Frequently Asked Questions
We're here to help!
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions. For more answers and advice, contact us.
Would you go to court without being represented by a competent and professional attorney? NO! Would you attempt surgery on yourself? NO!
If you want to sell your house for top dollar, would you sell your house without a competent and professional Realtor? Maybe... You could go at it alone, but if you knew the power of a good Realtor, you would hire them. Why? Because they will take the stress out of trying to stage the house correctly, market effectively, paperwork, regulatory obligations, open houses, meetings, negotiations, etc.
A competent and professional Public Adjuster advocates for you and has your best interest in mind; navigating and guiding you through your claim to the best possible outcome and maximized settlement for YOU!
A Public Insurance Adjuster is a licensed and bonded private adjuster and insurance professional who assists policyholders with their Property Damage Claim. The insurance claim process is complicated and policyholders become a legal adversary the moment when a claim is filed. Your insurance policy is a binding contract and both parties have obligations and duties to fulfill within certain time frames. Navigating all of this while suffering a loss is stressful, and if not done properly, you can give up some of your rights and find yourself in an unfavorable position.
We represent you. Not the insurance company.
There are three types of adjusters licensed by the State of Florida:
Insurance Company Adjuster - is employed by an insurance company to represent the insurance company in dealing with your insurance claim. The insurance company adjuster's main responsibility is to protect the interests of the insurance company.
Independent Adjuster - is hired by insurance companies to represent them in dealing with you, your loss and damages. The independent adjuster's main responsibility is to protect the interests of the insurance company.
Public Adjuster - is the only adjuster specifically licensed by the State of Florida to represent you, the Insured. The Public Adjuster’s main responsibility is to protect you and your interests in claims against a loss with the Insurance Company.
Yes, you can.
Be prepared to document all aspects of your loss, try to understand the insurance policy you purchased and follow through with the agent and the company.
However, if your loss is significant, you should consider hiring us as your public adjuster to make sure you are properly represented.
Remember, the insurance company has its own insurance professional expert representing them.
Shouldn't you have professional representation too?
You need someone looking out for your best interest.
If you have just suffered an insured loss resulting from a pipe burst, a fire, hurricane or some other traumatic event, it's probably not the best time to take a crash course on how to properly present an insurance claim.
You may be dealing with a multitude of other matters, such as finding housing or an alternate business location, dealing with the emotional trauma of a loss or simply going about your daily responsibilities, like work and family. God forbid you should also be dealing with injuries or the unthinkable in connection with the event.
Consider these points:
It is up to you to prove the extent of your loss to the Insurance Company...
The burden of proof is on you.
A typical insurance policy is 60 – 100 pages long and usually contains more exclusions than it does inclusions. It also has numerous provisions and stipulations – written in technical and legal terms. Additionally, it contains various forms and endorsements which are constantly changing from year to year and which add or exclude coverage from your policy. Most people have difficulty understanding what can appear to be a lot of legal mumbo jumbo. For example, did you know that in order for the insurance company to compensate you for your loss, there are certain conditions that YOU must satisfy?
Did you know that your failure to satisfy these policy requirements could reduce your settlement amount or even cause your claim to be denied?
Don't feel bad. Most people don't know these things. A qualified, trusted, and trained public adjuster will help make sure you meet all of the policy conditions, document your loss, and get your claim paid.
No matter how organized you and your documentation are, filing and receiving payment on a claim is a time-consuming and tedious process. If you are not knowledgeable, sufficiently organized, and your loss documented properly, you may not get your claim paid properly or leave money on the table that you are entitled to.
You have paid premiums and you are entitled to receive the proper settlement.
A licensed, bonded and qualified Public Adjuster has the experience, knowledge and expertise to obtain your maximum entitlements under your policy.
Remember that the insurance company adjuster is representing the insurance company. It is not uncommon for the insurance company to misinterpret their own insurance policy or forget to apply case law or Florida Statutes which supersede their own policy.A public insurance adjuster will know current laws as they affect insurance losses and how to best represent you. A public insurance adjuster has resources to help you through the maze of estimating, documenting, and filing your insurance claims.
A Public Adjuster who belongs to the State Association of Public Insurance Adjusters adheres to a strict Code of Ethics and is able to take advantage of the best quality continuing education training in the country. Additionally, FAPIA members have a network of resources to best assist you in handling your insurance claim.
Author, Jay Feinman who wrote the book "Delay, Deny, Defend - Why insurance companies don't pay claims and what you can do about it", explains:
"Insurance works when the insurance company honors a simple promise: When a policyholder files a claim, the company will pay what it owes, no more but no less, and will do so promptly and fairly. Insurance doesn't work when the company breaks it's promise in order to increase its profits. Insurance doesn't work when companies delay, deny, or defend. When they delay payment of claims to wear down claimants and to increase their investment income, flat-out deny some valid claims in whole or in part, and defend against valid claims in litigation to back up the delays and denials, they break their basic promise".
Compound the above assertion with the fact that many people have difficulty understanding the technical language of an insurance policy and the complicated procedures they must follow to comply with the policy’s terms. This problem is magnified when you have suffered a loss and are emotional about the situation. That is a perfect time to have an experienced professional on your side whose sole responsibility in the matter is to serve you, the insured. The insurance company certainly has experienced professionals working for them.
No they are not. Their services are available only to the insured public, not the insurance company. We represent you. Never the insurance company.
License & Appointment
Make sure their license and appointment are up-to-date with the State of Florida and make sure they are really a licensed Public Adjuster. Some people are misrepresented themselves as Public Adjusters.
Experience
Public Adjusters come from a wide range of backgrounds – Ask about experience and training and it's always a good idea to ask for references. Make sure the person who you are considering has the right mix for you.
Professionalism
Do not sign blank contracts. A professional public insurance adjuster will explain the fee structure up-front so you understand why and what you’re are paying for.
Comfort Level
This intangible may be quite important if your claim is complex or extensive. This person will be helping you through a very traumatic time and resolving the claim could take some time…find someone who fits your needs. A public insurance adjuster who is a member of their state association of public insurance adjusters takes their profession seriously and subscribes to a strict code of ethics. FAPIA public adjuster members care about advocating for policyholders in Florida.
Didn’t Find Your Question Above?
Send us your questions and we'll respond promptly.
We'd love to talk to you!