Insurance Claims Help: Homeowners In Maryland Should Always Obtain A Second Opinion!
Nov 11, 2009 Business Insurance
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Policyholders are way too trusting. Most people will rely on their insurance company adjuster to visit their home, inspect the damages of their claim, and provide a final claim settlement for their damages. This process alone should almost… NEVER HAPPEN!
We’re not claiming that there are not any good adjusters left out there. We’re not saying that all adjusters can’t be trusted, or that any of them are trying to purposely cheat people. There are many efficient and professional adjusters that excel at their job. However, are we really under the delusion that there will never be an adjuster that makes a mistake, an adjuster that may miss hidden damages, or that every adjuster that works for insurance companies all have multiple years of training and experience? Let me answer for you… NO Way In Hell!
Have you ever had a second opinion before having your car fixed? Have you or anyone you know ever needed a second opinion after seeing a doctor? A second opinion when shopping for a car, computer, or hiring a contractor? Have you ever had more than one estimate to build or repair something for your home? I’m assuming you’ve answered yes to at least one of these questions, if not more. Then why do policyholders allow insurance company adjusters to TELL THEM what they will pay on their insurance claim?
Most insurance adjusters have learned how to pass an insurance claim exam and learned how to use an insurance estimating program… but have never worked on an insurance repair job. Many have never built or repaired a home, nor have they ever worked for any type of Construction Company. Chances are they will miss something needed to properly complete the repairs of your claim.
It’s no mystery that it is YOUR property, it’s YOUR insurance policy, and it’s YOUR responsibility to ensure you protect yourself. Again, your insurance adjuster may be 100% accurate with their final analysis of your claim. Regardless, YOU should go the extra mile, have a contractor or an independent insurance appraiser provide you with a line-item, detailed insurance damage estimate that can ensure the adjuster is correct and accurate.
What Is A Detailed, Line-Item Estimate?
Sometimes a contractor will use a complete sf price for a roof or deck, but the insurance company is requesting the estimate be broken down per line item. Using the roof example; the insurance companies want to see each process of the roof replacement, AND each type of material being used on the roof - listed separately. Here’s an example;
Although the numbers in the example are fictitious; it reveals the basis for a Line-Item, Detailed, Insurance Claim Estimate. Each of the line-items is separated in complete detail. The estimate also reveals the descriptions, quantities, unit costs, and totals for each item as well. This type of detail is required and needed, so the insurance companies can view each of the items unit costs with their adjusters numbers. Submitting the claim estimate in the format requested by your insurance company will result in a much faster settlement of the claim.
In the event that a insurance claim dispute arises - the more detailed estimate will allow for a less time consuming and smoother process. It is difficult for insurance companies to dispute your insurance claim estimate when it follows the exact format that they request.
Watch out for yourself, protect and educate yourself, and always seek insurance claim help by obtaining a second opinion. This should be the first thought on any and all insurance claim damages you happen to incur. If you fail to look out for yourself… Nobody Will?
Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE - Ph: 919-669-9111 . Get Insurance Claim Help , by visiting http://www.insuranceclaimsgroup.com , or http://www.insuranceappraisalumpire.com
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Tags: business, Business Insurance, business insurance claims, finance, homeowners, homeowners insurance claims, insuramce, insurance, Insurance Claims, legal
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