What Happens When Your Insurance Carrier Doesn’t Agree to the Damage?

We’ve all heard of the “best-case scenario” when it comes to filing an insurance claim—your insurance carrier acknowledges the damage on the spot, and the claims process moves toward resolution smoothly. But what happens when the situation isn’t quite as straightforward? What if the insurance adjuster doesn’t immediately agree the damage is legitimate or fails to recognize the full extent of it?

Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence, and it can quickly turn what should be a simple process into a more complicated ordeal. With the right support, you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.

The Impact of a Disagreement with Your Insurance Adjuster

If your insurance carrier doesn’t agree to the damage to your property or doesn’t fully acknowledge the scope of the issue, you may face delays or partial denials. This could result in additional inspections, more paperwork, and potential back-and-forth communication— extending the claims process longer than expected.

This situation can be incredibly stressful, as it may feel like you’re being asked to prove something that should already be obvious. And if you’re unfamiliar with the intricacies of insurance claims, it can be hard to know how to respond effectively.

Why You Need Premier Claims in Your Corner

In situations like these, working with a public adjuster can make all the difference. A public adjuster from Premier Claims is experienced in handling claims where the insurance carrier is pushing back or failing to recognize the full scope of the damage.

We specialize in making sure your claim is well documented and backed by necessary and sometimes expert assessments. If the insurance adjuster is missing critical details or undervaluing the damage, we’ll be there to identify what’s been overlooked and fight for everything to be accounted for. We can attend your carrier’s inspection alongside the adjuster, acting as your advocate and trying to ensure no damage goes unrecognized.

With Premier Claims on your side, you don’t have to go through this process alone. We handle as many of the details as we can—from documentation and inspections to negotiations with your insurance carrier—so you can focus on getting your property repaired and your life back to normal.

At Premier Claims, we work hard to represent the client’s best interests throughout the entire claims process. If your insurance carrier doesn’t agree to the damage, we’re here to advocate for you. We’ll try to confirm all damage is properly evaluated, the insurance policy is fully understood, and the claim is handled as effectively as possible—without added stress or confusion.

You don’t need to navigate this complex process on your own. When you work with Premier Claims, you get a team in your corner, helping to secure the best possible outcome for the claim.

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Steps to Take After Property Damage

As you’re sitting at your dinner table, drinking your coffee, and eating your breakfast, you open up Facebook, and all you see are photos, videos, and news articles about the hail storm that swept through your neighborhood. You see that one of your friends posted a picture of a golf ball-sized hail near one of the office buildings you own. You realize there is a VERY good chance your building has damage. What do you do? Do you know how to navigate the claims process after property damage?

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do after property damage:

1. Mitigate Further Damage

First and foremost, prioritize your own safety and that of others. If the damage poses any immediate danger, take necessary steps to mitigate further impact or loss to your property. This could involve actions like boarding up windows, covering exposed areas, or shutting off utilities if necessary. Safety should always be the top priority.

2. Document the Damage

Capture thorough photographic and video evidence of all damage. This documentation is crucial as it serves as tangible proof of the extent of the damage for your insurance claim. Take pictures and videos from multiple angles, including close-up shots and wider views, to capture the full scope of the damage.

Focus on Exterior Components: Inspect and document any damage to the roof, siding, windows, and surrounding landscape features such as foliage. Look for signs of dents, punctures, missing shingles or tiles, and debris accumulation.
Immediate Assistance: If you cannot immediately document the damage yourself, contact our team promptly. We can dispatch someone to conduct a thorough damage assessment and gather the necessary information for your claim.

3. Contact Our Team for Guidance

Reach out to our team as soon as possible for professional assistance. Premier Claims specializes in navigating the complexities of insurance claims and can provide invaluable guidance from the outset.

Assessment and Documentation: Our team will conduct an on-site inspection to gather comprehensive evidence of all recoverable damage under your insurance policy.
Detailed Damage List: We’ll help you create a detailed list of all damage, impacted areas, and any structural issues. This includes a summary of the date, time, and severity of the event that caused the damage.
Compile Records: Gather any relevant records related to your property, such as maintenance records, previous inspection reports, repair receipts, and prior photographs. These documents strengthen your claim by providing a history of the property’s condition.

4. Initiate the Claims Process

After reviewing the evidence and records, if we determine there is sufficient damage covered under your policy, we will initiate the claims process on your behalf.

Notification to Insurance Carrier: We will notify your insurance carrier of the damage incurred and provide all necessary documentation to support your claim.
Advocacy and Support: Throughout the claims process, our team will advocate for your best interests and work hard to get you fair compensation for the damage to the property. Dealing with property damage can be daunting, but taking proactive steps and partnering with our experienced team can make a significant difference in the outcome of your insurance claim. By promptly documenting the damage, compiling necessary records, and initiating the claims process with our guidance, you can lay a solid foundation for a smooth and successful resolution.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in navigating the insurance claims process and recovering from property damage effectively. Your peace of mind is our priority.

When disaster strikes and your property is damaged, hiring a public adjuster can ensure you receive a fair settlement from your insurance company. However, many policyholders hesitate to sign a contract with a public adjuster. Understanding the reasons behind the hesitation is crucial for policyholders and public adjusters.

Concerns About Fees and Costs

One of the primary reasons policyholders are reluctant to sign contracts with public adjusters is the fear of high fees. Many worry that the percentage charged by public adjusters will significantly reduce their settlement amount.

UNDERSTANDING THE FEE STRUCTURE

Public adjusters typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you do. In most states, the fee represents a percentage of the settlement amount, incentivizing the adjuster to maximize your claim. However, some states require the fee to be calculated on an hourly basis. Discussing and understanding both fee structures upfront is vital to avoid any surprises.

Fear of Increased Premiums

Another common concern is the fear that hiring a public adjuster will increase insurance premiums. Policyholders worry that making a claim, especially with professional assistance, might flag them as high-risk to their insurers.

CLARIFYING PREMIUM IMPACTS

Filing a claim, with or without a public adjuster, can affect your premiums.

Suppose multiple claims are filed after a storm. In that case, your insurance carrier may raise the premiums for all policyholders in an affected area to help mitigate the financial impact of the widespread damage. However, a public adjuster’s expertise can improve your claim’s outcome. Public adjusters are motivated to help you make the most of your claim so that your property can be adequately restored, aiming for you to be fairly compensated for your losses. Insurance carriers primarily base premium adjustments on factors such as fault and Catastrophe Area designations. To learn more about what can affect your premiums, read our blog: Will My Insurance Premiums Go Up?

Worry About Policy Cancellation

Policyholders sometimes fear that hiring a public adjuster will cause their insurer to cancel their policy. This concern stems from the belief that insurance companies might view the involvement of a public adjuster as adversarial.

UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE POLICIES

It’s illegal for an insurance company to cancel your policy simply because you hire a public adjuster. Public adjusters work to ensure you receive a fair settlement, and their involvement shouldn’t negatively impact your policy status. Public adjusters exclusively represent the policyholder’s interests, aiming for your claims to be maximized without jeopardizing your policy. Their role as your advocate can provide a buffer between you and the insurer, helping to facilitate a smoother claims process.

Belief That There Is No Damage

Some policyholders hesitate to sign contracts with public adjusters because they believe their property has not suffered significant damage. They might think the damage is too minor to warrant professional assistance.

ASSESSING THE DAMAGE

Public adjusters identify and document damage that policyholders might overlook. Even seemingly minor issues can lead to substantial claims. An initial consultation with a public adjuster can help determine the true extent of the damage. Their professional damage assessment can uncover hidden damages and ensure that all aspects of your loss are documented, potentially increasing your settlement.

Lack of Trust and Transparency

Finally, the hesitation often comes from a need for more trust or understanding of what signing a contract entails. Policyholders might fear hidden clauses or unfavorable terms.

ENSURING TRANSPARENCY

Before signing a contract, you should thoroughly read and understand the terms. A reputable public adjuster will be transparent about their fees, processes, and what you can expect. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification. Policyholders should feel comfortable with their public adjuster and verify their credentials and references to build trust. Public adjusters who are open and communicative can help ease these concerns, fostering a collaborative and trust-based relationship.

Addressing these common concerns can help policyholders like yourself feel more confident about signing a contract with a public adjuster. Our team at Premier Claims wants you to make an informed decision and know that we’re here to help every step of the way. Remember, working with a public adjuster aims to make the most of your claim. A licensed public adjuster’s expertise and advocacy significantly benefit policyholders, ensuring professional and effective handling of the claims process.

To be blunt, insurance claims are often complex, time-consuming, and incredibly frustrating. While they are a necessary evil, they shouldn’t run your life. Paying for a public adjuster might seem counterintuitive, but their expertise can lead to larger settlements, saving you time and navigating the complex claims process more effectively.

The Insurance Carrier’s Priorities

It’s important to understand that, at the end of the day, the insurance carrier may not have your best interest in mind. Their goal is to minimize payouts to protect their bottom line. This can sometimes result in lower settlement offers that do not fully cover your losses. Without an expert on your side, you might find it challenging to receive the compensation you deserve.

Your Advocate in the Claims Process

A public adjuster acts as your advocate during an insurance claim. We are licensed professionals who work exclusively for policyholders, not insurance companies. Our primary goal is to ensure you receive the maximum settlement available. A public adjuster, unlike the insurance adjuster sent by your insurer, commits to fighting for your rights and interests.

Success Tied to Your Outcome

One of the key aspects of working with a public adjuster is the alignment of interests. Generally speaking, we don’t win unless you do. We typically receive a percentage of the claim settlement as our compensation, which motivates us to maximize your payout. This shared interest ensures that we are fully committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your claim.

The fee process may be different depending on the state your property is located.

Our current win percentage is over 1000% more than the carrier’s first offer. What does that mean exactly? If your carrier offers $10k initially, after we work and negotiate the claim with the carrier, we can release $100k. With that in mind, our fee is going to be barely a dent in the overall winning amount.

Expertise in the Claims Process

We are seasoned in the claims process and work hard to get the client a favorable outcome regarding a payout for related loss and/or damage. The intricacies of insurance policies and claims can be daunting for those unfamiliar with them. Public adjusters have the knowledge and experience to navigate these complexities, identify possible coverages, and attempt to account for all details of the claim thoroughly.

We’ve seen carriers deny claims by poorly interpreting the policy, offer to pay half the roof when the full roof needs to be replaced, claim the damage was old and is no longer covered, and thousands of other excuses as to why they won’t give the insured what they are owed under the policy. We know the insurance carrier plays a role in the game of insurance claims, and we’re ready to battle.

Identifying Hidden Damages

Property damage isn’t always visible to the untrained eye. Public adjusters have the education and experience to identify hidden damages and additional losses that may not be immediately apparent. This thorough assessment intends to ensure that nothing is overlooked and that you receive compensation for all damages incurred.

Going to Court Without an Attorney

Filing a claim on your own is like going to court without an attorney. Are you prepared to go to court alone? Just as experts recommend hiring a lawyer to represent you in legal battles, hiring a public adjuster to manage your insurance claim offers you professional representation and enhances your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Handling an insurance claim on your own might seem like a cost-saving measure initially, but the potential for under-settlement and the stress of dealing with insurance companies can outweigh any perceived savings. By hiring a public adjuster, you ensure that you have a dedicated advocate who will work tirelessly to secure the most compensation offered. Don’t navigate this challenging process alone—partner with Premier Claims and negotiate with experience.

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

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

Luxtor Self-Storage

Prescott, Arizona
Hail Damage
February 2022

Before even filing a claim for hail damage to a high-end self-storage facility, our team was already on the case. Within a week of initiating the claim, we coordinated a joint inspection with the insurance carrier. Despite receiving a ‘reservation of rights’ letter from the carrier—a common delay tactic—we pressed on. We assessed the damage to all four buildings and submitted a comprehensive estimate. Although the insurance carrier countered with lower estimates, we stood our ground. The result? A robust final settlement of $1,428,000 in just 3 months, which even included the cost of private security during the restoration process.

Insurance Carrier Offer: Stated No Coverage Available

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,428,000

What Happens When Your Insurance Carrier Disagrees?