Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Water Damage Adjuster in Florida

Natural disasters are inevitable and can happen at any time and on any day. Natural disasters are commonly accompanied by loss and water damage which can leave you stressed. Therefore, when selecting a homeowner’s insurance policy, it is essential to understand your policy and be aware of any exclusions.

Every insurance company has experts who represent them in all their claims. However, it is crucial to have public adjusters who will ensure your claim is properly assessed and paid fairly. Working with public adjusters is beneficial since they advocate exclusively for policyholders. They work tirelessly to ensure you get what you are entitled to. Before you hire a water damage claim agent, ensure you’re making the right decision by avoiding these common mistakes:

1. Not Conducting Thorough Research

Most people run into problems with their damage adjuster because they failed to do research before hiring them. As a homeowner, you can be a victim of extortion or end up receiving sub-standard services if you don’t research. You must conduct thorough research before hiring an adjuster. If you want to reap the full benefits of your policy, it is imperative to do your research.

Before you hire a public adjuster, you should ask them several questions such as:

What type of claims they have handled before?
Before you hire adjusters, make sure they are conversant with the type of water damage claim you need them to advocate for. Ask them if they have handled claims of a similar type before. Be sure to visit their website and do your research.

• Inquire About Working Experience

Good adjusters should have a profound knowledge of the business. Get to know the number of years the company has been in business. Inquire about the different types of claims that they have handled over the years.

• Ask for References

Any legitimate adjuster should have valid referees along with public reviews from previous clients. However, if you receive the references, don’t trust them so easily. Please make a point of following up with them to know more about the person and how they operate.

2. Not Doing Your Part to Record the Water Damage

As a homeowner, it is part of your responsibility to make sure that the water damage you experience is fully documented. An adjuster can only do so much if there isn’t full documentation of the damage. Documentation should include clear videos and images of the damage done to your property. Be sure to document all angles of the damage, and don’t be afraid to include furniture and other property that may have been affected.

If you do not have proper documentation of the damage, the adjuster my not be able to fully defend your case. It is part of the inspection team’s job to fully assess your damage, however, you want to make sure you do your part as a homeowner in case the insurance adjuster isn’t thorough. It is also important not to repair discard any damaged items before the inspection team comes. You want the full range of loss to be visible to the adjuster so that they can make sure you are fully reimbursed.

3. Ignoring the Errors and Omissions Policy

Errors and omissions liability insurance coverage is very important for all adjusters. The coverage ensures that the homeowner can receive compensation if the claim agent makes a mistake that leads to unnecessary costs. Therefore, every licensed damage claim agent should have that policy, and they should be willing to share the information with you before you commit to them.

Fact is, no human is perfect. Most adjusters, whether insurance or public adjusters, will make a serious mistake at some point in their careers. Therefore, since a majority of homeowners choose to ignore the claim agent’s errors and omission insurance, you may have to deal with serious repercussions in the future if your claim agent commits any mistake.

4. Only Working With A Water Damage Adjuster Employed by Your Insurance Company

One common mistake committed by homeowners is working with damage adjusters from their insurance company. Insurance companies do this with their best interest in mind. When you work only with the adjuster from your insurance company, you may fail to receive the quality work that you deserve. This is why is it so important to hire a public adjuster with experience in water damage claims. A public adjuster is always going to have your best interest in mind.

5. Using the Wrong Home Insurance

An overwhelming majority of homeowners agree to home insurance policies without reading and understanding them first. Some insurance companies have exclusions on what their policies cover. For example, the policy may omit leaking roofs or toilets.

Before you hire a damage claim agent, ensure that your home insurance covers both minor and major perils. This assures that you will fully benefit from your insurance company’s financial assistance and ensure that you reap maximum benefit from your policy. Many homeowners fail to recognize that water damage is often not covered by their basic homeowner’s insurance. Water damage caused by floods or hurricanes usually requires a separate policy to be purchased.

Hire a Public Adjuster

Water damage is a common disaster in Florida. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner trying to make sense of your insurance policy or in the midst of a water damage claim, Exodus Public Adjusters is on your side. Our team represents YOU. We fight for you to ensure that your claim is fully investigated and paid fairly.