Here are some tips for public adjusters to maximize your settlement:
1. Be willing to settle for less than you’re worth. Public adjusters know that there’s a higher likelihood of receiving less than you’re worth. Insurance claims processes are notoriously opaque, and the extent of damage and extent of loss varies greatly from claim to claim. With this in mind, a public adjuster will usually request that you agree to accept a fair settlement rather than ask for additional information.
2. Take ownership of your claim. Most people aren’t willing to accept responsibility for their damages. Most people prefer to blame someone else. If asked, most property owners will assign the blame to their contractors or the subcontractor. Instead, a public adjuster will take ownership of the claim by personally meeting with you to review your damages, explaining your losses, and negotiating directly with the insurance company for the maximum settlement.
3. Negotiate for additional loss documentation. A public insurance adjuster will generally provide additional loss documentation to help the insurance company meet their fiduciary duty to you. This documentation includes photos, detailed inventory lists, and cost/value estimates. A public insurance adjuster will provide additional loss documentation by telephone, email, and personal meetings. Most importantly, a public adjuster will personally address the loss with you, and the loss documentation will be provided as an extension of a personal relationship.
If you are unsure about the scope of your loss, ask your public insurance adjuster for clarification. Most people are reluctant to admit they have lost, especially a high valued asset. When you ask for clarification, the public insurance adjuster will likely suggest the best way to compensate you is to negotiate directly with the insurance company. Most people will agree with this path, as it allows the public insurance adjuster to cut directly to the chase and settle your claim. On the flip side, when you make the decision to negotiate directly with the insurance company, you will be provided with detailed cost/value estimates. This ensures you a fair compensation.
The best approach, as always, is to personally meet with the insurance company. It is a much more comfortable and proactive way to go. Have a personal relationship with the insurance company.
4. Don’t be afraid to go to court. The court may force the insurance company to pay you more than they would otherwise pay, and the court’s procedures will be more in line with what you expected.
This is the point that you should really think about. Are you unhappy with your current policy? Are you willing to look around and find something better? If you are, then keep looking. If you are not, then stop, and remember that if you are unhappy with your current policy, and the public insurance adjuster does not resolve your problem, then you have the right to file suit and obtain justice.
Your insurance company owes you more than they are doing at present. You should have the option to find a new company.
Your home is not a paper claim. It is your biggest investment, your greatest asset. You have the right to receive an equitable settlement.