When you file an insurance claim for fire, water damage, monsoon damage, or any other covered loss, your first move should be to contact AJR, the local A+ Better Business Bureau licensed Public Insurance Adjuster, to assist with the recovery.
Why, you may ask?
AJR is a local NAPIA public adjuster familiar with Arizona’s insurance policies and regulations. Understanding local building codes, weather-related issues, and regional practices can be critical in accurately assessing and documenting your claim.
Being local has enabled us to provide more personalized and attentive service. We are not spread thin throughout the country as weather-related issues occur. We are based in Arizona and do business here.
What makes AJR unique is our experience and realizing that some claims are not a good match for AJR. We are upfront with every person who reaches out to AJR. After our thorough evaluation of the circumstances, we speak with the insured to educate them on the best way to move forward with their claim. Sometimes, that process includes AJR, and sometimes, it does not.
Listen to our recent client, Shauna Sherwood, in her own words here. Shauna has a house that is 5000+ sq ft. and had suffered fire damage.
At AJR, we understand the urgency of your concerns. When you reach out to us, you can expect a prompt response. Whether you call us during the day or at night, we strive to return your call within 24 hours, ensuring you’re not left waiting for days for a response.
Don’t just take our word for it. We encourage you to read our reviews and see what others are saying about the service they received while working with AJR. We take pride in our reputation and look forward to the opportunity to work with you and add you to our list of extremely satisfied clients.
At AJR Public Adjusters, we often hear, “I’ve never heard of Public Adjusters before. My property just suffered an insurance claim, and I began to research help for my insurance claim and came upon your information.”
To try to assist you from ending up in this same situation, we’d like to share with you several key points to understand in advance of having a property insurance claim.
Role and Function: Public adjusters are professionals who work on behalf of policyholders to help them navigate the insurance claims process. They advocate for the insured and aim to ensure that policyholders receive fair compensation for their losses. Public adjusters assess damages, review insurance policies, and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize claim payouts.
Licensing and Regulation: Public adjusters are typically required to be licensed in the state or jurisdiction where they operate. Licensing requirements may vary by location, but generally, public adjusters must pass a state exam and meet certain education and experience criteria. Here in Arizona, a Public Adjuster’s license is the same license that an insurance company adjuster holds. This levels the playing field with the insurance company trying to minimize your recovery to benefit their bottom line.
Compensation: Public adjusters typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning their fee is a percentage of the final settlement amount. This fee is agreed upon between the public adjuster and the policyholder before any work is undertaken. Policyholders need to understand the terms of the agreement, including the percentage fee and any additional expenses that may be incurred. The fee is 10% on average, though larger claims might warrant a smaller percentage. Smaller claims, if taken by a public adjuster, might warrant a larger compensation.
Expertise: Public adjusters are experienced professionals with knowledge of insurance policies, claims processes, and property damage assessment. Public Adjusters use their expertise to help policyholders navigate complex claims and ensure they receive fair treatment from insurance companies.
Advantages and Considerations: Hiring a public adjuster can provide several advantages for policyholders, including expert guidance through the claims process, assistance with documenting and presenting claims, and increased likelihood of receiving a fair settlement. Policyholders should carefully consider the benefits of hiring a public adjuster and ensure they choose a reputable and licensed professional.
Overall, public adjusters play an important role in helping policyholders navigate the insurance claims process and ensure they receive fair compensation for their losses. If you encounter a situation where the expertise of a public adjuster may be beneficial, it’s important to research and understand their role and how they can assist you.
AJR Public Adjusters has represented policyholders for over 35 years. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and as a NAPIA member, when you call our office you know you are talking to a firm well respected in this industry.
The fee structure for Public Adjusters operates much like that of an accident attorney. You won’t have to pay anything out of pocket upfront. Instead, the fee is a percentage of the settlement secured for you. The Public Adjuster handles all the hassle, sparing you the headache of fighting for it yourself.
The approach of a PA (public adjuster) is designed to align their incentives with yours. Public Adjusters are motivated to maximize your settlement because it directly impacts their compensation. This means Public Adjusters are fully committed to getting you the best possible outcome.
Importantly, understanding that dealing with loss can be emotionally draining is a situation most Public Adjusters can relate to. Many people settle for less than they deserve simply because they don’t have the energy to fight for it. That’s where a licensed, competant, highly rated Publicv Adjuster can step in. Public Adjusters sole job is to support you during this vulnerable time and ensure you receive the compensation you’re rightfully entitled to.
Once you engage a PA for services they get started right away to evaluate your loss. Ensuring you maximum recovery from the insurance company, with as little stress as possible. PA’s are your front line with the insurance company, offering the policyholder the ability to continue their daily activities without constant worry about the insurance claim recovery. We’ve got this.
With your next property insurance claim, call AJR Public Adjusters first. Let us get started on our job of maximizing your recovery while ensuring compensation for all coverages you’ve paid for.
There may be some confusion about how a licensed Public Adjuster is compensated and what to expect.
Throughout the process, your public adjuster should maintain a high level of communication. They should provide you with regular updates on the progress of your claim, including details of any communications with the insurance company, the status of negotiations, and any developments that may impact your claim. These actions ensure you are always informed and involved in the process.
Public adjusters are compensated through a commission fee, on average 10% (Though it could be higher or lower depending on the overall size of the claim. For more significant claims for over a million dollars, the public adjusters will take a slightly smaller %; more minor claims, if taken, might warrant a higher %); this fee is only paid after your insurance company issues checks. This fee structure ensures public adjusters are motivated to work diligently on your behalf to maximize your settlement within the bounds of your insurance coverage. Payment is contingent upon successful negotiation and advocacy for you, the policyholder, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome from your insurance claim.
By enlisting the services of a public adjuster, you’re making a strategic investment in expertise. Their thorough work not only ensures no coverage is overlooked but also plays a crucial role in maximizing your recovery. Public adjusters are dedicated to optimizing the compensation you receive, safeguarding against missed opportunities for coverage.
Choosing AJR Public Adjusters for your next claim means placing your trust in over 35 years of expertise and a commitment to excellence. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, our track record speaks for itself. We’re committed to advocating for you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the maximum settlement you deserve. Trust AJR Public Adjusters to protect your interests and navigate your insurance claim with integrity and excellence.
We can never be fully prepared for an insurance claim, but here are a few steps you can take to help in advance before a claim occurs and you need to call AJR Public Adjusters for assistance.
Here are some steps you can take:
Review Your Policy: Understand what your insurance policy covers and any exclusions or limitations it may have. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions. If you have questions and still don’t understand, we can help you understand coverages as we begin to file the claim on your behalf.
Maintain Detailed Records: Keep records of your possessions, including receipts, photographs, and appraisals. Documenting your belongings will make it easier to prove ownership and value in the event of a claim. AJR Public Adjusters will take inventory of your items, help document them, and then price them for reimbursement.
Regularly Update Your Policy: Review your insurance policy annually and update it as needed to reflect any changes in your circumstances or assets. This ensures that you have adequate coverage and reduces the risk of being underinsured.
Consider Additional Coverage: Evaluate whether you need additional coverage beyond your basic policy. Depending on your location and individual needs, this could include options such as flood insurance, earthquake insurance, or umbrella liability coverage.
Create a Home Inventory: Compile a detailed inventory of your home’s contents, including descriptions, serial numbers, and purchase dates. Store this inventory in a safe place, such as a cloud-based storage system, so you can access it easily in case of a claim and share with AJR Public Adjusters to assist us in properly documenting your items for reimbursement.
Document Your Property: Take photographs or videos of your property, both inside and out. Focus on high-value items, structural features, and any recent upgrades or renovations. Update these records periodically to reflect changes to your property. These photographs will assist AJR Public Adjusters when filing/proving to the insurance company items you had on your property.
Maintain Maintenance Records: Keep records of any maintenance or repairs performed on your property. This includes routine maintenance such as HVAC servicing, plumbing inspections, and roof repairs. Good maintenance can help prevent damage and strengthen your claim if damage does occur.
Know Your Deductible: Understand your insurance policy’s deductible and ensure you have funds set aside to cover it in case of a claim. Consider whether you can afford to increase your deductible to lower your premium costs.
Have Emergency Contacts Handy: Keep a list of important contacts, including your insurance agent or company and your local Public Adjuster, AJR Public Adjusters (602-795-5227). AJR should be your first call, and we can help you report the claim to your agent or company, expedite the claims process, and get assistance quickly in an emergency.
Review Your Coverage Limits: Periodically review your policy’s coverage limits to ensure they are sufficient to protect your assets. Consider whether any major purchases or lifestyle changes warrant adjustments to your coverage limits.
Taking these proactive steps can help you be better prepared for an insurance claim and minimize stress and uncertainty if the unexpected happens.
Metrics, milestones, and profits often measure business success. Yet, there’s something profoundly impactful that transcends the numbers: genuine appreciation.
Recently, AJR Public Adjusters experienced firsthand the significance of this when a client expressed gratitude in the form of a thoughtful gift for a job well done.
With the gift we received, in the envelope were these FOREVER STAMPS, acknowledging first responders. Though our job is not as a first responder, the fact that this client was appreciative of AJR jumping on the scene immediately while they were out of town to assess the situation for them means the world to us. We are so glad our involvement was a positive experience for this insured.
Here is a photo of Stacy & Bruce Horowitz from March 2023 after the fire and from April 2024 after the client has returned to their beautiful home.
AJR Public Adjusters LLC iscommitted to ethical business practices
This week, AJR Public Adjusters LLCannounced its recent re-accreditation by Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB). As a BBB Accredited Business, AJR Public Adjusters LLC is dedicated to promoting trust in the marketplace and upholding high standards for honest business behavior.
Now more than ever, customers want to trust companies they do business with, and BBB is committed to building that trust. BBB Accreditation is an honor, and not every business qualifies. The dedicationAJR Public Adjusters LLChas displayed to earn this accreditation shows the high level of commitment they have for not only their customers, but for the community in which they operate.
“We are pleased to join a community of businesses committed to doing things the right way,” said Stacy Horowitz. “We value building trust with our customers, and our BBB Accreditation is a public display of our commitment to excellence and maintaining high ethical standards.”
BBB Accredited Businesses adhere to BBB’s Standards for Trust, a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and best practices representing trustworthiness in the marketplace. The standards call for building trust, embodying integrity, advertising honestly, telling the truth, being transparent, honoring promises, being responsive and safeguarding privacy.
To learn more about AJR Public Adjusters LLC, please visit their BBB Business Profile at http://www.publicadjusteraz.com or contact Stacy @ 480-519-9199.
About AJR Public Adjusters LLC
Bruce and Stacy relocated to Phoenix, AZ from Charleston, SC in 2013 to establish AJR Public Adjusters, LLC After a successful nine years in the Low Country of South Carolina, a decision was made to venture out west and re-establish the company with a new name that more closely describes the services provided.
Bruce has more than a quarter of a century of experience and is highly qualified to lead his clients through the maze of confusion in the insurance industry.
Bruce was born into a family of public adjusters and joined the family business full time right after college. Bruce was a principal at this firm which is one of the largest and oldest “90 years” public adjusting firms in the tristate area that employs over 30 public adjusters. Bruce’s knowledge and experience are unmatched in the Valley.
After working 17 years in the family business, Bruce wanted to be able to provide personal, attentive service to the clients he was servicing. Bruce and Stacy relocated to Charleston, SC, from Philadelphia, PA in 2005 and established AJR Insurance Consultants, LLC.
Prior to establishing AJR, Stacy had a successful career in sales for Aetna/US Healthcare in the Philadelphia region, The Embassy Row Hotel in Washington DC, Western Union in the Northern New Jersey Region and PTS Learning Systems; computer training materials in Philadelphia. Her experience exposed her to the insurance, hotel, management, healthcare, telecommunications and information technology industries. It is with this broad experience in the business world that Stacy oversees the marketing and administrative duties at AJR.
Bruce is certified and licensed in Arizona and is a member of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) and adheres to a strict code of ethics. Bruce keeps up on current insurance regulations by constantly completing insurance education courses.
AJR works on behalf of homeowners and business owners to ensure that once damage has occurred, the property owner takes full advantage of all aspects of his/her insurance policy. Contact our public insurance adjusters in Phoenix, Arizona, to make sure no detail is missed when filing your claim.
About the Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest.
For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2020, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 6.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Incorporated locally in 1938, BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest serves Greater Arizona and Southern California, providing critical tools to ignite success including mentorship, online products and access to capital. Our objective expertise educates the community on ethical behavior in the marketplace and how businesses can build trust.
Be aware of individuals visiting your home to offer services. Do not get taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals. Yes, unfortunately, they are out there.
Gather together your insurance papers and mortgage information.
Call a Public Adjuster first, even before reporting the claim.
Make sure to choose a licensed Public Adjuster in your state. Review their testimonials, and ask if you can speak with references.
Confirm the person you are meeting with will indeed be the person at the firm who will be handling your case.
Make sure you understand the responsibilities the Public Adjuster will take care of on your behalf.
When you hire AJR:
The Public Adjuster will bring experts to come in and provide an estimate for the damages.
The Public Adjuster will take a complete/thorough inventory of all personal property items damaged in the loss.
Once inventory is created, items will be priced to present to the insurance company for a full recovery.
The Public Adjuster will utilize the estimate to negotiate with your insurance company for a maximum settlement.
With your insurance property claim, AJR welcomes the opportunity to speak with you to explain further how we can relieve your stress and handle your claim to your satisfaction.
Our lives have and are changing due to Coronavirus. AJR wants to let you know our availability to handle your insurance claims has not changed.
We have added video teleconferencing to speak with you about current claims and emergencies that may arise for consultation and assistance with property losses. As always, you can call, text, or email us.
We are constantly researching and staying on top of current information related to the potential for virus-associated claims.
Stay safe, follow state directions, and stay well.
Many times prospective clients question our commission charge.
Insureds wonder if they can lower the percentage will they make out better. We wanted to demonstrate that this may not always be the case.
As they say, you get what you pay for.
See example of a typical claim below and notice the difference to the policyholder when paying a higher percentage fee:
Company A
Initial Claim Offering $50,000
Final Claim Result. $60,000
8% fee to Public Adjuster: $ 4,800
Claim Settlement to Insured: $55,200
AJR PUBLIC ADJUSTERS
Initial Claim Offering: $50,000
Final Claim: $75,000
15% Fee: $11,250
Claim Settlement to Insured: $63,750
Clearly you can see how AJR Public Adjusters assistance, perhaps at a higher fee still nets the insured a better settlement. This policyholder increased their settlement by $8,550 even when paying a higher percentage for our services.
By giving AJR the opportunity to utilize our 30+ years experience to manage and negotiate your claim, you can rest assured you will do better in the settlement process of your claim.
Please view our Better Business Bureau A+ rating here. This may provide helpful information for you to see how AJR should be your first call with your next property insurance claim.
Call AJR first, we even help report the claim and can take over the stress of managing your claim from there. We can be reached at 602-795-5227, email here.
AJR Public Adjusters – BBB A+ Rated Local Public Adjusters in Arizona 