A devastating property loss
requires professional help.
You can, but it may not be in your best interest to wait. You can hire a public adjuster at any point after a loss. However, it can become increasingly more difficult to get the insurance company to revise their claim as more time passes. Also, resolving disputes late in the process can delay resolution of the claim. Remember that the insurance claim’s adjuster, as well as your agent, are representing the insurance company, not just you.
Unfortunately you don’t, but if you handle the claim on your own, you will never truly know whether you are getting a fair settlement. However, if you spend the time to identify what public adjusters to enhance the policyholder’s recovery and talk to a knowledgeable expert, you will learn how they can increase your recovery.
Public Adjusters are paid a percentage of the settlement amount. The fee is negotiable and depends upon the size of the loss and the costs incurred to prepare the claim [e.g. antique and fine arts experts, construction consultants, etc.] Public Adjusters are generally paid when the insurance payments are received by the insured.
Public adjusters are licensed by the California Department of Insurance and are hired by the insured to prepare and present their claim. Many attorneys do not specialize in first party property insurance claims, and those that do often charge more than a public adjuster working on a contingency basis. Contractors are not unbiased nor disinterested experts in property damage evaluation, and do not have the wherewithal or the proper licensing to represent the insured as their advocate on all matters related to the claim. Also, if the insurance company has their own adjuster, and cost consultant and/or contractors to bid the repairs, they do not have to accept or recognize an outside contractor as the legitimate representative of the insured.
You don’t, but you should! Some public adjusting firms employ sales representatives to secure new clients who are then passed along to the actual adjusters. With Consolidated Adjusting, Inc. you will be working with the principal, Bill Hedden.
Again, you don’t, but you should! The skill-set and time availability of the individual adjuster[s] handling your claim are crucial factors in determining the outcome. To ensure that your file gets the top priority and attention, make sure you are dealing directly with the individual who will handle your claim before you hire the company. Be aware that commissioned sales professionals are often motivated to take on new business regardless of staff availability, and public adjusters who handle a large volume of claims may be forced to limit the time and attention they give to your claim.
I commit myself to only a few new claims per month. I intentionally limit my case load so that I can provide the time and personal attention my clients deserve to effectively service their unique claim challenges. All public adjusters are required to carry an individual California Public Adjuster license and although this allows me to practice throughout the State, I elect to work primarily in the immediate Bay Area.
As a small firm dedicated to customer service, I am able to foster long-standing relationships with my clients and guarantee the personal attention that their claim requires during such a difficult process. Powered by the wealth of experience I bring to every claim, I am able to go the extra mile to ensure that claim settlements will meet or exceed expectations.
Copyright 2018