When disaster strikes and your property suffers a significant loss, navigating the insurance claim process can be overwhelming. This is where public adjusters come in - public adjusters are licensed professionals who advocate on your behalf, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve. For large loss claims, having a public adjuster by your side is invaluable.
What is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who works exclusively for you, the policyholder. They do not work for the insurance company and therefore, have your best interest in mind. Their primary role is to manage and negotiate insurance claims, helping you receive the maximum claim payout possible.
You might hear the terms insurance claims adjuster (also known as an insurance adjuster/public insurance adjuster) or independent claims adjuster/insurance company adjuster, but these are not the same as a licensed public adjuster. These types of public insurance adjusters are staffed or hired by your insurance carrier, therefore they represent the interests of your insurance company rather than you.
A licensed public adjuster is the only person who is completely independent of the insurance company and is representing you and your needs.
Types of Large Loss Claims Public Adjusters Help With
Public adjusters can assist with a variety of large loss claims under your insurance policy, including:
- Fire and smoke damage (including wildfire damage)
- Wind and storm damage
- Hail damage
- Water damage
- Vandalism and theft
- Earthquake damage
- Marijuana damage
- Business interruption
What is Considered a Large Loss Claim?
A large loss claim refers to an insurance claim involving significant property damage and substantial financial loss. These claims typically are caused by major incidents such as natural disasters, extensive fires, or large-scale accidents that affect a significant portion of your property or its total value. The financial value of large loss claims is often substantial, frequently exceeding hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, due to the extensive damage and the costs associated with repair, replacement, and recovery.
Large loss claims are characterized by their complexity and the extensive property damage involved. The recovery process usually includes multiple steps such as demolition, reconstruction, and restoration, all requiring detailed planning and coordination. For businesses, these claims often include business interruption losses, where the damage disrupts operations and results in significant loss of income. Additionally, the resolution of large loss claims typically takes longer than smaller claims due to the need for thorough assessments, detailed documentation, and extensive negotiations.
Examples of large loss claims include those resulting from natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, major fire incidents, and large-scale vandalism or explosions. Industrial or commercial losses that disrupt business operations also fall under this category.
How Public Adjusters Can Help with Large Loss Claims
Public adjusters play a crucial role in large loss claims by leveraging their expertise and experience. They can specifically help by:
Detailed Damage Assessment
Public adjusters meticulously evaluate the extent of the damage to ensure no detail is overlooked.
Thorough Claim Documentation
They compile all necessary documentation, including photos, reports, and estimates, to support your claim.
Expert Negotiation Skills
Public adjusters negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, using their knowledge to advocate for a fair settlement.
Policy Interpretation
They understand the complexities of insurance policies and can identify all potential benefits you’re entitled to.
Time Management
Handling a large loss claim is time-consuming. Public adjusters manage the process, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Stress Mitigation
By taking on the heavy lifting of the claims process, public adjusters reduce the stress and frustration associated with large loss claims.
Maximized Settlements
Their expertise often results in higher settlement amounts than policyholders might achieve on their own.
Conflict Resolution
If disputes arise during the claims process, public adjusters act as intermediaries to resolve conflicts.
Experience with Complex Claims
Public adjusters have experience handling large and complex claims, ensuring nothing is missed.
Support Throughout the Process
From the initial assessment to the final settlement, public adjusters provide continuous support and guidance.
Hiring a public adjuster for large loss claims can significantly ease the burden of the claims process, ensuring a fair settlement and providing peace of mind during a challenging time. With property insurance, a public adjuster can help maximize the insurance company money you receive.
If you're facing a significant loss, consider enlisting a licensed public adjuster to advocate for your best interests, especially if you're dealing with the same insurance company that issued your policy.
How are Public Adjusters Compensated?
Public adjusters are typically compensated on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement. This fee structure is a predetermined percentage of the settlement amount, agreed upon before the adjuster begins working on your claim.
There are no upfront costs, so you don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses during the claim process. This structure ensures that the public adjuster is motivated to secure the highest possible settlement for you, aligning their interests with yours.
Public adjusters play an important role in the insurance claim process, advocating for you, the policyholder, and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Whether dealing with residential, commercial, or catastrophic loss claims, their expertise and dedication can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. If you’re facing a substantial loss, consider enlisting a licensed public adjuster to advocate for your best interests and help you navigate the complex insurance landscape.
Excel Adjusters: The Best Public Adjusters in Southern California
At Excel Adjusters, we work for you. We specialize in residential and commercial property loss for water, fire, wildfire, earthquake, flood, and theft. To this day, we have handled over 2,000 damaged property claims. Our highly trained team of professionals identifies, quantifies, and establishes the full extent of your loss with your insurance company. Our experts relieve you of the intricacies and complex procedures that come with handling claims in English, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese throughout the entire process.
