Insurance Claim Help: Policyholders Must Get A Second Opinion!

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!

You're most likely one of those people who have had a second opinion before having your car fixed. Possibly you or someone you know has needed a second opinion after seeing a doctor, second opinion when buying a car, a computer, or even hiring a contractor? Most people have had more than one estimate to build a deck, replace windows, or have a ne room put on their home. I'm assuming you and most everyone you ask has answered "YES," to all or one of these. Then why is it that policyholders allow adjusters to basically "TELL THEM," what they will receive for their insurance claim?

Many insurance company adjusters have attended classes to pass an insurance exam and have also attended classes to use insurance claim estimating programs. However, these same adjusters have never worked for construction company, nor have they ever repaired or built a home, and many have never repaired any damages at their own home. If you end up with this type of adjuster to assess your insurance claim damages, chances are, they will most likely miss items, materials, or construction procedures that are required to properly repair the damages.

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?

Some contractors use a complete square foot price for replacing a roof or siding, however, the insurance company will usually request that the estimate be broken-down per line-item. Using an example of a roof replacement; the insurance companies need to view each process and layer of the work being preformed on the roof. They also need to view each type of material that is being used. These should all be listed separately. Here's a detailed, line-item estimate example;

The numbers in the estimate example are fictitious; however, it reveals the basis for a Line Item, Detailed, Insurance Claim Estimate. Each line item is separated in full detail, as well as displaying the description, quantity, unit cost, and total for each of the separate materials and items. This type of detail is needed, and in many cases required, so the insurance companies can view and compare each of the separate items and each items unit costs with their own numbers. By submitting an insurance claim estimate that is formatted in the format requested by the insurance companies, results in a much faster claim settlement.

In the event of an insurance claim dispute a more detailed estimate allows for a smoother, less time consuming process. It's difficult for the insurance companies to dispute insurance claim estimates that are presented to them in the exact format that they are requesting.

Watch yourself, educate yourself, and protect yourself by obtaining a second opinion on any and all insurance claim damages you incur. Obtaining insurance claim help makes good sence. If you won't look out for yourself… who 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