Category: insurance loss

Property Insurance Claim — 5 things to Watch For

Recently we have received  many phone calls from insureds who have suffered property claims but are experiencing a situation that is occurring more and more.

Today a call came in and the man mentioned:

  1. He lived in an area where a weather disaster struck months ago. A sales person representing an”adjuster’ rang his doorbell and said he could help him with his roof problem.
  2. He was told that the adjuster would contact him
  3. The adjuster would bring in his “sister” company to write the estimate.
  4. It is recommended the insured use the sister company
  5. This adjuster was going to charge an inflated fee for the services, and also made it known that this fee (25%) was due whether the insured used his contractor or not.  When these sister companies complete repair for the property  basically this may be considered double dipping, or kickback payments.

You always want to make sure:

  • The Public Adjuster you hire has a current license in the State.
  • The Public Adjuster, their firm, has solid real reviews.  (Not just Joe Smith “they did a good job”)
  • The Public Adjuster is charging a fair fee for their services. Typical percentages range from 10 – 15%.
  • The Public Adjuster may disclose their relationship with other companies they plan to bring in to submit your claim, you may want to use caution when you are made aware of this.

AJR Public Adjusters is an Arizona Licensed Public Insurance Adjuster with over 30+ years representing policyholders with insurance claims.

AJR WEBSITE              602-795-5227

 

15 Reviews STRONG, A+ Better Business Bureau Rating

AJR is proud to announce another client wanted to share their outstanding experience with our representation.  Click on link to read Kevin Ross’s @BBBArizona testimonial.  Below are pictures from right after the fire and repaired photos.  AJR assisted Kevin in maximizing his recovery to enable him to repair his garage in a timely fashion.

Kevin Ross A+ BBB Rating of AJR

Garage Fire, Glendale Arizona
Fire Damage, Insurance Claim
Insurance Repair
Laundry Room Fire Damage
Property Insurance Claim Recovery

As they say in life, “anything you say can and will be used against you.”  To ensure you are properly represented with an adjuster who has over 30+ years experience,  with your next insurance claim, contact AJR Public Adjusters first to ensure maximum recovery for your claim.

AJR PUBLIC ADJUSTERS, 602-795-5227

Send AJR an email

 

Dryer Fire Prevention

34% of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them.

You think I clean out the lint catcher every time I put a new load in, I am cleaning my dryer.  You’d be surprised that is NOT ENOUGH.

No matter how good your dryer vent is connected, lint still collects on the inside of the dryer. (view pictures)

Once a year it is a good idea to have a service technician take apart the machine completely.  They take off the front of the dryer, pull out the drum and then can vacuum the inside of all the collected lint.

It may be the best $125 you spend this year.  Fire prevention is important and this is a little thought about way to prevent dryer fires.

Fire Safety Outreach Materials

Consumer Reports – Truths & Myths of Dryer Fires

Another 5 STAR Better Business Bureau Review

5 Star Review about AJR Public Adjusters

AJR is honored and humbled to be recognized by our clients again for the exceptional service we provide.

AJR PUBLIC ADJUSTERS, INC — 602-795-5227, http://www.betterclaimresults.com

 

 

Denial of Coverage due to misrepresentation

Many times we are asked the question, What if I forgot to mention something in my application?

According to our research via FC&S, The National Underwriter Company, the application is the standard by which the policy was written.  If you do not disclose completely your situation, this is cause for voiding the policy, and gives the insurance company an out to pay for a loss.

Remember the obligation is on the potential policyholder to disclose all information.  If it is discovered you misled the insurance company, that policy is null and void.  Lesson learned, disclose any and all information when applying for property insurance.

Read Below analysis from the leading investigative agency in the industry, FC&S.

screen-shot-2017-01-19-at-1-39-43-pm-2Any questions always remember you can call AJR, 602-795-5227.

http://www.betterclaimresults.com

 

ANOTHER 5 STAR REVIEW via Facebook

5 Star Review via Facebook

Another satisfied AJR client publishing their experience regarding top notch service they received from AJR.  Next time you find yourself with an insurance claim, contact Arizona’s best Public Adjuster immediately.  We will help you report your claim and ensure you are taking advantage of all coverages you have paid for, while maximizing your return.

AJR Public Adjusters — 602-795-5227

Is Wind Driven Rain Covered Under My Homeowners Policy?

As Monsoon season has passed here in Arizona, we at times still are experiencing rains of significant proportions.  Clients have recently asked us about damage that has occurred over the years due to Monsoon Seasons.

A HO policy 00 03 05 11 with and endorsement of HO 32 32 06 12, states that  constant repeated discharge, seepage, or leakage of water excluded.  This coverage pertains to repeated wind-driven rain that causes hidden damage, mainly rot, and water damage to insulation that cannot be seen.

There is an exception for mold that is hidden behind walls that applies to water caused by heating, plumbing, air conditioning system, sprinkler system, or household appliance, or storm drain or water steam/sewer pipes off premises.  The endorsement excludes water caused by repeated seepage or leakage.  Wind driven rain is not repeated leakage or seepage, it is forced by the wind.   Wind-driven rain is excluded under the water exclusion.  Therefore this is not a covered loss.

via Summit Business Systems.

Is Honey from bees in the walls covered?

This may seem like a strange question. It was to us as we have never heard of this problem before.

A client called us with a dilemma.  About four weeks ago they had a service come and remove a beehive.  The removal company mentioned they should be on the lookout for honey, perhaps that was why the hive was formed.

Our client then noticed about four weeks later, there are stains in his walls and is worried there is honey stored in between his kitchen and garage.  He is wondering is this a covered loss under his homeowners policy as it is doing damage to his property?

We took this information to our sources to see if the client is covered and discovered that NO a loss due to this problem is not covered.

Specifically, Insurance Services Office (ISO) Homeowners Policy (HO) excludes birds, rodents or insects and nesting or infestation, or discharge or release of waste products or secretions by animals.

While the ensuing losses not otherwise excluded are covered, since bees live in the hives the leakage of honey is not ensuing, it is a direct loss.  THERE IS NO COVERAGE.

More FAQ for hiring a Public Adjuster for your next property loss.

Your property/community/business has suffered property damage (fire, hail, wind, flood, water), NOW WHAT?

Your first inclination might be to contact your insurance carrier, but this may not be in your best interests. With all your personal and work commitments it may not be feasible for you to monitor and ensure your claim is being handled properly. Why not level the playing field with the insurance company?

WHY HIRE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

 Your insurance company has professional adjusters to represent their interests. As a policyholder you are entitled to hire a professionally state licensed adjuster to represent your interests. The public adjuster has experience and knowledge to assist in preparing, documenting and negotiating claims. Adjusters have reviewed several policies prior to yours and know where to look in the policy to make sure your claim is filed for all the coverage’s you have paid for. Often times finding money that otherwise would have been overlooked.

The adjuster you hire should be experienced, licensed with the state and working for a reputable company who has a clean record with the insurance department. All adjusters need to be licensed and their company also needs to hold a license with the Arizona Department of Insurance.

FEE FOR PUBLIC ADJUSTER

The Public Adjuster is paid a contingency fee of the total monies received from the insurance company. The fee can range from 5% – 20% depending on the size of the claim, and is due at the time money is released from insurance company.

DUTIES OF PUBLIC ADJUSTER

 To act as your representative in negotiating and dealing with the insurance company adjuster. Relieve your stress by engaging in discussions and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf to maximize your recovery. The public adjuster brings in their experts/contractors to estimate and measure the damage independent of the insurance companies estimate. This estimate then provides the framework for the negotiating the adjuster will do with the insurance company.

SOME GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK PRIOR TO SIGNING CONTRACT:

  •  How many years have you been a licensed Public Insurance Adjuster?
  •  May I have references or see testimonials from previous clients?
  •  Will you personally handle my claim for me?
  •  Will you keep me in the loop and inform me of all outstanding issues   with my claim?

WHEN TO ENGAGE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER:

Ideally the public adjuster should be involved in the claim from the beginning including helping you report the claim.  This is not to say you should feel rushed or pressured after a claim occurs to immediately hire the first person that approaches you. Investigate the company and the individual who will be acting as your representative.

SOME THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

 In the State of Arizona contractors are not authorized to represent you in insurance claim negotiations, nor are they professionally licensed or regulated by the state insurance/department agency to do so.

Relying on your insurance company to fairly calculate the amount of damage and what you are owed might not result in a full or fair settlement. The company adjuster who is sent out is measuring the loss for the insurance company not for you.   As the policyholder you are entitled to have the claim loss accurately measured and then be reimbursement for all that you have lost.

BENEFITS OF HIRING A GOOD PUBLIC ADJUSTER: 

  •  An experienced and skilled licensed professional to work on your team.
  •  Someone who understands intricacies of policy and assists in recovering all that you are entitled to
  • Strong advocate on your side to help provide more input and negotiating leverage for the final insurance settlement, more than you may have had on your own.

 

 

AJR Public Adjusters.

With close to 30 years licensed experience in the Public Adjusting field handling claims of all dollar amounts for losses due to fire, flood, water, hail, dust, theft, etc.

www.betterclaimsresults.com

 

How is my computer warranty covered in my insurance loss?

These days many people purchase warranties on their computers.  When purchasing a new machine, to prevent against loss, damage, etc. many times a warranty like AppleCare (for MACs) is purchased.

In the event of an insurance loss this warranty is covered by the policy.  The remaining months are pro-rated as evidenced by the excerpt below from National Underwriters.

Businessowners — Value of a Warranty Included in Replacement Cost?

Q

My client is insured under a businessowners policy, form BP 00 02 12 99. Her laptop computer was damaged, and the loss was covered by the BOP policy. I think the value of the warranty on the damaged laptop should be included in the settlement, but the insurance company adjuster disagrees.

Should the value of the warranty be included or not?

Ohio Subscriber

A

The value of a warranty should be included in the replacement cost valuation of a damaged object. Insurance policies are contracts of indemnification. As such, the policyholder should be placed in the same condition after the loss as before the loss. The adjuster may want to pro-rate the value of the warranty, but it should be considered.

The next time you find yourself with an insurance loss, contact AJR Public Adjusters immediately.  (602) 795-5227.  We will help you report your claim and take over,  relieving your stress and handling the claim for you.  Engaging AJR ensures that no coverages are missed and your claim settlement is maximized.