A public adjuster is a professional whom a policyholder can hire to help them settle an insurance claim on their behalf. Insurance companies have their own adjusters, but you need to understand that they are looking out for the company’s interests, not your own. If you live in Florida and have an insurance claim you would like to settle, get in touch with Exodus to speak with a public adjuster.
Public adjusters are experts in many different categories. They handle claims regarding hurricanes, water damage, fire, mold, and income loss. People often do not hire a public adjusters because they hear false claims about them. The truth is, several advantages come with hiring an adjuster. Below are the top 5 myths about public adjusters.
Using a Public Adjuster Will Increase Your Rates
Most people are afraid of hiring a public adjuster because they believe that using an adjuster will increase their rates. This is not true. It makes sense for one to be concerned about their insurance premiums going up, considering how expensive they are. Still, laws in place restrict an insurance company from raising your premium rates because you are working with an adjuster. Therefore, they cannot increase your premiums because they are legally restricted from doing so.
However, when you work with an adjuster, they have more experience and will ensure that you get the best out of your claim. You should also note that the insurance company will pay you so much more when you work with an adjuster than when you are settling the claim alone, and that is why they do not like it when their policyholders work with adjusters. An insurance company can only raise premiums if multiple claims are filed in one particular area, and usually, the whole region’s premiums are increased.
When Using a Public Adjuster You Can Lose Your Coverage
If you choose to work with an adjuster in making your insurance claim, you cannot lose your coverage. Most people avoid using an adjuster because they have heard the misinformation that they will lose their coverage if they do so. Your policy provider is legally restricted from dropping you because you worked with an adjuster on your claim. It is illegal for them to drop your coverage in the attempts of fighting you back.
The only thing they can do legally is choosing not to renew your coverage once your current policy expires, but they cannot immediately drop you before your coverage expires. In most cases, an insurance company will only drop you if you neglect to pay your premiums or believe that your negligence caused the loss. For instance, if you were smoking a cigarette and fell asleep and it ended up burning your house.
Public Adjusters are Frauds Who Get a Higher Settlement
This is one of the most widespread myths about adjusters. Public adjusters will help you get a higher settlement than you would have gotten working alone. As mentioned earlier, your insurance company will pay you more when you use an adjuster. People assume that the adjuster wants you to get a higher settlement, so they get higher pay. A public adjuster does make money from your claim, but laws in place restrict them from taking more than a certain amount. For instance, they can only take 10% of your total claim in a state of emergency.
A public adjuster ensures that you receive all the money you deserve. Therefore, when you choose to work alone, you miss out on a good amount of money you would have received if you worked with an adjuster. They have your best interest and will try to get you the largest settlement they can. So you will still end up receiving much more even if you have to pay a certain amount to an adjuster.
Public Adjusters are Not Trustworthy
Most people believe anyone can become an adjuster. However, contrary to popular belief, it is not easy to become an adjuster. A public adjuster has to be licensed to work in that particular location. They also have their fingerprints taken and undergo a background check. Anyone with a felony conviction cannot become an adjuster.
If they’re convicted of a crime, their license can be revoked so you should not be worried about being scammed. Therefore, do not hesitate to hire an adjuster when you need to make a claim. Public Adjusters are some of the most trustworthy professionals that will ensure that you get the largest settlement possible. It would be best if you worked with a company instead of working with an independent adjuster. That way, you are sure that you can always get in touch with the company in case you have any concerns or questions.
Public Adjusters Do Not Work Hard
Most people believe that hiring an adjuster is a waste of money because they do not work hard. However, public adjusters do a lot to ensure you get the settlement you deserve. For instance, they file all the necessary claims paperwork, scope, and investigate the property. They also take measurements, notes, and photographs of the property. Then they have to write a detailed, professional report on the damage estimate. They also have to meet with the insurance staff to discuss and investigate the property’s damage.
Not to mention the numerous emails and calls they will make on your behalf, so they can build a case that they will present to the insurance company. Hiring an adjuster makes the process easier for you. It would be best if you also remembered that they negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf, so you can receive a settlement that can help carter for all the damage and losses you will have incurred.
Public Adjusters: Myths Derailed
It would be best to work with an adjuster because they ensure that you get value for your property, and even if you have to pay them a certain sum from your settlement, whatever you retain will still cover the damages.
There are many myths about public adjusters that people believe, which are not valid. If you are not sure about working with an adjuster, research the laws concerning their practice in your state. Then, you can get in touch with an adjuster to help you make your insurance claim. Adjusters are more experienced, so they will negotiate with your policy provider to ensure you get the settlement you deserve. Hiring an adjuster will make the process easier for you. Click here to contact us today.