Are You Being Treated Unfairly By Your Insurance Company?

Navigating the insurance claims process can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded—frustrating, overwhelming, and fruitless. When a disaster strikes and damages your property, you rely on insurance adjusters to fairly evaluate your claim and secure the compensation you deserve. However, their primary allegiance lies with the insurance company, not the policyholder. This misalignment can leave you vulnerable, especially when your focus should be on recovery.

Insurance adjusters play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of claims. Yet, their loyalty to the insurance company’s bottom line frequently results in underpaid or denied claims. By understanding the tactics adjusters use and knowing your rights, you can better protect yourself and secure the compensation you’re entitled to. Partnering with a public insurance adjuster—a licensed professional working exclusively for policyholders—can make all the difference in navigating these complexities.

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The Role of Insurance Adjusters

Carrier adjusters are responsible for assessing property damage and determining the settlement amount. While they may appear to be impartial, their primary goal is to minimize payouts for the insurance company. This creates an inherent conflict of interest that can lead to undervalued settlements, prolonged claims processes, or even outright denials.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial. Recognizing that Carrier adjusters may not always act in your best interest empowers you to advocate for your rights and seek professional representation if necessary.

Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often employ strategies designed to protect their profitability, even at the expense of policyholders. Here are some common tactics:

1. Underestimating Damages

Adjusters may intentionally downplay the extent of the damage to reduce the payout. For example, water damage—a common issue—can result in structural deterioration and microbial contamination if not addressed promptly. Certified public insurance adjusters, such as those with IICRC credentials in water damage and structural drying, conduct thorough evaluations to ensure that no detail is overlooked.

2. Delaying the Claims Process

Delays can frustrate policyholders into accepting lower settlements out of desperation. Prolonged claims processes often leave property managers and contractors struggling to manage repairs and recovery efforts.

3. Lowball Initial Offers

Offering a settlement far below the actual cost of repairs is a frequent tactic. Without an advocate, policyholders, who are typically not contractors and have no construction experience, may feel pressured to accept these offers, not understanding they are being cheated.

4. Questioning Credibility

Adjusters might use aggressive questioning or demand excessive documentation to cast doubt on your claim. These tactics aim to wear you down and reduce the likelihood of a successful claim.

By recognizing these strategies, you can take proactive steps to counteract them.

Red Flags of Unfair Treatment

All claims must be handled under the Doctrine of Good Faith & Fair Dealing. Identifying signs that your Carrier may not be handling your claim under this Doctrine is essential for protecting your rights. Be alert for these red flags:

• Unexplained Delays: If your claim stalls without clear justification, it may be a deliberate tactic.
• Inadequate Communication: Difficulty reaching your adjuster or vague responses are warning signs.
• Purposefully not paying for specific construction modes that are required for proper repair, and only stating that “we (the Carrier) don’t pay for that”
• Unjustified Denials: Denying a claim without a detailed explanation often indicates bad faith practices.

The High Value of Public Insurance Adjusters

Public insurance adjusters are advocates and work exclusively for policyholders, providing an unbiased assessment of damages and negotiating on your behalf. Unlike insurance company adjusters, their priority is ensuring you receive a fair settlement. Here’s how they can help:

1. Comprehensive Damage Assessment

Public adjusters are trained to identify all damages, including hidden issues like structural or microbial contamination. Their certifications, such as IICRC in Fire Damage and Smoke Damage, ensure they can accurately evaluate even complex claims. Knowledge matters!

2. Expert Policy Interpretation

Understanding the intricacies of insurance policies is challenging. Public adjusters are experts in policy interpretation, helping you navigate exclusions and ensuring all covered damages are included.

3. Effective Negotiation

Experienced in dealing with insurance companies, public adjusters can counter lowball offers and advocate for a settlement that reflects the true cost of repairs. It costs more money not using a Public Adjuster.

By partnering with a public adjuster, you gain a dedicated ally in the claims process, improving your chances of a favorable outcome.

Steps Policyholders Can Take

If you suspect your claim is being mishandled, taking the following actions can strengthen your position:

1. Document Everything

Keep detailed records of all communications with your insurer, including emails, phone calls, and meeting notes. Photograph damages and retain receipts for repairs or temporary accommodations.

2. Understand Your Policy

Review your insurance policy thoroughly to understand your coverage and obligations. This knowledge will help you advocate for your rights.

3. Seek Professional Representation

For day-average and complex claims, hiring a public insurance adjuster can provide the expertise needed to navigate the process effectively. Their involvement often leads to faster, proper resolutions and higher settlements.

Empower Yourself with Knowledge

Navigating the insurance claims process doesn’t have to feel like a losing battle. By understanding the tactics used by adjusters and recognizing signs of unfair treatment, you can take control of your claim. Partnering with a public insurance adjuster ensures you have a knowledgeable advocate on your side, fighting for the compensation you deserve.

At Velocity Public Insurance Adjusters, we specialize in all types of property damage claims, including water, fire, storm, and vandalism damage. With our IICRC certifications and extensive experience, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.

Don’t let insurance companies dictate your peace of mind. Contact Velocity Public Insurance Adjusters today for a free claim and policy review. Together, we’ll navigate the complex world of insurance claims with confidence and clarity.