business – AJR Public Adjusters

Coronavirus Availability

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.

AJR is available at 602-795-5227 or claims@betterclaimresults.com.

Bruce Horowitz 480-519-9099 Stacy Horowitz 480-519-9199

Another 5 STAR Better Business Bureau Review

AJR is honored to receive another 5 STAR Better Business Bureau Review. We feel fortunate when clients can locate us and put us to work as their advocate.

As LG says, “On my own, I was offered $2,000 to complete the repairs (which was honestly insulting and almost bordered on criminal) but when AJR stepped in, they were able to increase the final settlement amount of my claim from $2,000 to $162,000. Yes, you read that, right!”

Better Business Bureau Review

To secure an 8,000% increase doesn’t happen every day, but we work our hardest to ensure we represent our clients with the utmost professionalism and tenacity.

With your next insurance claim call AJR first. Let us review your situation and let you know how we might help.

AJR Public Adjusters — 602-795-5227

info@betterclaimresults.com

“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

Some Public Adjusting Terminology

Public Adjusting Terminology

If you’ve suffered damage to your home, business, investment property, HOA, or Condo Association, a public insurance adjuster can help you get the most out of your policy as you work to recover. However, be an informed consumer and be certain to familiarize yourself with key terminology before beginning the process.

Actual Cash Value – Actual cash value refers to the monetary value of an item that has been lost or damaged. It takes into consideration depreciation and wear.

Replacement Cost – The actual cost to replace a damaged item. This does not take into account depreciation or damage. Your independent licensed public adjuster can help calculate these figures.

Flood Insurance – Flood insurance must be purchased separately from traditional homeowners insurance, and only covers limited property damage.

Period of Interruption – Whether it’s from an earthquake or fire, the period of interruption refers to the amount of time it takes to get your home or business back in previously working order.

Exclusion – An exclusion refers to items or causes that are not covered by insurance. There are often exclusions for flood and fire, since they are covered by separate insurance.

Public adjusters are state licensed insurance adjusters that assist policy holders with claims regarding property.

These experts can be found in most parts of the United States. Most people need a public adjuster to aid them when a disaster happens, such as a fire an earthquake or flood, that has caused damage to their home or business.

The adjuster can assist the policy holder by helping them get the right sum of money that is due to them.

This money comes from the insurance company with which the individual or family has a policy.

There is a certain process involved when people try to settle with an insurance company after a home fire or other property loss. Steps need to be taken in a certain order and information needs to be conveyed in a clear and concise way with the insurance carrier.

When the public adjuster or professional firm works to prepare your case, it is important to give all the details regarding personal loss, the coverage you have in place, and the cost of repairing or replacing lost possessions.

Policy holders do have certain civil rights and protection from insurance associations. There are files put in place to keep records of your insurance policy.

This way the licensed public adjuster can make certain each policy holder gets the insurance money they deserve for their claimed damages. Public Adjusters are contracted to maximize the recovery from insurance companies for all property losses.

By speaking with a public adjuster in your area, you can get further information on insurance plans and policies for home coverage. It is always smart to take care of this ahead of time so that you do not have to worry when something occurs.

AJR is available to speak with you for any questions– http://www.betterclaimresults.com 855-454-0247