How to deal with an insurance adjuster after a house fire
If you don't collect, we don't get paid.
How to deal with an insurance adjuster after a house fire
Dealing with a disaster in your home is overwhelming. When your home suffers fire damage or smoke damage, you may be stuck wondering how you should proceed, with a million questions running through your head. Handling the catastrophe, and the insurance company, is a process, and there are certain steps to take to make things run smoothly.
When you file a claim with your insurance company after a house fire, an insurance adjuster should come to your property, or at the site of the loss. Next, he will conduct a thorough inspection of your property. It is the adjuster's job to assess the damage and provide a realistic estimate of the costs of repairing or rebuilding your property.
The first step is to review your policy. Make sure you fully understand what is and what is not covered. If fire damage is covered, check to see if you are covered for personal expenses and living expenses. This will determine what your insurance company will pay for.
Another job of the insurance adjuster is to identify if any of the losses can be mitigated. This means the insurance company will take action to avoid or reduce the damages. In other words, to keep your losses to a minimum. Although the adjusters are on your side, they also have the responsibility to “adjust” the claim, which could result in you getting less money.
To make the process of adjusting simpler, there are certain steps you can take to make this less stressful and protect yourself. Document everything you can, and be specific. Have a detailed list of everything that was damaged in the fire, ready for the adjuster when he arrives. Making this list can take some time, as there are literally thousands of items in your home. Ask family members for help to quicken the process. Also, it is extremely important that you not get rid of or dispose of any of the damaged items you are claiming. Having these items proves ownership, and will make it easier to process your claim. Secure the property to mitigate damages. Keep track of your living expenses and keep paying your insurance premiums.
Many people consider hiring a public adjuster. A public adjuster represents the policyholder and can be instrumental in advising you and negotiating your claim with the insurance company. Most public adjusters determine their fee based on a percentage of your total claim, giving them the incentive to maximize your insurance payment.
It is important to review your version of what happened with the police and or fire department before you talk to the insurance adjuster. You may find it easier if you write it down in detail. You will probably have to tell this story many times, to many people in the insurance agency. Changing any part of your version of the story could result in your claim being denied, it's best to be straightforward and honest.
ICC Public Adjusters doing business in North Carolina, South
Carolina and Georgia
Since 1989
It's obvious, Call us to assist you in planning your claims process timeline.
Even if you don't hire us, we will help you get started, and offer valuable hints and insight into this complex claims process.
At ICC, we work solely on the policyholder’s behalf, so you can be sure you are getting the best independent and customer-focused service. If you don’t succeed, we don’t succeed
- Detail the full scope of property damage and estimate repair costs
- Perform content loss, personal injury, and business impairment assessments
- Contract specialist to underpin and validate any claims
- Liaise directly with your insurance company, acting solely on your behalf
- Obtain the maximum pay-out possible subject to the findings of our reports
- Ensure your property is returned to its original state as soon as reasonably viable
Whether your damage is from a hurricane, fire, or flood, ICC insurance claim consultants are committed to protecting the interest of our customers.
Also, visit our 5 step loop and FAQ.
