Insurance Claims Help: Homeowners In North Carolina Should Always Obtain A Second Opinion!

Many policyholders will rely on the adjuster sent by their insurance company to arrive for a meeting, inspect the claim damages, and provide an estimate for what they believe is a fair settlement of the claim. This is a mistake of enormous proportion that 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!

Have you ever obtained a second opinion before having a mechanic do major work on your car? Have you; or anyone you know; ever secured a second opinion before having surgery? A second opinion when hiring a landscaper, hen buying a computer, or when hiring a contractor? Have you ever obtained more than one estimate to have work done on your home? Excuse me for assuming that you’ve answered a very loud and proud “YES,” to more than one of these questions, or al for that matter. Then why will policyholders (homeowners and business owners) allow the insurance company’s adjuster to out-right “TELL THEM,” what the damages of their insurance claim will cost?

The majority of insurance adjusters have attended classes of how to pass an insurance policy exam and have attended classes of how to use insurance estimating programs. However, they have never worked for an insurance repair contracting company, have never repaired or built a home, nor have they ever fixed any type of damage at their own home. If you have such an adjuster visit your damaged property, chances are, they will accidentally miss items needed to properly repair your damages.

Simply put, this is what you have been paying for all this time. To be protected when you have a claim. It is YOUR money, it is YOUR insurance policy, it is YOUR property, which in turn makes it YOUR responsibility to protect yourself from mistakes or from being taken advantage of. Again, the insurance company adjuster could be 100% accurate with the final analysis and estimate numbers for your claim damages. Regardless of what you think may be true, YOU should be sure. Policyholders need to have an independent insurance appraiser or contractor provide them with a line item, detailed estimate that will ensure their adjuster was correct.

What Is A Line Item, Detailed Estimate?

Many contractors may use a square foot cost to replace a roof or siding on a home. However, insurance company usually require an estimate that has been detailed by separating each line-item individually. By using the replacement of a damaged roof in our example; the insurance companies will require that each process and layer of the repairs be listed. They need to view each type of material being used to ensure the insured is not upgrading what they had. Surely the insured can upgrade, but, the insured pays for the difference between what they had and what they are upgrading to. That’s the reason they wish to see all items listed separately. Here’s an example of a detailed, line-item insurance repair estimate;

The numbers in the above example are fictitious; however, it shows the basics of a Line Item, Detailed Estimate. Each line item is broken down in detail and displays the description, quantity, unit cost, and total for each separate line item. This type of detail is needed so the insurance company can review and compare each separate line item and unit costs with their own software. Having the insurance claim estimate formatted the way the insurance companies like to see them, results in a faster 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.

Protect yourself, educate yourself, and watch out for yourself by simply obtaining another opinion on any or all insurance claim damages you may incur. If you’re not willing to obtain insurance claim help and you’re not willing to look out for yourself… Then Who Will?

Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will review your insurance claim FREE – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Get Insurance Claim Help , by visiting http://www.insuranceclaimsgroup.com , or http://www.insuranceappraisalumpire.com