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Property Damage Claim Process
Foremost, the most important thing – When a property damage claim process is initiated, it is important to attempt to limit losses by taking matters into one's own hands.
This can include laying out tarps to protect the interior of the home from additional water damage, boarding up broken windows and doors to prevent animals or the elements from entering, and calling a plumber to fix any broken pipes.
Additionally, a remediation company can be called to remove any accumulated water or moisture.
It is important to make every effort to control and stop any further damage, as an insurance company may deny part of the claim if it determines that additional damage could have been avoided.
STEP 1
Contact a licensed and private Public Adjuster for an Inspection and Evaluation – The first step in filing a property damage claim is to contact a licensed public adjuster. A public adjuster can help evaluate the damage, submit accurate estimates to the insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement. It's important to select an experienced public adjuster who has a good reputation and can provide the best assistance.
STEP 2
Check with the private Public Adjuster the DICE Pages of your insurance policy – An essential part of verifying that the damages you have suffered are covered by your policy. The acronym "DICE" stands for Declarations, Insuring Agreement, Conditions, and Exclusions.
Your declarations page outlines the specifics of your insurance policy including coverage type, limits, deductible amounts, policy period, and policy number. Your Insuring Agreement page outlines the obligations of your insurer to you as the insured and what they are obligated to do in case of a claim. The conditions page outlines your responsibilities as the insured, such as when payment is due, how to submit claims for payment, and any special instructions or requirements for filing a claim. Finally, the Exclusions page outlines any circumstances in which your policy does not provide coverage.
By thoroughly reviewing each of these pages, you can verify that the damages you have suffered are covered by your policy and proceed with filing a claim to receive compensation from your insurer. It is important to note that some policies may require additional steps such as completing a sworn statement or obtaining an appraisal of the damages before you can proceed with filing your claim. Make sure to double-check for any additional requirements that must be met before submitting your claim.
STEP 3
Documenting the Property Damage – The public adjuster will need to take a detailed inventory of the damage and create an itemized list of what needs to be repaired or replaced. This could include photos, videos, or even receipts if applicable. Depending on the type of property damage, additional documents may be required.
STEP 4
Submit the Claim to the Insurance Company – Once all the documents are prepared, they will be submitted to the insurance company for review. This is typically done through an online portal so that everything is easily tracked.
STEP 5
Negotiate Settlement – The public adjuster will negotiate a settlement with the insurance company that covers the cost of repairs and replacement items. This negotiation can take some time, as the insurance company may not agree to the estimate or offer a settlement that is lower than what is expected.
STEP 6
Follow Up – Once a settlement has been reached, the public adjuster will follow up with the insured to make sure that all the repairs and replacements have been completed. The insured should also contact the public adjuster if they have any questions or concerns.
STEP 7
Final Settlement – After all the repairs and replacements have been made, the final settlement will be paid out to the insured by the insurance company. This is typically done in one lump sum payment. The public adjuster may also help with filing any additional paperwork required to close out the claim.
When your insurance company issues you your payment, it is important not to sign any release or other type of agreement that would prevent you from filing for a supplemental payment or re-opening the claim.
This is not necessarily your final payment and if you have not hired a public adjuster by this point now is the time to contact PICC Public Adjusters in Florida. A public adjuster can still inspect your property on your behalf and re-file for additional compensation if further damage related to the initial loss is found.
A recent study by the State of Florida found that when you use a public adjuster, you are likely to receive a payout 166% greater than if you do not use a public adjuster.
If you are sent a denial letter for your property damage claim, PICC will work to get the denial reversed for a second look.
Be sure to also keep all correspondence from your insurance regarding the denial as they will be helpful to your public adjuster in securing your claim
STEP 8
Close Out the Claim – Once all the repairs and replacements have been completed, and the settlement has been paid out by the insurance company, the claim can be officially closed out. This will ensure that no further action needs to be taken.
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The process of filing a property damage claim can be a complicated one, and it is important to have an experienced public adjuster on your side to ensure the best possible outcome. By following these steps, you can get the most from your insurance policy and feel secure in knowing that your claim will be handled properly.