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The NYC Public Adjusters Claim Settlement professionals.
WHAT IS A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?
A Public Insurance Adjuster is an expert on loss adjustment and the recovery process, and is employed by the policyholder not the insurance company.
The Public Adjuster assists you, the insured, with his intimate knowledge of insurance policies and negotiation techniques, in preparing, filing and managing the payment of insurance claims regarding property loss. He works on your behalf
Frequently asked questions
WHY DO I NEED HELP WITH A CLAIM?
There are several reasons why you may want to consider obtaining help with your claim:
1) Filing a claim requires a written, itemized statement of your losses. You may not realize what the extent of your damage is, and the insurance company is not obligated to tell you. The burden of proof is on YOUR shoulders. The Public Adjuster will help you identify everything to which you’re entitled.
2) Filing a claim is a tedious, time-consuming and aggravating process. The Public Adjuster can take this burden off your shoulders and free you to get your business or home affairs back on track. During this emotionally charged time, you just don't have the presence of mind to spend hours and hours over inventory itemization and to argue with your insurance company whether something should "just be repaired" rather than replaced.
3) You are at the mercy of the insurance company. Keep in mind, as someone untrained in handling insurance claims, you will be dealing with insurance "professionals" who will not hesitate to use any slip of the tongue against you. They may low-ball you and you won't even know it - until it's too late. The expert Public Adjuster knows exactly what it costs to repair the damage. He will find damage that the untrained eye will otherwise not see. He takes the entire picture into account and fights for you - down to the last penny. He is well versed with what the insurance company wants to hear and what they don't want to hear and he knows how to present your claim for maximum success.
Think about it, in a court case, would you allow the opposing side to hire THEIR attorney to represent YOU? I don't think so. Then why would you allow the insurance company to hire THEIR adjuster to represent YOU?
IS THERE A CONNECTION BETWEEN PUBLIC ADJUSTERS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES?
A Public Adjuster is engaged by you, the policy holder, to protect your interests. He or she works exclusively for you and has no ties to any insurance company. The insurance company will assign its own adjuster to look after its own interests.
HOW FAR DOES A PUBLIC ADJUSTER'S RESPONSIBILITY EXTEND?
A Public Adjuster's responsibility covers every phase of preparation and presentation of your claim, as well as the negotiation of a fair and satisfactory adjustment and recovery of all monies that may become due with regard to the claim. It does not ordinarily extend to the process of replacing damaged or destroyed property.
WILL I RECEIVE MORE PROMPT AND SATISFACTORY SETTLEMENT IF I HIRE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?
A good Public Adjuster’s experience and expertise can greatly hasten final settlement of your claim. Through prompt and expert inspection and analysis of your loss, a Public Adjuster can preserve and provide evidence that might otherwise be overlooked or destroyed. He or she will thoroughly document and complete the claim. The more detailed the claim presentation, the more money you will recover.
SHOULD I ACT QUICKLY TO HIRE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?
While it may seem logical to wait to see how an insurance company might respond to your loss before considering a Public Adjuster, you should be aware of the perils. Many insurance companies will use a first interview to pin you down to a position or develop information that they might later use to limit or deny your loss. Most people are emotionally distraught right after a large loss and may not always offer information that will be accurate and helpful to their claim. The sooner you retain a Public Adjuster, the sooner your claim will be settled and you will have funds to rebuild or replace damaged property.
IF I HAVE ALREADY SUBMITTED A CLAIM, CAN I STILL HIRE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?
It is usually best to hire a Public Adjuster immediately after a loss. However, depending on circumstances, a Public Adjuster will probably be able to assist you even though your claim was submitted. Most good Public Adjusters will offer you a free consultation to explore the prospect of whether or not they can help you. In some cases, a competent Public Adjuster can serve as your appraiser in the above-mentioned appraisal provision for settling a disputed loss.
HOW DOES A PUBLIC ADJUSTER DETERMINE THE ACTUAL LOSS?
He or she is responsible for detailing and evaluating every item of damage and submitting all required paperwork. This usually involves taking a physical inventory and preparing a comprehensive estimate using his or her skill and experience, or obtaining the services of a proper expert. At the same time a Public Adjuster will make certain that all stipulations, deadlines and requirements of your policy are faithfully observed.
DO PUBLIC ADJUSTERS HANDLE CLAIMS OTHER THAN FIRE?Yes. A Public Adjuster is licensed to handle all claims of loss to property against your own insurance company, as well as contingent expenses, such as loss of use, business loss of income, and other expenses. A good Public Adjuster is an expert in all types of loss, including windstorm, explosion, snow, hail, smoke, water damage, damage to structures by motor vehicles, inland marine, business interruption, rentals, improvements and betterments, commission and profits, reporting forms and others.
WILL MY AGENT OR BROKER ACT AS AN ADJUSTER ON MY BEHALF?
An insurance broker serves you at all times in connection with your insurance coverage, but does not have particular responsibility for your claim. Many agents and brokers will assist you with minor claims and claim reporting, but generally do not have the time or experience to render the highly specialized service of insurance adjusting. It should be understood that an insurance agent is a legal representative of the insurance company, not you.
WILL MY INSURANCE POLICY PAY MY ENTIRE LOSS?
It depends upon the type and amount of insurance you carry. Some policies cover the full cost of replacement while others cover only depreciated value. There are usually strict limits and sub-limits. There may also be issues of under insurance. Because of the variety of coverage that might be afforded, it is suggested that you consult a qualified Public Adjuster to determine how your policy will respond to your loss.
IN THE EVENT OF A LOSS, WHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE?
If you hire a Public Adjuster immediately after a loss, he or she can advise and assist you each step of the way. All policies require that you report the loss as soon as practicable to the insurance company and take steps to preserve property from further damage, including theft. Failure to comply with these obligations may limit or completely void your coverage.