Too many policyholders rely on their insurance company to visit their property, inspect their claim, and provide a claim settlement for their damages. This should almost NEVER HAPPEN!
I'm not saying that there are no good adjusters out there and that they can't be trusted, not at all. There are many excellent adjusters that do an excellent job. However, are you under the delusion that they will never make a mistake, miss hidden damages, or that they all have multiple years of experience? Not a chance.
You're most likely one of those people who have had a second opinion before having your car fixed. Possibly you or someone you know has needed a second opinion after seeing a doctor, second opinion when buying a car, a computer, or even hiring a contractor? Most people have had more than one estimate to build a deck, replace windows, or have a ne room put on their home. I'm assuming you and most everyone you ask has answered "YES," to all or one of these. Then why is it that policyholders allow adjusters to basically "TELL THEM," what they will receive for their insurance claim?
Most insurance adjusters have learned how to pass an insurance claim exam and learned how to use an insurance estimating program... but have never worked on an insurance repair job. Many have never built or repaired a home, nor have they ever worked for any type of Construction Company. Chances are they will miss something needed to properly complete the repairs of your claim.
Simply put, this is what you have been paying for all this time. To be protected when you have a claim. It is YOUR money, it is YOUR insurance policy, it is YOUR property, which in turn makes it YOUR responsibility to protect yourself from mistakes or from being taken advantage of. Again, the insurance company adjuster could be 100% accurate with the final analysis and estimate numbers for your claim damages. Regardless of what you think may be true, YOU should be sure. Policyholders need to have an independent insurance appraiser or contractor provide them with a line item, detailed estimate that will ensure their adjuster was correct.
What Is A Detailed, Line-Item Estimate?
Sometimes a contractor will use a complete sf price for a roof or deck, but the insurance company is requesting the estimate be broken down per line item. Using the roof example; the insurance companies want to see each process of the roof replacement, AND each type of material being used on the roof - listed separately. Here's an example;
The numbers in the above example are fictitious; however, it shows the basics of a Line Item, Detailed Estimate. Each line item is broken down in detail and displays the description, quantity, unit cost, and total for each separate line item. This type of detail is needed so the insurance company can review and compare each separate line item and unit costs with their own software. Having the insurance claim estimate formatted the way the insurance companies like to see them, results in a faster settlement.
In the event of an insurance claim dispute a more detailed estimate allows for a smoother, less time consuming process. It's difficult for the insurance companies to dispute insurance claim estimates that are presented to them in the exact format that they are requesting.
Protect yourself, educate yourself, and watch out for yourself by simply obtaining another opinion on any or all insurance claim damages you may incur. If you're not willing to obtain insurance claim help and you're not willing to look out for yourself... Then Who Will?
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