adjusting – AJR Public Adjusters

“Sistering” and the Repair of a Home via Summit Business Systems

“Sistering” and the Repair of a Home

We are a public adjusting firm. Our client’s home is insured on an independently filed HO 00 03 05 01.

A recent fire did much damage to the home. Part of that damage was the charring of the framing. Instead of replacing the charred framing members, the insurer wants to use a technique called “sistering.” This technique involves leaving the charred piece in place and installing a new piece next to it. The adjuster says that sistering is an acceptable means of repair and refuses to actually replace the damaged framing.

We have enclosed a copy of the policy for your perusal.

California Subscriber A

The policy you sent is worded differently from the ISO policy. The ISO homeowners policy promises to replace damaged building property with “material of like kind and quality and for like use.” It makes no mention of how this is to be done. It does not place any limitations on construction methods to be used. The ISO policy would pay to replace the charred timbers with new ones.

On the other hand, your client’s policy says that it will repair or replace the damaged property “with construction techniques and materials commonly used by the building trades in standard new construction.”

“Sistering,” as we understand it, means that the damaged frame is propped up by the timber fastened next to it. The adjuster may be correct in that this technique is an accepted means of structure repair—repair of an existing structure. However, the policy calls for the use of “common construction techniques and materials used by the building trades in standard new construction.” By definition, sistering could not be a technique used in new construction.

The wording of the policy has committed the insurer to replacing the frame members with new pieces.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional service. If legal advice is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

How can a Public Adjuster Help ME with my next property insurance claim, and when should I CALL?

It’s best for people to engage with us when the property loss occurs. Claims occurring from fire, wind, water, theft, hail etc. We help them report the claim and take care of all the necessary duties according to the contract from there.

A few ways to think about it is, if you are called to the IRS for an audit you would take an accountant with you to represent your interests. Why deal with a professional insurance adjuster without your own professional licensed adjuster to represent you and your interests.

The reason its best to engage us at the very beginning of the process is as in other situations, “anything you say can and will be used against you”. To prevent any problems like this from occurring, its best to engage us at the beginning. I think this answers your question about “should I wait until a problem occurs”.

Additionally part of our job is to maximize the recovery from the insurance company. To leave no stone unturned and peruse policy to make sure policyholders are claiming all coverages that they have paid for that apply to each particular claim.

Our 28 + successful years of experience handling claims into the millions of dollars ensure thorough and complete handling of each claim.

We are paid a small percentage of the settlement, no higher than 10%. AND as the claims get higher the percentage can go down and is negotiable. (a $1,000,000 claim, we would not be taking 10%). The insured pays our fee not the insurance company (though it comes out of the proceeds). The knowledge we have of policies and the gain the insured receives helps cover this cost and provides additional monies.

People/Companies don’t generally know what’s in their policy or understand them, therefore don’t realize what they are entitled to. This is where our knowledge and experience assist. Additionally, when property claims occur, it is an extremely stressful situation. Adding to this stress is dealing with the insurance company and their adjusters, since they want to pay out as little as possible for claims. Why handle this stress on your own, and try to navigate policies and professional adjusters. We have been there done that and know how to do it the quickest best way to maximize the return.

www.betterclaimresults.com

AJR Public Adjusters 602-795-5227

If your home or business are damaged will you be able to rebuild?

Will you be able to rebuild if your home or business is damaged or destroyed by fire? How long will it take you to bounce back if you are wiped out by flood or hammered by a haboob? Will you recover quickly from the losses you suffer from vandalism or theft?

You might be unpleasantly surprised more than once if tragedy strikes where you live or work –first by the brutal force of Mother Nature and later by the realization that you are unprepared to do anything but accept whatever compensation your insurance company offers. You can avoid this problem by hiring a public insurance adjuster, a person with knowledge and experience to help you obtain the most favorable settlement possible – someone who represents you and not your insurance company.

“We serve as the advocate for the policyholder, but it’s important to remember the policyholder controls the settlement. We advise and assist,” says Bruce Horowitz, president of AJR Public Adjusters, who has over 1/4 century experience in this field

In addition to estimating how much damage has been done, AJR also helps file the paperwork to complete the claim and negotiates with the insurance company. AJR charges its clients a percentage of the settlement, typically around 10 percent.

To find out more about how AJR Public Adjusters can help you recover from a natural disaster or other property loss by helping you obtain and maximize your settlement from your insurance company, call (602) 795-5227, email Bruce@ajrpa.com or visit http://www.betterclaimresults.com