Premier Claims Archives

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

Edwards Electrical & Mechanical

Indianapolis, Indiana
Hail & Water Damage
January 2022

Facing an insurance carrier that was only willing to approve minor spot repairs and attribute the issues to old damage, our team swung into action. Leveraging detailed evidence from our on-site investigations, along with storm data and policy coverage specifics, we successfully negotiated a complete roof replacement. This victory not only addressed the immediate concerns but also furnished the policyholder with a brand-new, warrantied roof.

Insurance Carrier Offer: $8,990

Premier Claims Settlement: $2,039,000

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:

- - Secure your home as best you can.
  - Prepare to evacuate.
  - If you don’t have permanent storm shutters, the NOAA recommends 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood.
  - If your area didn’t evacuate, find the innermost area of your home away from windows or any other glass that could shatter in the storm.

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.

Dealing with the aftermath of a large storm is stressful but strategic planning will make things easier. What can you do to prepare a storm?

1. Inspect Your Property

Take photos of your property including siding, the roof, and soft metals, like vents and gutters. This will create a record of the state of the property prior to the storm, which makes it easier afterward in the event of sustained damage.

2. Obtain a Copy of Your Insurance Policy

A full copy of your insurance policy is one of the most important documents you should always have on-hand. Many policyholders are unaware of their coverages, deductibles, or exclusions. Oftentimes, a feature that saves you $$$ on your premium, just might impact your wallet even harder in the event of a claim.

3. Have A Working Back-Up Generator

Don’t get caught in the last-minute mania that invariably occurs every storm season – Generators are in high demand immediately prior and after a storm. If you have a generator— excellent! Double-check and make sure it’s in working order. If you don’t have one, avoid procrastination pitfalls and get one ASAP.

4. Add An Extra Layer of Protection

Anything is vulnerable to damage when storms throw their weight around, and that is especially true for windows. Boarding up windows with plywood will give them that extra layer of protection to avoid wind-driven rain from damaging the interior, which could be damage excluded in your policy.

5. Create An Inventory Of Your Property

When it comes to your personal property, documentation is key. Ensuring that documentation is retrievable post storm is crucial. Make sure you have digital copies of your documentation including photos of your property, receipts, or any other evidence related to your property.

6. Have An Emergency Bag

Have supplies ready incase of evacuation or if you get stranded on your property.

Include in your Emergency Bag:

Water
Phone with Portable Charger (or Power bank)
Flashlights or Lanterns
Non-Perishable Food
Ice, Coolers, Dry Ice, Gel Packs to keep perishables cold
First Aid Kit

Similar to generators, necessities like water will fly off the shelves in severe weather situations. Ensuring you are equipped with the essentials ahead of time will reduce the inevitable stress of the current circumstances.

**For additional tips to prepare for a storm check out Consumer Reports

7. Make A Evacuation Plan

Hopefully, you won’t need to execute it, but it’s important to have an evacuation plan in place. Having a plan prepared will enable you to get you and your loved ones to safety quickly.

Property damaged in the storm? Need a policy review?

You may want to consider hiring a Public Adjuster. Premier Claims is a Public Adjusting Firm, and we work for you, the insured. Your insurance agent may sell you insurance, but at the end of the day, they work for the insurance company. We work for YOU.

Garner Industries

Lincoln, Nebraska
Hail & Wind Damage
December 2021

Our team stepped in after the initial claim had already been filed with the insurance carrier. Following a deep-dive investigation and thorough research, we discovered previously overlooked damage to another section of the roof. We also pinpointed a more accurate date of loss that aligned better with favorable deductible terms. After fine-tuning the claim and negotiating up-to-date costs for materials and labor, we achieved a 570% increase in the claim’s value—all within just 5 months.

Insurance Carrier Offer: $162,000

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,085,000

Elite Transportation Warehouse

Emporia, Kansas
Hail & Water Damage
November 2021

Despite presenting evidence from forensic damage experts that proved water intrusion had caused phenolic insulation to become acidic and cause damage to the steel decking, the insurance carrier remained steadfast with their $139,000 estimate. They also denied coverage for business losses, even though the policy clearly included it. Undeterred, we connected the policyholder with a legal team, sharing all our findings to build a solid case. The outcome? A victory that resulted in a 683% increase in the settlement offer from the insurance carrier.

Insurance Carrier Offer: $139,000

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,088,000

Rivermont Collegiate

Bettendorf, Iowa
Hail & Water Damage
May 2021

Nearly a year after a devastating hail storm, the building began to show alarming signs of water damage through the roof. Although still within the timeframe to file a claim, the insurance carrier was resistant, approving only minimal spot repairs that fell below the deductible amount. To counter this, we enlisted experts from the tile company to provide irrefutable forensic evidence, confirming that the damage occurred within the claim window. Moreover, our team successfully negotiated for a complete roof replacement, ensuring the historic building was restored while preserving its invaluable significance.

Insurance Carrier Offer: Only Spot Repairs

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,264,000

Confidential Religious Center

Orlando, Florida
Hail Damage
April 2021

From the start, our team uncovered undeniable evidence of hail damage to the 1,020-square metal roof. In an attempt to stall the process, the insurance carrier issued a ‘reservation of rights’ letter, suggesting the claim might not be sufficiently covered by the policy. They also sent an engineer and their own adjuster for further evaluation. To counter this delay tactic, we conducted a thorough legal review of the policy to confirm coverage and compiled a comprehensive estimate based on our investigations. Despite an ACV policy with endorsements, we successfully negotiated a final settlement of $1,162,000 for a complete roof replacement. After the settlement, and considering the property’s age, we advised the policyholder on upgrading to an RCV policy for more comprehensive future coverage.

Insurance Carrier Offer: Stated No Coverage Available

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,162,000

In the insurance world, there’s often a gap between policyholders’ expectations and what insurance carriers actually cover. This gap can arise from a lack of knowledge about local building codes, leading to missed items or omissions in insurance claims. Contractors may unwittingly find themselves performing uncompensated work, either due to not requesting payment for specific items or lacking awareness of allowable expenses.

Understanding Ordinance or Law Coverage

Ordinance or Law Coverage stands as a pivotal component within insurance policies, particularly when building regulations influence reimbursements for construction and repairs. The Insurance Information Institute informed policyholders that “building codes are updated periodically and may have changed significantly since a home was built. In the event of damage, a policyholder may be required to rebuild their home to the new code’s standards.” Homeowners’ policies usually include limited building ordinance coverage, which can be extended through an endorsement. This coverage requires carriers to approve repairs following local building codes, compelling contractors to address often-excluded elements like ice and water shields, drip edges, house wraps, and flashings.

Research and Communication

Empowerment lies at the heart of effective insurance claims management. This begins by investing time in comprehending local building codes and manufacturer specifications, coupled with proactive engagement with Building Inspectors. Armed with such knowledge, policyholders gain a more authoritative position when negotiating with insurance carriers. This ultimately ensures equitable compensation for essential repairs, transforming potential challenges into opportunities for a fair resolution.

Navigating Your Policy’s Stance on Ordinance or Law Coverage

One of the most prudent steps policyholders can take is a comprehensive review of their current policy to determine whether Ordinance or Law coverage is included. Overlooking this coverage could lead to unforeseen out-of-pocket expenses or suboptimal repairs that fall short of complete replacement. To locate this part of your policy coverage, “review your declarations page and the policy fine print. Not all policies list code upgrade coverage in the same way,” as advised by United Policyholders. If your policy lacks this coverage, our Premier Claims team is here to guide you toward incorporating it. We understand the significance of such coverage and its role in safeguarding your interests.

Seeking Assistance with Denied or Underpaid Claims

Navigating insurance claims can sometimes be a complex journey, especially when they’re denied due to local codes. It’s in these moments that policyholders need a steadfast partner. At Premier Claims, we stand ready to assist, armed with adept knowledge, empathy, and professionalism. Our commitment is to guide you through the claims process, ensuring that you receive the rightful compensation you deserve. Facing denied claims due to local codes is not a solitary battle when you have Premier Claims by your side.

In the realm of property insurance claims, knowledge is indeed power. Premier Claims’ dedication to education and assistance reflects our commitment to fostering a more informed policyholder community. By unveiling the intricacies of building codes and insurance coverage, we aim to empower you to navigate claims with confidence. Let our expertise serve as your beacon, ensuring that you not only understand but also assert your rights within the insurance landscape. Connect with us today to embark on a journey of knowledge, empowerment, and fair claims resolution.

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