FAQs about Houston Public Adjusters and insurance claims

We are licensed in the states we operate and only a licensed public adjuster or a licensed attorney can represent your interest other than you in a first party insurance claim. The insurance company hires adjusters who represent them. You need someone you hire who represents you and who understands how the claim process works and what damages to look for to ensure the home is restored to pre-loss conditions. The PA negotiates on your behalf and is an expert in the property insurance field.

The amount most public adjusters take varies and is usually standard around 10% as there are expenses they incur for inspection, estimate writing, possibly hiring and paying for appraisers and umpires as well as flying drones and taking precise measurements etc.

Public adjusters solely represent your interest and a staff or independent adjuster is hired and paid for by the insurance company. Doesn't it make sense that they would operate within different parameters and may not always be looking out for your best interest. Also they could take advantage of your lack of expertise in understanding the details of your coverage sometimes underpaying and sometimes denying or delaying payment on claims altogether as well as paying for only what they see (even through they know the damage can be more extensive than what is seen on the surface level). You need to hire an expert who will look out for your and find the coverages afforded in your policy and make sure you are paid what you are owed.

Certainly, public adjusters and insurance attorneys often deal with various questions related to their field. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) for both public adjusters and insurance attorneys:

Public Adjusters:

1. What does a public adjuster do?
   
   • Public adjusters assess property damage, prepare insurance claims, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair settlements for policyholders.

1. When should I hire a public adjuster?
   
   • You may consider hiring a public adjuster when you have experienced significant property damage, and you want to maximize your insurance claim settlement.

1. How are public adjusters compensated?
   
   • Public adjusters typically work on a contingency fee basis, earning a percentage of the final insurance settlement. This fee is agreed upon before they start working on your claim.

1. Can I hire a public adjuster after I've already filed a claim?
   
   • Yes, you can hire a public adjuster at any stage of the claims process. They can review your existing claim and negotiate for a better settlement if necessary.

1. Do I still need a public adjuster if my insurance company has an adjuster assigned to my claim?
   
   • While insurance companies have their adjusters, they may prioritize their interests. A public adjuster works on your behalf to ensure your interests are also considered.

Insurance Attorneys:

1. When should I hire an insurance attorney?
   
   • Insurance attorneys are often hired when there are disputes with insurance companies, denied claims, or issues related to bad faith practices.

1. What is bad faith insurance?
   
   • Bad faith insurance refers to situations where an insurance company unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim, violating its duty to act in good faith and fair dealing.

1. How does an insurance attorney charge for their services?
   
   • Insurance attorneys may charge hourly rates, flat fees, or work on a contingency basis depending on the nature of the case.

1. Can an insurance attorney help with denied claims?
   
   • Yes, insurance attorneys can assist in challenging denied claims, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing legal action if necessary.

1. What steps should I take before contacting an insurance attorney?
   
   • Before contacting an attorney, document all communication with the insurance company, gather evidence related to your claim, and have a clear understanding of your policy.

These are general FAQs, and specific situations may warrant additional questions or considerations. It's always advisable to consult with professionals for personalized advice based on your circumstances. This is not legal advise. For legal advise consult an insurance attorney. For policy related questions you should contact our team of expert public adjusters.

Hiring a public adjuster for an insurance claim can make sense for several reasons:

1. Expertise in the Claims Process:
   
   • Public adjusters are trained professionals with expertise in insurance policies, coverage details, and the claims process. They understand the intricacies of policy language and can navigate the complexities of filing a claim.

1. Maximizing Settlements:
   
   • Public adjusters work on behalf of policyholders, aiming to maximize the settlement amount. Their goal is to ensure that you receive fair compensation for the damage to your property, taking into account all relevant factors.

1. Assessment of Damages:
   
   • Public adjusters conduct thorough assessments of property damages. They can identify and document damages more comprehensively, ensuring that all eligible costs are included in the claim.

1. Negotiation Skills:
   
   • Public adjusters are skilled negotiators. They can engage with insurance companies on your behalf, advocating for a fair and equitable settlement. Their experience allows them to navigate discussions effectively.

1. Time and Stress Savings:
   
   • Managing an insurance claim can be time-consuming and stressful. Hiring a public adjuster allows you to offload this responsibility to a professional, giving you more time to focus on other aspects of recovery.

1. Contingency Fee Structure:
   
   • Public adjusters typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if the insurance claim is successful, taking a percentage of the final settlement. This fee structure aligns their interests with yours, as they aim to maximize your payout.

1. Expertise in Policy Interpretation:
   
   • Insurance policies can be complex, and understanding the nuances is crucial. Public adjusters are familiar with policy terms and conditions, helping ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.

1. Assistance Throughout the Claim Process:
   
   • Public adjusters can assist you at every stage of the claims process, from the initial filing to negotiations and final settlement. Their involvement helps to streamline the process and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

1. Experience with Insurance Companies:
   
   • Public adjusters often have experience working with various insurance companies. This familiarity allows them to understand the practices and preferences of different insurers, potentially leading to more efficient and successful claims.

1. Protection Against Bad Faith Practices:
   
   • In cases where an insurance company acts in bad faith—unreasonably denying, delaying, or underpaying a claim—an experienced public adjuster can help protect your rights and take appropriate action.

While hiring a public adjuster may involve some upfront costs, the potential benefits, including a higher settlement and a smoother claims process, often outweigh the expenses, making it a sensible choice for many policyholders. Public adjusters have experience with many types of insurance claims from commercial buildings such as hotels and restaurants to high value homes and yachts as well as cargo marine vessels and oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Our team has dealt with hurricane damage in Puerto Rico to simple toilet overflow water damage that could cause extensive damage to a two story home. We have dealt with the Texas freeze and related damages to the many hurricanes hitting Texas and Louisiana. This vast experience makes us the right choice to help when a peril hits.

Insurance Claims Follow These Strict Timelines:

Acknowledge your claim, beginning investigation of the claim and requesting relevant information from you, within 15 days after receiving your claim.

Within 15 days after receiving all relevant information it requested from you, the insurer must make a decision to accept or reject your claim.

If the carrier decides to accept your claim, it must pay the undisputed amount within 5 business days.

If the carrier needs more time to decide, it must inform you, and explain why it needs more time. But even if more time is needed, it must make a decision within 45 days of notifying you that it needs more time.

If the insurance company delays payment for more than 60 days after receiving all information necessary to decide your claim, the carrier “shall pay” interest and attorney’s fees, in addition to the amount of the claim.