Home Insurance Adjusters And Appraisers

Home Insurance Adjusters and Appraisers

When you file a homeowners insurance claim, you'll have insurance adjusters, and possibly home insurance appraisers, helping both you and the insurance company. Learn more about what they do so you'll be better prepared to work with them.

Who Are Insurance Adjusters?

The homeowners insurance person you will deal the most with when making a claim is called an adjuster. There are several kinds of adjusters.The insurance adjuster will prepare an estimate of the cost to repair or replace your home and your personal belongings.

Company Adjusters: These people are full-time employees of your insurance company. They must be licensed.

Independent Adjusters: These people are independent contractors who provide claims services to insurance companies. They charge the insurance company a fee for each claim they handle. They must be licensed.

Public Insurance Adjusters: These people are independent contractors who provide claims services to consumers. They usually charge a percentage of your total claims payment. Find out what the public adjuster's fees are up front. Make sure the adjuster is licensed.

Be prepared for the adjuster's visit. Your insurance company could require you to complete a "proof of loss" form. The more information you can provide, the better. Be prepared to substantiate your loss. Don't throw away any damaged items until the adjuster has a chance to see. If your property was destroyed and you no longer have any records, work from memory.

Identify any structural damage to your home and other structures such as the garage or a garden shed.

You should also get the electrical systems checked. Most homeowners' insurance policies will pay for an inspection.

Using The Insurance Appraiser And Adjuster

You and your insurance company each hire an appraiser. Then a third appraiser is chosen to act as an umpire. Your appraiser and the company's appraiser each make estimates of the loss or damage. You are responsible for the appraiser's expenses and you pay half the umpire's expenses.

Using the Adjuster

Your insurance company provides an adjuster at no cost. You may also be contacted by a public adjuster. If you use a public adjuster, they charge fees as much as 15% of the total value of your settlement, to help negotiate claim settlements with insurance companies. If you use a public adjuster, you may have less money to repair or replace your property. The public adjuster may be paid a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the amount paid in the claim settlement.

If you decide to use a public adjuster, check references and qualifications by contacting the Better Business Bureau and your state insurance department. Also contact the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters (www.naiia.com )

Public adjusters may not give legal advice and may not participate in the construction or repair of the damage.