Insurance companies continue pushing out less than satisfactory estimates to their insureds for covered damage. How do you take them on?
It would appear on its face that the insurance companies hold all the cards; they have the time, money, and lawyers.
Can you, as a policyholder, level the playing field?
There is help for policyholders. There are Public Adjusters and attorneys that can provide valuable service and get the claim settled, and see that you are treated fairly.
While you contemplate your next steps, you should make sure you are following the conditions outlined in the policy. Ask yourself the question:
Have I been adequately documenting my claim?
The burden of proof falls on you, the policyholder. Have you provided your insurance company with any documentation to refute their findings? Photographs, builders’ estimates, receipts, engineering reports, etc.
Proper claim documentation is critical, and you can bet that your insurance company is carefully documenting its position to keep the claim within its control and the costs down.
This sounds like a big undertaking, but by taking some time to review your position and get organized, you will be in a much stronger position should you decide to escalate and take on your carrier through an Attorney or Public Adjuster.
Start by simply gathering photographs. If you took photos of the damage, you are well on your way. Could you put them in some order? Maybe download a photo documentation app. Of course, “before” pictures come in handy. Go through your phone. Did you happen to capture the damaged room or items in your last selfie? You would be surprised.
Get estimates for the repair. The more detailed, the better. You may even consider paying a builder with insurance experience to write an estimate to repair the covered damage.
The bottom line is that you can’t refute a lowball offer with no documents of your own.
Help the professionals who can help you. A little goes a long way.
Once you have gathered as much documentation as possible, start getting some advice on how to move forward.
In part two, we will discuss ways to move the claim forward on your own or through a professional.