Prevent Frozen Pipes and Protect Your Property This Winter

Don’t Let Winter Burst Your Bubble

Winter is back with a vengeance. From unexpected cold snaps in the South to relentless blizzards in the Midwest. This winter season has brought storms, The Guardian has deemed “Once in a Lifetime.” It’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a fast track to water damage, wrecked belongings, and costly repairs.

You don’t have to wait for disaster to strike. Let’s break down why pipe bursts, how to spot the warning signs, and the best ways to keep your property safe. 

Why Do Pipes Burst in Winter?

Winter conditions can cause water inside pipes to freeze, leading to increased pressure and potential bursts. Consequently, these bursts can result in extensive water damage to your property, ranging from structural issues to ruined belongings. Understanding the science behind pipe bursts empowers you to take preventive action. Moreover, proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of such incidents.

Warning Signs Your Pipes Are About to Burst

Don’t wait until you’re ankle-deep in water — watch for these red flags:

Unexplained Increase in Water Bills

A sudden spike in your water bill could indicate an underlying leak, potentially leading to a burst.

Decreased Water Pressure

If your faucets, sinks, or showers are not delivering water with the usual force, it might be a sign of a compromised pipe. 

Strange Noises

Gurgling or banging sounds in your pipes can signal impending issues. 

Other Signs

If there is frost buildup on exposed pipes, damp sections of drywall, carpet, or ceilings, as well as strange smells from faucets or drains, your pipes may be on the verge of bursting.

How to Prevent Pipe Bursts

Prevention is your best defense. Here’s how to safeguard your property:

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Identify and insulate pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing. You can insulate exposed pipes outside of your property using pipe sleeves and heat tape.

Maintain Adequate Heating

Allow your property to stay properly heated, especially in areas prone to freezing. Follow your local electricity provider for best practices in your area.

Drip Faucets

When the weather dips below freezing temperatures, allow your faucets to drip. This can relieve pressure and prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.

Additional Tips

Follow your local guidelines to drain sprinkler systems. Store any hoses indoors and shut off water valves to outdoor faucets, leaving outside valves open. Lastly, keep any external doors and garages closed, especially if water supply lines are present.

What to Do If a Pipe Bursts

If the worst happens, act fast:

Shut Off Water Line

Promptly locate and turn off the main water supply immediately; this can help reduce the extent of damage to your property. 

Open Faucets to Reduce Pressure

If you haven’t already, turn on faucets throughout your property. This should allow any remaining water in your pipes to release, reducing the pressure on the damaged area.

Initiate Cleanup with Caution

While you can start the cleanup process, especially non-electrical hazard areas, consider professional assistance. Certified water-removal companies, recognized by organizations like the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), can assist in reducing damage.

Partner with a Public Adjuster

Working with a public adjuster can be the key difference in the outcome of your water damage claim. Notify the Premier Claims team promptly after the damage occurs. Our team will provide guidance on how to navigate the claims process every step of the way. 

Why Partner with Premier Claims?

Dealing with insurance companies can feel like walking through a blizzard blindfolded. That’s where we come in. Premier Claims is your advocate, aiming for your claim to be fairly evaluated. 

Winter storms are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Don’t let winter catch you off guard. Protect your property, stay informed, and know that Premier Claims is here to help you weather the storm.

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Contractor Estimate vs. Carrier Estimate: Why Both Matter

Why Your Insurance Estimate Isn’t Enough: The Power of a Contractor’s Estimate

You might be thinking: “Why should I bother getting a contractor estimate when my insurance carrier is going to provide me one anyway?” It’s a fair question. After all, your insurance carrier is paying the claim, right? So why not trust their estimate?

Here’s the thing—while the insurance carrier’s estimate is a starting point, it’s not always the most accurate reflection of what your repair costs will actually be. Getting an estimate from a contractor gives you a clearer picture of the actual costs and strengthens your position in negotiations. When you have detailed breakdowns from a professional who will do the repair work, you gain leverage to challenge lowball offers. It’s a strategic move to help put you in control rather than leaving everything up to the insurance carrier.

Estimate:

A detailed list of damages and cost to repair each item. Estimates can be written by Premier Claims, a contractor, or the insurance carrier (and oftentime, all three).

The Carrier Estimate: What Your Insurance Thinks

Your insurance carrier will provide an estimate based on their damage assessment. However, this estimate is often lower than the actual cost of repairs. Keep in mind that your carrier’s primary interest is to payout the least amount possible in a claim—not ensuring you receive every dollar needed for complete restoration. They may rely on outdated pricing models, overlook hidden damage, or apply policy limitations that conveniently reduce the scope of work documented.

The Contractor Estimate: What the Repairs May Cost

Your contractor’s estimate should more accurately reflect the real-time materials, labor, and project scope costs. This estimate is often higher than the carriers because it accounts for actual market rates, code upgrades, and any unforeseen damages that become apparent during repairs.

Why Both Estimates Matter

At Premier Claims, we use the contractor’s estimate as a critical tool in the negotiation process with your insurance carrier. While the carrier’s estimate provides a baseline, it often falls short of covering the full cost of repairs. A contractor’s estimate reflects real-world pricing—accounting for labor, materials, code upgrades, and hidden damages—which helps establish the value of your claim.

Without both the carrier’s and contractor’s perspectives, you might miss out on the full compensation needed to repair your property appropriately. The contractor’s estimate highlights gaps in the insurance carrier’s assessment, aiming for nothing to be overlooked. Having this documented cost of repairs can strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of a fair claim resolution. 

Gather Negotiation Tools

The stronger your evidence, the stronger your case—this is how we push back against lowball offers and fight to ensure you have the funds needed to properly restore your property. Navigating insurance claims can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone.

Premier Claims is here to advocate for you!

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Unmasking Insurance Industry Tactics

Unmasking the Insurance Industry’s Fear of Public Adjusters

 

Over the years, we’ve encountered countless insurance policies with clauses buried in the fine print—clauses that could make any property owner’s blood boil. Sneaking these in where policyholders are least likely to notice is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Take this example from a client’s policy, where a critical clause was tucked away on the very last page. It read:

No Public Adjuster:

It is understood and agreed that a condition of this policy is that the insured shall not hire, engage, retain, contract with, or otherwise utilize the services of a public adjuster, whether or not licensed in the state where the property is located or any other jurisdiction to inspect, evaluate, or adjust any loss covered by the policy. 

Let’s break this down and ask the tough questions.

The Real Reason Behind the Clause

Think about it: If an insurance carrier does its job correctly and pays out fair and adequate settlements, why would they care if you hired a public adjuster? 

The truth is, they know a public adjuster’s involvement can:

1. Expose Lowball Offers

One of the most critical roles a public adjuster plays is fighting for your carrier’s offer to reflect the actual value of the damage to your property. Public adjusters have the training and experience to spot when a settlement offer may be too low or doesn’t fully account for the extent of the damage. They often uncover discrepancies between what the policy actually covers and what the insurer is willing to pay out. Without a public adjuster, you may never realize the insurance carrier is trying to undercut your claim’s true value, potentially leaving you with a settlement that’s less than what you deserve. 

2. Increase Payouts

Numerous studies have demonstrated claims handled by public adjusters result in significantly higher settlements for policyholders. Public adjusters have the ability to more accurately assess the damage, gather the right documentation, and negotiate with the insurance carrier to better secure a fair settlement.

3. Hold Insurance Carriers Accountable

The purpose of getting a public adjuster involved with a claim is to hold the insurance carrier accountable at every step of the process. This means closely monitoring how the claim is being handled, knowing and preparing for requisite claim deadlines, and fighting for the insurer to fulfill its obligations. It is our belief that with someone dedicated to protecting your interests, insurance carriers are much less likely to cut corners or try to settle for less than what you’re owed. Public adjusters are trained to spot discrepancies in value and coverage and will challenge insurance carriers if they attempt to underpay or delay your claim. 

By inserting this clause, the insurance carrier eliminates a critical safeguard for policyholders. They’re essentially saying, “Trust us, we’ll be fair—but don’t involve anyone who might question our fairness.”

Why Is This Problematic?

1. Restricts Your Rights

Insurance is a contract, and you’re paying for coverage. Prohibiting you from hiring an advocate is a blatant overreach of authority. 

2. Lacks Transparency

Burying this clause in the fine print suggests they don’t want you to notice it. 

3. Create Power Imbalance

Without a public adjuster, most policyholders are left at the mercy of insurance carriers and their adjusters. 

Most people never even receive a full copy of their insurance policy to know this clause exists in the first place. Carriers often withhold the fine print or include it in a way that’s hard to access or understand.

What Can You Do?

If you find this clause in your policy, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Here’s what you can do:

1. Consult a Public Adjuster

Even if your policy includes this clause, consult a professional to understand your options. Some states may prohibit enforcing such clauses.

2. Read Your Policy Carefully

Always review the fine print before signing any insurance agreement. 

Don’t have your full insurance policy? Our team is here to help. At Premier Claims, we offer a free policy review to help uncover these hidden clauses. Submit your insurance policy for review here. 

3. Know Your State’s Laws

Insurance regulations vary by state, and some states may have protections against clauses like these. Utilize resources like the Insurance Information Institute to learn more about your state’s insurance regulations. You may also look at your state’s Department of Insurance website for specific laws. 

Don’t Let the Fine Print Define Your Outcome

When an insurance carrier goes out of its way to restrict your ability to hire a professional advocate, it speaks volumes about their priorities. They’re not just selling you a policy—they’re selling you trust. But when trust comes with strings attached, it’s time to weigh your options.

At Premier Claims, we’re here to advocate for policyholders, whether the insurance carriers like it or not. If you’re unsure what’s hiding in your policy, take advantage of our free policy review service. If you’ve experienced damage and don’t want to go it alone, we’re here to help. 

 

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Public Adjuster Near Me: Things to Look for and Consider

Recovering from the devastation of storm damage is a complex process, and having a reliable public adjuster by your side can make all the difference. The aftermath of a natural disaster is overwhelming, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance claims. Partnering with a public adjuster who understands the challenges you face and tailors them to you and your property’s needs helps streamline the claims process. Moreover, a public adjuster is your advocate, equipped with the expertise and knowledge to navigate the intricate landscape of insurance policies. Their partnership allows you to better equip yourself to fight for a fair settlement, enabling you to rebuild and restore your life. Now, you may be asking, how do I find a public adjuster near me?

Top 5 Things to Look For in a Public Adjuster

1. Verify Licensing & Accreditation

Ensure the public adjuster you consider is licensed and accredited by the relevant regulatory bodies. This accreditation validates their expertise and adherence to industry standards, providing you with confidence in their professionalism.

2. Evaluate Experience & Specialization

Look for an adjuster with a proven track record in handling various types of damages, such as water damage, hail damage, fire damage, and hurricane damage. Specialization in specific areas ensures they possess the expertise needed to handle your unique situation effectively.

3. Transparency & Trustworthiness

Transparent communication about fees, the claims process, and the expected timeline are essential. Furthermore, a trustworthy public adjuster maintains open and honest communication, ensuring you are well informed at every step.

4. Check Client Testimonials and Reviews

Reading testimonials and reviews from previous clients provides valuable insights into the adjuster’s reputation and the satisfaction of their clients. Premier Claims takes pride in its positive client feedback, reflecting our commitment to excellent service and successful outcomes.

5. Investigate Communication & Availability

Effective communication is key to a successful partnership. Evaluate the adjuster’s responsiveness and availability. Premier Claims ensures that our team is readily available to address your concerns and provide updates, offering you peace of mind during the claims process.

Why Choose Premier Claims?

At Premier Claims, our expertise goes beyond mere professional qualifications. Our team, consisting of industry veterans with advanced certifications and ongoing education, ensures we stay ahead of industry trends and policy changes. A public adjuster with a fully equipped team of professionals can significantly impact the outcome of your claim for the better. Premier Claims is dedicated to surpassing industry standards by incorporating innovation, technology, and a meticulous claim management process. Our six-step process is committed to delivering unparalleled results and safeguarding your interests at every stage. Certain states may have regulations that determine the services a public adjuster may provide. Our process and services we are able to provide will be based on the state regulations. To learn more, visit our Public Adjuster Legal Disclaimer. When you choose Premier Claims, you benefit from:

Expert Knowledge & Continuous Education

Our professionals hold advanced degrees and certifications, constantly updating their skills to navigate the ever-evolving insurance landscape effectively.

Tailored Strategies for Maximum Results

We understand the uniqueness of each case. Consequently, our team creates customized strategies, attempting to maximize your settlement based on the intricacies of your specific situation.

Supporting You Beyond the Claim

Our team actively offers personalized policy guidance, addresses industry inquiries, and commits to providing you with tailored support. We’re here to ensure your peace of mind extends beyond the claims process, offering expertise and assistance whenever you need it.

Your journey to reclaiming your life after storm damage begins with choosing the right public adjuster. Moreover, Premier Claims combines expertise, integrity, and a genuine commitment to your well-being. Contact Premier Claims today to discover how we can help you and your property!

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Mold Exclusions: What Your Insurance Carrier Isn’t Telling You

Mold Mayhem

Mold— it’s like that uninvited guest who shows up at your party, eats all the snacks, and leaves you with a mess to clean up. Unlike a party crasher, mold can cause serious damage to your property and health. The real kicker? Your insurance policy may not cover the damage. Surprised? You’re not alone. As storm damage and water woes hit record levels, mold exclusions in insurance policies are catching property owners off guard. Let’s dive into the murky world of mold exclusions and see how to avoid getting stuck with the cleanup bill. 

Mold Exclusions: The Fine Print You Can’t Afford to Ignore

In the grand game of “What Does My Insurance Actually Cover?” Mold exclusions are like the joker card—unexpected and not very funny. These sneaky clauses wormed their way into property owners’ policies after some high-profile lawsuits in the early 2000s. Remember the Ballard v. Farmers Insurance Group case? Neither did we—until it led to a $32 million lawsuit that made insurance carriers nationwide sweat bullets. The insurance industry responded with a collective “Nope!” by slapping mold exclusions on policies and placing caps on the amount of coverage available for mold damage. 

Why Mold and Insurance Don’t Mix

Insurance carriers are the friends who refuse to eat at certain restaurants because of a bad experience years ago. Mold is their bad experience. The problem? Mold is expensive to fix, and health issues linked to mold exposure can linger like a bad odor (pun intended). To avoid footing the bill for moldy messes, insurers decided to cut their losses— literally— by excluding or limiting mold coverage. They figured it’s better to lose a few customers than face another multi-million dollar lawsuit. 

The Creeping Threat: Why Molid Is More of a Problem Than Ever

Mother nature has been throwing a lot at us lately— floods, hurricanes, and windstorms that have turned buildings into waterlogged, mold-friendly environments. While mold might start as a small patch, it can spread faster than gossip at a neighborhood BBQ. The bad news? As severe weather events become more common, the risk of mold damage increases. It gets worse— your insurance policy might not have your back when you need it most. 

How to Protect Your Property

1. Read the Small Print (Yes, All of It)

Read your insurance policy like a thriller novel—every word matters. Look out for red-flag phrases within your policy exclusions like fungus, rot, and moisture damage. 

2. Mold Insurance: Not Just for the Paranoid

You wouldn’t buy a house without a roof, so why settle for insurance that doesn’t cover all your potential risks? Some insurance carriers offer separate coverage or endorsements that cover mold damage more comprehensively. 

3. Maintenance is Your Best Defense

The best offense is a good defense, and that’s true for mold, too. Regular property maintenance is like taking your vitamins— boring but essential. Fix leaks, keep your gutters clean, and don’t ignore that weird, musty smell coming from the basement. The quicker you act, the less chance mold has to settle in and make itself at home. 

4. Insurance Policies are Confusing— Ask a Professional

Don’t worry about having to review insurance policy alone; our team at Premier Claims is here to help. If you’re scratching your head over what’s covered and what’s not, consult with one of our professionals. They can help decode your policy and suggest coverage options to protect your property adequately.

Submit your insurance policy for review today!

Mold might be one of life’s little unpleasantries, but discovering your insurance doesn’t cover it? That’s a nightmare. By staying informed, reviewing your policy, and taking preventative steps, you can avoid the mold trap altogether. After all, the only thing worse than mold is mold and a denial letter from your insurance carrier.

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30 Days After Hurricane Milton

30 Days After Hurricane Milton

What Your Insurance Carrier Should Be Doing—What You Can Do

It’s been a month since Hurricane Milton swept through our lives, leaving damage, heartbreak, and countless homes and businesses struggling to rebuild. In the aftermath, you might have filed a Hurricane Milton claim expecting prompt support. But here we are—30 days in—and you might still be waiting. So, what exactly should your insurance carrier be doing right now? And what steps can you, as a policyholder, take to keep your recovery on track?

1. Your Insurance Carrier’s Obligations Under Florida Law

Florida law sets clear expectations for how insurance carriers are supposed to handle hurricane-related claims. They outline specific timeframes for communication, inspections, and claim decisions. For a complete overview of “Insurer’s duty to acknowledge communication regarding claims; investigation,” refer to Florida Statute 627.70131. Some of these timelines include:

The Florida Department of Financial Services and The Florida Senate have provided a detailed list of a policyholder’s rights during the claim process post-hurricane. It’s important that you not only know your rights as a policyholder but that your insurance carrier does its best to abide by their obligation.

2. Proactive Steps You Can Take to Strengthen Your Claim

If your insurance carrier is behind on these obligations, it’s time to take control of your claim. Here are essential actions you can take:

3. Add a Public Adjuster to Your Team

After a hurricane, the claims process can feel overwhelming, especially with the pressure to document everything and communicate with your insurance carrier. That’s where a public adjuster comes in—right from the start. Many policyholders think they only need us when delays or denials happen, but involving a public adjuster like Premier Claims early in the process can make a world of difference. Here’s why:

At Premier Claims, we’re committed to being your partner throughout the claims process. Let us take the stress out of your claim so you can focus on rebuilding with confidence, knowing we’re working our hardest to secure every dollar you’re owed.

4. Time to Take Action: Keeping Your Claim on Track

If your Hurricane Milton claim is delayed, it’s time to take action!

5. Your Recovery, Our Priority

You’ve been through enough already. At Premier Claims, we believe in empowering you, the policyholder, with the support and information you need to navigate the claims process confidently. 

In this recovery journey, you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re facing delays, low settlement offers, or unclear timelines, Premier Claims has the experience and the drive to fight for you to be treated fairly so you can receive an adequate payout.

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What Do I Do After a Hurricane?

Post Hurricane Helene Responsibilities as a Policyholder 

As you brace yourself for the impending hurricane, it’s perfectly normal to feel a mix of anxiety and anticipation. While we can’t control Mother Nature (trust me, we’ve tried), we can control how we respond when the storm clouds roll in. Knowing your responsibilities as a policyholder can protect your property and make the recovery process much smoother. 

1. Act Quickly to Mitigate Damage

Once the winds start howling, your first job is to mitigate further damage—a fancy way of saying, “Stop the damage from getting worse!” Here’s how to do that without losing your cool:

2. Notify Your Insurance Carrier Immediately

Once you’ve taken steps to secure your property, it’s time to let your insurance carrier in on the action. Here’s how to make the call count:

3. Take Charge of the Recovery Process with Premier Claims

After notifying your insurance carrier, it’s time to take charge of the recovery process—and you don’t have to do it alone! Here’s how Premier Claims can step in and assist you:

4. Lean on Your Community for Support

Finally, don’t forget about the power of community. After the hurricane is the perfect time to channel your inner neighborly spirit.

Weathering the Storm Together

Facing the aftermath of a hurricane can feel daunting, but understanding your responsibilities as a policyholder can empower you during this challenging time. Taking proactive steps to mitigate damage, notifying your insurance carrier promptly, and leaning on your community for support can turn a stressful situation into a more manageable one.

If you need help navigating the claims process, remember Premier Claims is here to guide you every step of the way. Connect with our team today, and together, we’ll turn this stormy season into a story of resilience and recovery.

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Make an Appeal: Denied Property Insurance Claims

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!

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The Role of a Public Adjuster vs. Insurance Adjuster

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.

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