Insurance Adjusting Can Feel Like the Wild West

Trading claim stories with others in the insurance business sometimes feels like we’re talking about the Wild West. Everyone is kind of doing their own thing which results in vast differences from adjuster to adjuster and from company to company. It can certainly make you think that the insurance companies are all in cahoots and creating a bit of chaos.

With 2016 almost in the record books, we reflect back on all the severe weather and storms this year and the many questions surrounding whether or not damages were sustained as a result. The damages arising from a hail/wind claim can be vast and are often unknown to a residential or commercial property owner. For example, did you know that if your roof is damaged in a wind/hail storm and the materials are no longer available, the insurance company likely has to replace your entire roof rather than just the shingles that were damaged. This is just one of many examples that show the importance of hiring a qualified claim expert who works in the industry to ensure that your property looks and functions as great as it did before the storm.

When we refer to a “qualified claim expert,” we don’t mean those working for the insurance company who offer up a lick and a promise. We mean real claim help – someone who is on your side and has the knowledge, experience, and expertise to navigate and negotiate your claim on your behalf to full resolution.

This may also include hiring an attorney who specializes in property damage claims. Lots of folks are intimated by just the mention of hiring an attorney when a problem arises. But, a quick visit with a qualified first party claims attorney and your mind may be at ease immediately. These professionals usually work on a contingency fee basis and almost always their first consultation is free of charge. They are hardworking attorneys who have your back at the end of the day. They can quickly make the insurance company and its adjusters feel like a bunch of long-tailed cats in a room full of rocking chairs.

Don’t worry about biting off more than you can chew, your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger than you think. It doesn’t have to be a dicey experience. Hiring a claim professional right out of the gate does nothing but increase your chances of a timely and successful resolution of your claim.

It could just be your ace in the hole!