Now You Know, pt. 3

We’ve collected the questions we get asked most and put together a 3-part series to answer them. This is the third of three installments.

Are you trained specialists?

Yes. In nearly all jurisdictions, a Public Adjuster must be tested, licensed, bonded, and authorized to practice his/her profession. All members of our team are accredited by NAPIA, the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. All of our adjusters are required to complete a minimum of continuing professional education credits within the license renewal period as a condition of maintaining licensure. All of our adjusters have many years of experience in both insurance and remediation field work.

How much do you charge for your services?

Our fee is a percentage of the insurance company’s settlement with you. By seeking to maximize your settlement, our services can save you well more than the cost of our fees. Plus, we take on all of the work of preparing and substantiating the claims which helps you avoid the stress of dealing with the insurance company. Hiring us means you can get back to the business of rebuilding your business or getting on with your life, confident that you have an expert team working on your behalf.

All of our adjusters are required to complete a minimum of continuing professional education credits within the license renewal period as a condition of maintaining licensure.

In the event of a loss, what steps should I take?

First, immediately retain the services of an accredited Public Adjuster to act on your behalf and negotiate a fair settlement. While you are required to promptly report the loss to your agent or broker, or directly to your insurance company, according to terms within your policy, it is in your best interests to let your Public Adjuster report the loss on your behalf, so that you can be sure it is reported correctly.

Do you handle claims other than fire?

Yes. We will assist you in any claims you may have due to windstorm, flood, hail, explosion, and any other insured losses that are sustained (inland marine, business interruption, rental income, improvements and betterments, commission and profit, reporting forms, additional expense, etc.).

Do you sell insurance or act as insurance agents?

No, if we were to do so, we would become a representative of the insurance company and would no longer represent you exclusively and independently.

What if I have a question about insurance coverage or the insurance industry?

State insurance departments are also the appropriate place for information about licensees, insurance law and regulations.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is a good place to get started for information about your state’s insurance information.