Anybody know the best way to deal with a homeowners claim adjuster? (Hurricane stuff)

vanity

[no gnu taxes]

Ok, I guess the best adage is to be nice until that doesn't work.

But my agent keeps telling me, "don't worry, they'll pay." My policy language is very vague and open to a lot of interpretation. Without going into detail, I'm not getting the impression the adjuster will be that accomodating. You know, I'm 51 years old and have never had to file a homeowner's claim before

I sort of feel like the difference between my agent and and the adjuster is like the difference between a military recruiter and the drill sergeant.

Am I wrong?

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

I will be in this thread in a bit as I am starting this process today.

[smokingfrog]

You can always hire your own independent adjuster. Normally they are paid a percentage according to how much extra they can get for you from your insurer, so it doesn’t cost you anything up front.

[Ditter]

I think you are right! I was in a foul mood this past week because I was dealing with my husband's doctor, Walgreens and the insurance company. I finally was able to get his prescription for insulin raised (and paid for by insurance) but it left me spoiling for a fight with every one I encountered. So any freeper I offended I apologize.

[GOPJ]

How long has it been? What kind of damage?

[smokingfrog]

example

http://www.ecpaclaims.com/homeowners.htm

[RegulatorCountry]

Don’t agree to anything until you have acquired a firm estimate from a legitmate contractor to repair the damage. Study your policy to understand the limitations of coverage. Play nice with the adjuster in the meantime, but if you get a whiff of lowballing, and they will likely try, retain an attorney and offer to settle for the maximum under your policy.

Then, regardless of the outcome, be prepared to find a new insurance company, because they will drop you for having filed a claim. Nothing personal on that one, even though it seems like a slap in the face to a homeowner. Actuarial tables show that those who have had a claim paid out are far more likely to have another in the immediate future, and they’re cutting their losses.

[MAAG]

Don’t say or offer anything, just let him or her do what they need to, then wait for report and if you feel that it is sufficient accept, or ask for another one or call a general contractor and get your own. Then counter.

[garykfd]

take lots of pictures and write everything down.. in other words cover your ass and don’t take anything for granted

[ken5050]

Even better..have someone record your meetings, and conversations, with the adjuster..he shouldn’t mind...

[clintonh8r]

Hire a public adjuster.

[Venturer]

Filed last Monday , haven’t heard a word yet from an adjuster.

I have two estimates already, but no adjuster, and Lee coming in with more rain on a damaged roof, and Katia sitting in the Ocean.

[oldbrowser]

My experience with insurance companies over many years in business is to get a lawyer experienced in insurance claims. You would be surprised how reasonable insurance companies become when dealing with someone who understands all of the legal mumbo jumbo. I have come out way ahead of the legal fees with a good attorney.

[ought-six]

What is your claim? Flood damage? Wind damage? Fire damage? What specifically are you claiming?

[ought-six]

A public adjuster only impacts damages, and cannot affect coverage.

[Bringbackthedraft]

Who is the carrier, and do they send their own adjustors?

[CGASMIA68]

Allstate was here in the winter and was excellent for a collapsed barn.
I too will see tomorrow when they show up for a tree landing on house, but before it landed, it ripped out power feed and associated hardware.
When the power came back after being repaired some where away from the neighbor hood an open neutral in the feed resulted in all low voltage stuff to fry.Micro,garage door opener,TVs,Stereos,radios,all gnd fault sockets and I think the circuit board in the gas furnace/ac unit(nothing works in that)Best one was the mattress pad heater controller in the 2nd floor bdrm that no one uses in the summer,melting on the night stand which I discovered after shutting the main breaker and doing a walk around in the dark.The end table was starting to burn.If I waste home to kill the breaker the house would have been on fire..........
My declaration shows 160,000.00 personal prop @replacement value...will see.There is always the “act of god” disclaimer. So far out of pocket 700 for the tree and 1700 to replace the entire service feed which was old and the power company wouldnt connect back to it.

[Kirkwood]

Hire your own adjuster and then begin the negotiations.

[ThomasThomas]

After Katrina it took a while because of volume but the claims adjuster did a fair job at my parents house. New roof new carpet. Around $15,000 in all. Repaired damage caused by the fallen tree but didn’t cover removal of tree. LA has odd laws. They were not living in the house so they had time to be patient.

[americanophile]

Thoroughly read your policy. Understand the distinction between wind damage, for which you may be covered, and flood damage, for which you may not be. Recognize that under that Midwestern smile, your insurance company will do everything it can to avoid paying. When interviewed, answer all questions in a way which comports with your coverage; think strategically. Photograph everything. Do not accept any verbal assurances.