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We hope the following explanation will help you understand the claims representation process used by Impact Claim Services public adjusters and what to expect when dealing with a property damage insurance claim.
As licensed public insurance adjusters we
represent a policyholder’s best interests in an insurance loss. Public insurance adjusters level the playing field with the insurance carrier and provide the policyholder an expert to advocate on their behalf. The public adjuster manages the claim, makes sure claim filing requirements are met and helps recover the amount a policyholder deserves under their insurance policy. Unlike the insurance adjuster sent out by the insurance company, the public adjuster works for you and you alone.
Large or small, commercial or residential, properly handling a claim involves a structured process that when followed, will ensure it is processed properly and given the best chance of being paid by your insurance carrier. This process is outlined by 5 critical steps:
Step 1: Policy Review
Upon review of your information submitted on our website we will call you to answer any questions and schedule a meeting to inspect your loss. During this meeting we will review your insurance policy to understand the coverage’s available to you. It’s of critical to understand the coverage’s as they are the foundation for the strategic plan in presenting the loss. These strategic decisions will have a critical impact on the outcome of your claim and your recovery. Our initial contact and the steps we recommend based on the facts of your loss and your policy coverage are going to be vital and critical to your recovery.
Step 2: Investigation
Once retained as your authorized public adjuster, the first step is the investigation and analysis of the scope of loss. This in-depth investigation will begin with our own thorough investigation of the cause of the loss and the extent of the damages. We will utilize our company’s construction experience and tap into our vast network of restoration professionals, meteorologists, forensic engineers, thermographers, and experts to accurately determine the necessary actions needed to return your property to its pre loss condition. This often includes thousands of photos and necessary professionals opinions and reports.
Step 3: Documentation of the Claim
As the insured, you are required under the insurance policy to prove the loss is caused by a covered peril and present the loss to the insurance company. This can be an involved and detailed process requiring time and expense to meet the requirements. Impact Claim Services will ensure an accurate and thorough claims documentation file is delivered to your insurance company.
This in-depth process includes: 1) detailed construction estimates with supporting engineering documents when necessary; 2) detailed and verified inventory and contents schedules with correct valuation and supporting documentation; 3) in-depth business interruption coverage analysis which includes projections and forecasts; and 4) the required technical and supporting documentation showing the current industry standards in claims adjusting.
Step 4: Presentation of the Claim
After the full extent of the loss has been determined and documented it undergoes a complete review by our staff. The claim is then segregated into the separate categories which conform to the various policy provisions that apply. A thorough review of the documents is made with the client and, with final approval the property insurance claim is submitted to the insurance carrier, including the “Sworn Statement in Proof of Loss”.
Step 5: Negotiations and Settlement
Upon approval and submission, we will initiate claims negotiations with the insurance company. We will answer any claim clarification requests posed by the insurance company. It is very common for an insurance company to attempt to delay and drag out the fair settlement of claims by using delay tactics. Understanding the tempo and dictating the pace of the claims negotiations is critical to an accurate yet prompt settlement of your claim. It is typical that there may be some negotiations regarding the claim, which many times boil down to justifying the value and legitimacy of the claim components. A well-defined position that is professionally documented should gain the respect of the insurance company representative. We are also mindful of the negative financial impact of a loss to your property and we pledge to work diligently in resolving your claim in a timely manner.