Fire losses are often the most traumatic loss due to the nature of Fire and Smoke. A Fire will ravage through property devastating everything in its path while smoke seeps into the smallest of holes causing undeniable odors. Fires give no warning and cannot be predicted and property owners are often distraught and shocked when their homes or businesses are destroyed. During this time people need to focus on rebuilding their lives not dealing with an insurance company. We have had many clients come to us after the insurance companies have made an offer that they accepted in a moment of desperation. We make sure your interests are represented during the claims process and we will guide you with professional advice along the way while you focus on what is most important, your family and/or business.
As your Public Adjuster we will:
1. Review your insurance policies coverage’s and exclusions.
2. Immediately inspect the loss site.
3. Photograph the loss site (commonly 400-800 photos are needed).
4. Re-inspect the property with your insurance company’s adjuster/representative.
5. Negotiate on the scope of damages (what is to be repaired vs. replaced).
6. Determine the Actual Cash Value or ACV (replacement cost less depreciation).
7. Analyze/Estimate the structural damages.
8. Inventory/photograph/document all of the affected Personal Property or Contents.
9. Determine Replacement Cost Coverage
10. Prepare and submit documentation to the insurance company.
11. Find additional policy coverages within the policy (if applicable).
12. We also provide professional guidance to assure you comply with all of your requirements of the insurance policy.
13. Most importantly we settle your claim for the maximum amount possible.
6. There are also Florida Statutes that require additional cooperation with the insurance company not outlined in the policy.
Many property owners believe that when you suffer a loss the insurance company handles everything. While some insurers will do more than others this is far from the truth. You have many obligations under the insurance policy which must be followed exactly. These obligations include but are not limited to the following:
1. Give prompt notice to the insurance company or your agent.
2. Protect the property from further damage. If repairs to the property are required, you must make reasonable and necessary repairs to the property & keep an accurate record of repair expenses.
3. Prepare an inventory of damaged personal property showing the quantity, description, replacement cost, actual cash value, and amount of loss. Attach all bills, receipts, and related documents that justify the figures in the inventory.
4. As often as the insurance company or their representatives reasonably require you must; (1) show the damaged property; and (2) provide them with records and documents they request and permit them to make copies; and (3)Submit to an Examination Under Oath (EUO) alone without your spouse or other insured(s) present. This EUO is generally given by an insurance company defense attorney and can be a lengthy and infuriating process. By having the claim properly documented this goes much faster and generally has a much better outcome.
5. Send to the insurance company, within 30 or 60 days after the loss or after their request (depending on the policy) your signed, sworn (notarized) proof of loss form, which sets forth, to the best of your knowledge and belief; (A) The time and cause of the loss; (B) Your interest in the property along with the mortgagor’s interest and any other liens on the property; (C) Other Insurance with may cover all or part of the loss; (D) Changes in title or occupancy of the property during the term of the policy; (E) Specifications of damaged buildings and detailed repair estimates; (F) the inventory of damaged personal property (as previously discussed); (G) Provide receipts for Additional Living Expenses for INCURRED and records that support the loss.
