedy. For more support, reach out to our team today: https://premier-claims.com/storm-damage/

By: Ashley Workman | Sr. Paralegal & Licensed Public Adjuster

So, you’ve danced with the devil before, huh? We get it. But before you swear off public adjusters forever, let’s talk about why Premier Claims is the antidote to your past nightmares and the public adjuster you can trust.

Who Can You Trust?

Trust is a rare gem in the insurance world, but with Premier Claims, it’s our currency. We’re not your run-of-the-mill adjusters. Picture us as the Avengers of insurance claims, swooping in to save the day. Our squad of seasoned and licensed professionals knows the game better than most. With us, your claim isn’t just a file— it’s a mission.

The Dark Side of DIY

Now, let’s talk about the alternative: going solo. It’s like wandering into the lion’s den armed with a toothpick. Insurance carriers have armies of their own adjusters trained to sniff out your policy’s weakness and exploit it. You’re playing a dangerous game of chance without a heavyweight like Premier Claims in your corner. It’s not just about money; it’s about your sanity. Don’t risk losing both to the insurance sharks.

Your Captain America Shield

What makes Premier Claims the cream of the crop? Simple—our dedication to your cause. We don’t just push papers and play nice with insurers. We’re your warriors, fighting tooth and nail for every penny we think you’re owed. From the opening of your claim, we’re by your side, navigating the treacherous waters of insurance claims with you. Consider us your lifeline in the storm, your beacon of hope when all seems lost.

DON’T ROLL THE DICE—CHOOSE PREMIER CLAIMS

So, before you wave the white flag on public adjusters, give Premier Claims a shot. We’re not here to sugarcoat or spin tales. We’re here to get you results, plain and simple. Contact Premier Claims today, and let’s turn your claim nightmare into a victory dance.

Remember, in the game of insurance claims, there’s no room for amateurs. Choose Premier Claims, the public adjuster you can trust, and let’s win this together.

When was your property last inspected?

Our inspections team provided expert insights into the true purpose and benefits of property inspections. From assessing damage firsthand to advocating for fair compensation, inspections serve as a critical step in protecting your investment. Don’t miss out on reaching your claim’s potential- watch now and learn why an inspection is one of the most important steps of the claims process.

To learn more about property inspections, check out the following blogs:

Let’s Talk Property Inspections

Why Pre-Hail Season Inspections Are Vital: Protect Your Property

A hailstorm hits your area, leaving a trail of damage in its wake. Amidst the chaos, you’re left wondering about the aftermath, not just in terms of property damage but also the looming uncertainty of insurance premiums. Will your premiums go up if you seek professional help in navigating the claims process?

Understanding Insurance Premiums

Insurance carriers assess several factors when calculating premiums. This includes the likelihood of future claims and the overall risk associated with insuring a property. However, it’s important to note that insurance carriers cannot legally raise premiums solely due to an Act of God, such as a hailstorm, flood, or hurricane.

Factors Influencing Premium Increases

Insurance carriers may increase premiums based on two primary factors:

Fault of the Policyholder

Premiums may increase if the policyholder is deemed at fault for the property damage. For example, if a policyholder recklessly drives a vehicle into their building, resulting in damage, the insurance carrier may raise premiums to reflect the increased risk associated with insuring the property.

Catastrophe Area

Premiums may also increase if the property is located in a “Catastrophe Area.” This designation typically applies to regions affected by severe storms, such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Areas where severe storms cause multiple claims to be filed in the area. In such cases, insurance carriers may raise rates for all policyholders in the affected area to help mitigate the financial impact of widespread damage.

The Role of Public Adjusters

Public adjusters play an important role in the insurance claims process. These professionals advocate for policyholders and assist in navigating the complexities of filing insurance claims. Contrary to common misconceptions, hiring a public adjuster should not inherently cause insurance premiums to increase.

Public adjusters work tirelessly to fight for policyholders to receive fair and equitable compensation for their losses. They possess in-depth knowledge of insurance policies and regulations. This allows them to negotiate effectively with insurance carriers on behalf of the policyholder. By leveraging their skills, public adjusters strive to earn the best settlement possible for a claim, in turn expediting the claims process. To learn more about the role a public adjuster can play in your claim, read our blog: What is a Public Adjuster?

Connect with Premier Claims

If you’re considering hiring a public adjuster or have questions about your insurance premiums, our team at Premier Claims is here to help. We comprehend the complexities of the insurance industry and pledge to serve as a trusted resource for policyholders. Contact us today for an inspection or to have your policy reviewed by our experienced team.

Working with a public adjuster should not result in an increase in insurance premiums. Insurance carriers primarily base premium adjustments on factors such as fault and Catastrophe Area designations. Public adjusters play a vital role in advocating for policyholders. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from our team at Premier Claims, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Protect your property like a pro!

Hear from our Inspections Manager and Adjusting Manager as they break down the essential steps and purpose of a damage assessment. Discover hidden signs of damage, and important safety measures, and gain the knowledge you need to navigate your claims process with confidence. Don’t leave your property vulnerable- watch now to learn from experts.

To learn more about damage assessments, check out the following blog:

Let’s Talk Damage Assessments

Property inspections play a key role in the claims process, providing valuable insights into the extent of damage incurred. At Premier Claims, we recognize the significance of thorough inspections when fighting for a fair and accurate claim settlement.

The Purpose of Property Inspections

Inspections serve as a critical juncture where both the policyholder and the insurance carrier assess the damage firsthand. These inspections are instrumental in determining the scope of repairs needed and estimating the cost of restoration. By conducting thorough inspections, policyholders can ensure that they properly document all damages, thereby reducing the likelihood of disputes during the claims process.

The Premier Claims Advantage

At Premier Claims, we take a proactive approach to inspections by sending our experienced inspectors alongside the insurance representative. This collaborative effort allows us to provide comprehensive assessments while advocating for the policyholder’s best interests. Our inspectors are trained to identify hidden damages and all relevant information to be accurately recorded. In turn, our inspections aim to increase the likelihood of a favorable claim outcome.

Inspection Goal

Brent Roberts, Inspections Manager, and Licensed Public Adjuster, believes, “Our goal is to identify damage and have the Insurance Adjuster acknowledge the damage on site.” Collaborating with your insurance carrier’s representative for an inspection allows us to ensure they’re recognizing the damage we’re seeing. Our meticulous approach focuses on identifying any damage, linking it to the date of loss, and confirming its weather-related nature. This thorough process documents all relevant information, setting the foundation for a fair and expedited claims resolution. Learn more in our full YouTube video: Let’s Talk Property Inspections

The Inspection Process

During the inspection, our team meticulously examines the property, documenting all visible damages caused by the covered peril. We pay close attention to details, capturing photographic evidence and taking note of any structural issues or safety concerns. By conducting a thorough inspection, we equip policyholders with the information needed to pursue fair and adequate compensation for their losses.

Policyholder Insight

Understanding the inspection process can empower policyholders to actively participate in their claims journey. By familiarizing themselves with common types of damages and inspection techniques, policyholders can effectively communicate their needs and concerns to the inspection team. Additionally, staying informed about their rights and entitlements allows policyholders to be well-equipped to navigate the claims process with confidence.

Property inspections are a vital component of the claims process, providing an opportunity to assess damages and advocate for fair compensation. At Premier Claims, we prioritize transparency, professionalism, and advocacy in every inspection we conduct. For more information about property inspections and our claims management services, we invite you to connect with our team today to schedule an inspection of your property.

Unlock Your Claims’ Potential

Did you know that without undergoing the appraisal process, you could end up settling for less than you are entitled to under your insurance policy? Playing it is risky, with the odds seemingly stacked against you. Insurance carriers play hardball, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and outmatched. But fear not because appraisals may just be your secret negotiation weapon.

Without the backing of a thorough appraisal, insurance carriers may lack the motivation to offer you an increased, and likely owed, settlement amount. By forgoing this crucial step, you could potentially leave money on the table. Ultimately, it hinders your ability to recover entirely from the damage.

The Dreaded “A” Word

Contrary to popular belief, appraisals aren’t the Grim Reaper of your claim. Instead, think of them as your trusty sidekick, helping you navigate the murky waters of insurance disputes. By enlisting the services of an expert appraiser, like those utilized by Premier Claims, you’re taking proactive measures to protect your interests and secure the compensation you deserve.

It is possible that without an appraisal, you could leave thousands of unrecovered dollars on the table. You could use that unrecovered money to rectify property damage and rebuild your business entirely. An appraisal intends to lead to a more accurate assessment of damages, potentially resulting in an increasing settlement amount. It tends to expedite the claims process, thereby reducing stress and uncertainty for the policyholder. Don’t let fear of an appraisal hold you back from determining what you are rightfully owed.

Who Needs a Public Adjuster Anyway? Newsflash, You Do!

You might be thinking, “But do I really need a public adjuster?” The answer is a resounding yes. Public adjusters are the Jedi masters of the claims world, wielding their expertise like a lightsaber against the dark forces of insurance carriers. With a public adjuster by your side, an experienced professional will guide you every step of the way.

So, don’t gamble your investment away. Embrace the challenge, arm yourself with knowledge, and remember— Premier Claims is here to guide you every step of the way. Take charge of your claim and fight for a fair settlement.

Ready to protect your investment? Contact Premier Claims today for a consultation, and let us help you navigate the appraisal process confidently. Your future self will thank you.

Does My Property Have Storm Damage?