Involving Legal Professionals in Your Claim

Is Involving Legal Professionals Necessary for Your Insurance Claim?

While the optimism of seeing the world through rose-colored glasses may suggest otherwise, the complexities of insurance claims can make legal assistance invaluable. Discover why having someone advocate for your best interests is crucial in the modern insurance landscape, where carriers aim to protect every cent.

Public adjusters typically handle claim advocacy effectively, rendering attorney involvement unnecessary. However, there are scenarios where legal assistance becomes vital:

Coverage Denial and Refusal to Negotiate

In instances where insurance coverage is denied or negotiations are refused, consider involving legal professionals. Legal professionals work to challenge denials, advocating for policyholders’ right to secure the coverage they’re entitled to. Legal professionals can also engage in negotiations with insurance carriers, striving for a settlement that is fair and reasonable.

Policy Interpretation Issues

Insurance policies often involve intricate language open to interpretation. Legal assistance becomes essential when disputes arise over policy terms. Attorneys can provide clarity on policy language, aiming to safeguard the rights of policyholders and that carriers adhere to the agreed-upon terms.

Bad Faith Practices by Insurance Carriers

Bad faith practices occur when an insurance carrier acts dishonestly or unfairly toward a policyholder. This includes unreasonably delaying claims processing, undervaluing claims, or wrongfully denying valid claims. Legal professionals can identify and challenge such practices, holding carriers accountable for acting in good faith and aiming to maintain fair treatment throughout the claims process.

Beyond the situations highlighted above, there are less apparent, yet valid reasons to consider legal counsel. Chip Merlin of Merlin Law Group, discusses one of these less apparent reasons in his blog “Insurance Company Claims Adjuster Bonus Programs and Criteria.” Some carriers may incentivize adjusters to underpay claims, making it crucial to involve legal representation. Legal professionals can file discovery motions to uncover any undisclosed bonuses that may compromise the fairness of claim payouts.

Uncovering these bonus programs may be challenging, as carriers often attempt to disguise them. An attorney, equipped with the expertise to refine discovery requests, can reveal less savory bonus programs. While not every claim requires legal intervention, having an attorney available ensures that, if needed, assistance is just a phone call away.

Explore the nuances of public adjusting claims and understand when legal involvement can make a significant difference in securing a fair and favorable settlement.

By: Ashley Balsbaugh | Associate Attorney

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Debunking Public Adjuster Myths: Delaying a Claim

At Premier Claims, we believe in empowering policyholders with knowledge. One way to do this is by debunking the public adjuster myths that surround the insurance industry. One common misconception we encounter is the belief that public adjusters delay claims, leading people to believe that hiring a public adjuster will negatively impact their claim.

The Truth Behind the Myth

Insurance claims inherently involve a series of steps, documentation, assessments, and negotiations. The complexities of the claim itself and the policies and procedures of the insurance carrier primarily dictate the duration of this process however, our team of public adjusters at Premier Claims possess a deep understanding of these procedures. Their expertise streamlines the entire process, ensuring they effectively navigate each step, avoiding delays.

Understanding the Public Adjuster’s Role

A public adjuster’s fundamental responsibility is to advocate for you, the policyholder. Their expertise lies in comprehending the intricate language of insurance policies, assessing the damage thoroughly, and negotiating with the insurance carrier on your behalf. However, contrary to the myth, their involvement expedites the process by:

Accurate Assessment

Public adjusters meticulously evaluate the damage, aiming to account for all aspects of the claim. Their precise documentation prevents back-and-forth with the insurance company, saving time. Additionally, this detailed approach strengthens the foundation for a smooth negotiation process.

Negotiation Expertise

Public adjusters are skilled negotiators. They engage with the insurance carrier, presenting a well-documented claim and advocating for a fair settlement promptly. Furthermore, their experience often leads to swifter resolutions.

Policy Knowledge

Understanding the intricacies of insurance policies is crucial. Therefore, public adjusters actively interpret policy language, aiming to maximize every entitlement and coverage benefit, thus preventing unnecessary delays in processing or delaying a claim due to misunderstandings.

It’s important to debunk the misconception that public adjusters delay claims, ensuring accurate information prevails in the industry. Gain valuable insights from Dana Langfeldt, a seasoned Public Adjuster at Premier Claims, as she dives deeper into the crucial support public adjusters provide to policyholders. Understanding that the public adjuster doesn’t negatively impact the claims processing timeline is crucial. Instead, they actively expedite the process, fighting on your behalf, to try to secure a rightful settlement.

 

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What is a Public Adjuster?

When faced with significant damage to your property, navigating the complex terrain of insurance claims can be overwhelming. That’s where a public adjuster comes into play. What exactly is the role of a public adjuster, and how can they assist you during this stressful time?

Decoding a Public Adjuster’s Role in Your Claim

A public adjuster is an insurance expert you can hire to manage your claim for you. Unlike insurance company adjusters who represent the insurer’s interests, they work exclusively for you. Their primary goal is to ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to under your policy.

Role of a Public Adjuster

Damage Assessment

A public adjuster will inspect and assess the damage to your property. Furthermore, they will evaluate the scope of repairs and estimate the replacement value for those repairs.

Policy Understanding

They will help you understand your insurance policy, decipher the legal jargon, and ensure you are aware of what is covered.

Negotiation

Public adjusters communicate with your insurance carrier on your behalf, attempting to negotiate a settlement that accurately reflects the damage and coverage.

Documentation

They document everything you’ve lost and double-check the damage to your property, potentially leading to a larger insurance settlement.

When Should You Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster?

Large or Severe Claims

Public adjusters are particularly valuable for significant claims involving high-value or extensive damage to your property, such as after a fire or a natural disaster.

Claim Disputes

If you are dissatisfied with your insurance carrier’s settlement offer or feel that the claim settlement is too low, they can help dispute the settlement and advocate for a higher payout.

Complex Claims

When you face complex claims involving multiple policies or intricate questions about coverage, a public adjuster’s expertise can be invaluable.

Benefits

Fair Settlements

Public adjusters are skilled negotiators, fighting for your right to a fair and accurate settlement. This can be hard for a policyholder to obtain on their own.

Time Savings

They handle all the paperwork and communication with your insurance carrier, saving your significant time and stress.

Policy Understanding

Additionally, public adjusters help you comprehend your policy details and navigate the often confusing claims process, ensuring you make informed decisions throughout the entire journey.

Reliability

Get Referrals

Seek recommendations from friends, family, or online reviews to find reputable public adjusters in your area.

Check Licenses

Ensure the adjuster holds a license in your state. Most state insurance departments provide online license verification tools.

Research

Look for adjusters affiliated with professional associations like the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, ensuring adherence to industry standards and ethics.

Read Contracts Carefully

Understand the fees, services, and terms, outlined in the contract before hiring an adjuster.

Remember, hiring a public adjuster can level the playing field between you and your insurance carrier, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve after a disaster. Furthermore, by entrusting the complexities of your insurance claim to a skilled professional, you can focus on rebuilding and regaining peace of mind while your public adjuster advocates for your rightful settlement.

 

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Tips on Preparing for a Large Storm

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:

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.

 

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Insurance Carrier Collaboration Expedited Claim Process

Million Oaks Condominium Association

Kenner, Louisiana
Hurricane Ida
August 2021

In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the insurance carrier relied heavily on our expertise right from the start of the claim process. This collaboration showcased the mutual respect between the insurance carrier and our public adjusting team, all in the interest of expediting the claim for the policyholder. Recognizing the extensive damage, we assisted residents with their individual claims and coordinated both inspections and repairs for their units. Ultimately, we secured coverage up to the policy limits for the Condo Association and offered complimentary consultation services to residents, helping them recover their losses.

Insurance Carrier Offer: N/A

Premier Claims Settlement: $1,011,000

 

 

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