The standard insurance claim begins with the policyholder filing a claim by calling their insurance agent or calling the 1-800 number to declare that a loss has occurred. During that initial conversation the insurance company representative will probe the policyholder asking questions like, “when did the loss occur?” or “how long has this been going on?” These questions may seem harmless, but the answers to these questions may be used against you later in the claims process to possibly deny the claim.
The next step is assigning an insurance adjuster to inspect the damages at the home and determine the coverage. The larger insurance companies like Liberty Mutual, Allstate, and Nationwide have staff adjusters who will inspect the claim. Staff adjusters are direct employees of the insurance company. Smaller insurance companies and at times if the larger companies are overwhelmed with claims they will utilize independent adjusters. Independent adjusters are not direct employees of the insurance company and typically work for several different insurance companies. An adjuster will set up a time to inspect the damages and usually requests the policyholder be present especially if the claim has interior damages. The insurance adjuster will meet with the policyholder, inspect the damages by taking photos, measurements, and makes determinations based on what they can see at the time of the inspection. The estimate is written, and the policyholder is stuck with the outcome. The individual is then responsible to locate a contractor within the budget of the allotted amount given for the claim by the insurance company for all damages.
Having ACZ Consulting representing you in the claims process can avoid all of these steps. We will handle contact with the insurance company, set up and represent you during the inspection, determine a fair and reasonable settlement, and then we will assist with finding the right contractor to repair the damages. Insurance companies can be tricky – especially if you are not clear of your rights and coverage as the insured. It is our job as insurance experts to make you aware of your coverage and make sure that your reimbursement lines up with what you deserve. At ACZ Consulting we know it takes hard work and a strong commitment to make sure the claim outcome favors our clients.