Home Insurance Claims Are Disagreeable

Policyholders want the insurer’s money and insurer’s adjusters want to save the insurer’s money. That’s inherently disagreeable. The word “adjuster” as used in “insurance adjuster” means to alter or change. In insurance, it is usually a “downward” adjustment of your claim. The word “claim” as used in “insurance claim” means to ask for something. Remember if “you don’t ask … you don’t get”. And, “it’s not personal, it’s just business.”

Myths

While insurers have a legal duty to act in good faith and answer your questions about the policy truthfully, they are not obligated to tell you what to claim. The “agent” who sold you your policy is legally, not really “your” agent. He is, legally, the insurer’s agent. The only motivation for him to help you is the commission he earns on the premiums you pay. And those commissions are paid by the insurer after your check goes to the insurer.

The adjuster that shows up at your door works for and is paid by the insurance company. He’s not your adjuster, he’s the insurance company’s adjuster.

Your Attitude and Morale

So, here you are in a motel or a rental house after your small kitchen fire or major house fire. It’s been six days and no one is returning your calls. Maybe it’s been six months and they are still “getting estimates” or doing the investigation. Maybe they are investigating YOU. They may have advanced you some money, but it probably wasn’t enough. You never thought you would be sick of eating out. If you are unhappy, that’s a pretty good sign you need help.

But maybe everything is going great so far, so you think. Well, let me explain the difference between a good insurance company adjuster and a poor one. The good adjuster will walk into your house and within five minutes his eyes have seen ten things he could pay you for when your claim was only for two things: a water stain on your ceiling and a wet carpet. The good adjuster will add a couple more items to your claim and you will be very happy. A bad adjuster will also see ten things you could be paid for, but not only will he not mention the additional items, he will look for a way to reduce and deny your two items. But the real point here is that there is always money left on the table.

Still feel guilty? Look, there’s a pot of gold in your insurance policy, insurance law, and construction knowledge. You don’t have to do anything illegal or unethical. I guarantee you when an insurance company executive or adjuster has a claim to his own home, he gets every last penny. They even call me for free advice (in confidence) if you can believe that!

Regardless of whether you are dealing with a good or bad adjuster, you need to arm yourself with the knowledge, experience, and expertise PA Public Adjusters can provide.