| For most homeowners, filing homeowner's | | | | continuous phone calls to the adjuster may |
| insurance claims is a rare event. Unfortunately, | | | | continue to be ignored. Instead, call the insurance |
| because individuals don't need to do so often, it's | | | | company and ask if the adjuster is in the building. |
| easy to find yourself getting the short end of the | | | | If so, do not let the receptionist transfer you to |
| deal. After all, if you had to file frequent insurance | | | | the adjuster's desk as your call will likely end up in |
| claims, you'd know what to expect and have the | | | | voicemail. Ask the receptionist to get the adjuster |
| benefit of experience. If you're involved in a | | | | on the line and connect you directly. If this is not |
| homeowner's insurance claim for the first time (or | | | | possible, ask to speak to a supervisor and state |
| need a refresher), here are a few insurance claim | | | | that you will hold on the line until you can speak |
| tips to help ensure that you get a fair settlement. | | | | with someone in authority rather than leave a |
| Clues that Your Insurance Claim Might Not be | | | | message.o Stalling tactics. In most states, |
| Fair:o The insurance adjuster arrives, takes a | | | | insurance companies must resolve claims in a |
| quick look around, and then disappears. Preparing | | | | specific time frame. However, these regulations |
| realistic assessments of the damage takes time. | | | | have a bit of wiggle room and time frames can |
| When an adjuster comes in and says, "Yep, the | | | | be extended under certain circumstances. For |
| house is flooded alright" and then dashes off to | | | | example, in Texas, insurance companies have 15 |
| his next claim, he's not giving your property the | | | | calendar days (in most cases) to acknowledge |
| attention to detail that you deserve. You already | | | | receipt of your claim and request reasonable |
| know the house is flooded, right? The adjuster's | | | | information related to the claim. From there, the |
| job is to assess the damage and make | | | | insurance company has 15 business days to |
| reasonable estimates.o Lightning fast settlement | | | | approve or deny your claim in writing. However, if |
| offers. This is clue is similar to the adjuster who | | | | the insurance company notifies you that it needs |
| arrives and quickly departs only this time, the | | | | more time, this deadline can be extended. The law |
| offer is made "too fast." For example, if the | | | | provides additional provisions and regulations such |
| adjuster arrives and says, "Yep, the house is | | | | as Texas's vary from state to state. If your |
| flooded. I'm authorized to cut you a check for $X | | | | insurance company continuously asks for |
| right now," resist the urge to accept the offer | | | | clarification on your claim forms, they may be |
| right away. Ask to see a detailed breakdown of | | | | stalling. Check your state's department of |
| the damages along with estimates. In addition, | | | | insurance to see what your rights are. |
| obtain your own independent estimates so that | | | | When it comes to filing an insurance claim, taking |
| you can make sure that the settlement offer is | | | | a proactive approach will help ensure that you are |
| sufficient.o The insurance company "brushes you | | | | properly compensated. Prepare detailed |
| off." Is your insurance adjuster failing to return | | | | inventories and obtain several independent |
| your calls? While adjusters are busy professionals, | | | | estimates. Be prepared to stick up for yourself |
| not returning phone calls is a common ploy. When | | | | and make your case. |
| you feel as if you are getting the brush off, | | | | By: Mr. |