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