Claim Handling Procedure
This page explains Expert Public Adjusting's 5-step claim handling procedure. Please contact us if you have questions - we're here to help.
Preliminary Step
Once you contact Expert Public Adjusting, one of our experienced staff will reach out to you you as quickly as possible. On that call, we can review your claim, answer any questions and schedule a meeting to inspect your damage.
We will schedule the initial inspection when you can be present. It is of critical importance to understand the full scope of the loss and all your available insurance coverages. During this meeting, Expert Public Adjusting will present you with a Letter of Representation (LOR) for handling your claim—we cannot deal with your insurance on your behalf without this agreement being executed and presented to your insurer.
Our fee structure is based on your needs and coverages and may be designated by State Law depending on where you are located and the conditions surrounding your claim. Expert Public Adjusting only receives fees based on recovery, accordingly, we are highly motivated to do all we can to make sure you receive the maximum allowable settlement. Our fees start at twenty (20%) percent plus usual reasonable and customary expenses. In Florida (and some other states) when a disaster is declared (due to a Hurricane) Public Adjuster fees are capped at 10% for the following year per State law. Your contract will clearly show the fee structure and all UCR expenses.
Next Step: Investigation
After execution of our LOR, Expert Public Adjusting will clearly document all your damage and begin the formation of an electronic record providing a clear and consistent roadmap of claim handling, communication and analysis.
We will request a certified copy of your policy to ensure the coverage limits, code compliance and exclusions are properly handled. Expert Public Adjusting will order a digital model of your property and develop an Xactimate estimate showing the insurance company your damages. We will analyze of your policy provisions and stipulations as they relate to your loss in order to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Our staff continually studies court cases, decisions from the Insurance Commissioner's office and industry-specfic technical articles to utilize in preparing your claim. Expert Public Adjusting maintains its professional standards through industry events, seminars, continuing education and other avenues. We are licensed and comply with all state regulations in the areas we serve.
Step Three: Your "Duties After a Loss"
"Duties After a Loss" provisions are contained in every policy. This can be a tedious and exacting obligation taking up time and money when you need to focus on restoring your home or business or both.
Expert Public Adjusting will ensure policy compliance once we are onboard and work to mitigate any issues that may arise as the claim unfolds. We will create an exact profile of your claim demonstrating the proper valuation and comporting with your policy language.
This may include:
- Detailed construction estimates with supporting engineering documents if necessary.
- Inventory & contents spreadsheets incorporating valuation and supporting photographs.
- Business claims analysis, including necessary accounting.
- Technical supporting documentation for engineering, accounting, and other disputes.
- Meet with your insurance company adjuster—handle insurance communications on your behalf.
Step Four: Showtime
Once our processes are complete, documents generated and files stacked with appropriate supporting documentation, Expert Public Adjusting senior staff review the claim based on their combined knowledge, experience, and expertise. This final review is followed by a client update and barring exceptions—submission to the insurance.
Step Five: Negotiations and Settlement
Expert Public Adjusting handles all claim communications. YOU are strictly advised not to communicate with the insurance company, their staff, adjusters consultants or any other person unless you are accompanied by a staff member of Expert Public Adjusting.
There are always some negotiations regarding any insurance claim—our goal is to present a comprehensive professional position which provides our clients with the ultimate legitimate claim settlement in a timely manner. Expert Public Adjusting will always keep you informed about claims negotiations and gain your prior approval for claims settlement claim.
Remember, Expert Public Adjusting is paid only it’s expenses until your claim is paid. Our fee-based compensation means we will negotiate your claim as quickly and effectively as possible for your greatest possible benefit.