insurance loss – AJR Public Adjusters

The Value of Hiring a Public Adjuster for Insurance Settlement Optimization

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.

Maximizing Insurance Claim Readiness: Expert Strategies and Advice

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.

AJR Public Adjusters — 602-795-5227

Key Steps when Seeking Help from a Public Adjuster for Property Insurance Loss

When your property is damaged from a covered insurance claim, seeking help from a public adjuster for a property insurance loss involves a few key steps:

Research and Selection: Start by researching reputable public adjusters in your area. A great place to start is the Better Business Bureau. These reviews are from actual clients of the business, unlike GOOGLE/YELP, where anyone can leave a review. Look for those with experience handling cases similar to yours and with positive reviews or recommendations from past clients.
Initial Consultation: Contact the public adjusters you’re interested in and schedule an initial consultation. During this conversation, they’ll assess your situation, review your insurance policy, and discuss the fee structure and the services they offer.
Documentation: Gather all relevant documentation related to your insurance claim, including your policy details, photographs or videos of the damage, estimates for repairs or replacements, and any correspondence with your insurance company. At AJR Public Adjusters, we will request this information after receiving your initial phone call. We then review and assess if our involvement will assist with your recovery. If we feel our assistance can further your claim in a positive direction while making it worth your time/money, we will set up a meeting to finalize our engagement.
Engagement: If you decide to proceed, you must sign a contract outlining the terms of the agreement, including the fee arrangement. Make sure you understand all aspects of the contract before signing.
Claim Handling: Once engaged, the public adjuster will handle the entire claims process on your behalf. This includes preparing and submitting the claim, negotiating with the insurance company, and advocating for your best interests to ensure you receive fair compensation for your loss.
Communication: Stay in regular communication with your public adjuster throughout the process. They should keep you updated on the progress of your claim and any developments that arise. At AJR, we pride ourselves on our constant communication with our clients. Always available to answer questions and provide current information regarding the claim. We have actually had clients in the past requesting less communication; after seeing the thorough job AJR provides, they didn’t want to know every small detail, just wanting to be involved in the large decisions and reap the benefits of our engagement with the final settlement.
Resolution: The goal is to reach a favorable resolution to your claim.

Remember, it’s essential to choose a reputable and experienced public adjuster who will work diligently to maximize your insurance claim settlement while minimizing your stress and hassle during the process.

AJR Public Adjusters have the experience of representing clients for over 35 years. With your next claim, give us a call first to speak with us personally about your claim.

We look forwad to hearing from you.

602-795-5227 – AJR Public Adjuster Website

When faced with an insurance loss, why you should hire a licensed Public Adjuster

When faced with the stress and complexity of an insurance claim, it’s worth considering the relief that a Public Adjuster can bring. Insurance claims can be incredibly stressful, and navigating the claims process can feel overwhelming at times.

Some advantages of enlisting a licensed Public Insurance Adjuster are:

Public Adjusters are professionals who specialize in managing insurance claims on behalf of policyholders. Specifically, AJR Public Adjusters LLC understands the intricacies of insurance policies, having practiced in this field for over 35+ years. This expertise ensures you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to under your policy.

AJR works exclusively for you, the policyholder, unlike insurance company adjusters, who solely represent the insurer’s interests. AJR is laser-focused on ensuring your claim is handled fairly and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Proper documentation is crucial when filing an insurance claim. AJR, with over 35+ years of experience, is skilled at documenting the extent of your loss comprehensively and accurately, including damage assessment and providing an inventory of lost or damaged items with a price to replace. This accurate documentation strengthens your claim and helps provide accurate information to the insurance company regarding the value of your loss.

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. AJR, with our 35+ years of experience, are adept negotiators who understand insurers’ tactics and can effectively negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement. We aim to maximize your settlement and expedite the claim process, relieving you of the stress of dealing with insurance company bureaucracy.

Following up on an insurance loss can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. Hiring AJR Public Adjusters will free you from the hassle of managing the claims process yourself, which you are not a professional at. This allows you to refocus your energy on rebuilding your life or business. We handle all aspects of the claim from initial filing to final settlement, saving you the time, stress, and frustration of dealing with your insurance company.

The biggest takeaway is that by hiring AJR Public Adjusters, you are leveling the playing field between you and the professional insurance adjusters who work for the insurance company. We ensure your interests are protected, and you will receive the full compensation you are entitled to under your policy.

Our expertise, advocacy, and dedication to your claim can significantly affect its outcome for the positive.

Please view our A+ testimonials on the Better Business Bureau of the Pacific Southwest for further confirmation of AJR Public Adjusters record.

View our website www.publicadjusteraz.com

You can reach us at 602-795-5227

info@ajrpa.com

Testimonial Spotlight: Rave Reviews for AJR Public Adjuster’s Exceptional Services!

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.

Top of the YELP List of Best Public Adjusters Phoenix, January 17, 2023

AJR is genuinely honored to be still included at the top of the YELP list of Public Insurance Adjusters of Phoenix, Arizona.

Heading into our 10th year here in the Valley, we have represented many claims ranging from fire, wind, water, and theft.

We found that many people needed to learn about the industry when they began their claims with their insurance company.

As they continued with the claim, as the insurance company notified the insured that they would not be paying for specific items or not as much as the insured thought, we received a phone call at AJR.

The best time to hire a public adjuster is at the beginning of the process when the claim occurs, sometimes even before reporting the claim to the insurance company.

Public Adjusters can jump in and direct the claim correctly to ensure the maximum settlement is received.

Before your subsequent claim, look at some of our testimonials from clients we have assisted with our 30 + years of experience.

With your subsequent claim, give us a call; there is no charge to speak with us to determine if we can assist with your claim.

Like YELP says, call one of the best Public Adjusters in the Phoenix, Arizona area – AJR – 602-795-5227

You’ve suffered a property insurance loss, do you know what your insurance policy really covers?

Homeowners purchase home insurance to protect their homes and personal property.

After an insurance loss is not the time, you want to learn that it will not cover everything you have lost in your claim.

The article attached here explains a little further and discusses some common misunderstandings regarding insurance

https://www.nuco.com/fcs/2021/09/13/understanding-insurance-and-why-it-doesnt-cover-everything/?cmp_share

TakeAways

Insurance is a for-profit industry providing services to those who buy a policy.
Insurance does not pay for maintenance issues.
Insureds sometimes look at cost and don’t look at coverage.
Some agents take the easy way out and tell insureds they are covered for most catastrophic losses without providing details.
Insureds may not understand that their policy is not a replacement cost policy and only covers actual cash value. — this comes into play when settlement is determined.

This confusion reiterates the need for a licensed Public Adjuster to represent your interests from start to finish with your claim.

We are your A+ rated Better Business Bureau Public Insurance Adjuster here in Phoenix, Arizona, representing clients all over State 48.

AJR Public Adjusters — 602-795-5227 — info@ajrpa.com

September started off with another 5 STAR Better Business Bureau Review for AJR Public Adjusters, Phoenix – Arizona

AJR is humbled when our clients choose to share their experiences with others regarding the service and success they had while working with us.

Ken K says, “…Bruce provided us with the assurance that he had control of the situation and constantly kept us informed throughout the process.” ” In the end, knowing that Bruce and Stacy were working for us was a great comfort. Their experience and expertise were evident throughout and greatly appreciated. Bruce continually advised us as to what our policy covered, and I believe we received a very fair and prompt settlement with the insurance company.”

Better Business Bureau of Arizona Reviews of AJR Public Adjusters

With your next insurance claim call AJR first.

Allow us to turn you into a satisfied client like Ken.

You can reach us at 602-795-5227.

AJR Public Adjusters Website

Who to call for Property Damage this Monsoon Season.

Will you be able to rebuild if your home or business is damaged or destroyed by a fire? How long will it take you to bounce back if you are wiped out by a flood or hammered by a monsoon? 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 the knowledge and experience to help you obtain the most favorable settlement possible – someone who represents you and not your insurance company.

“We serve as an advocate for the policyholder, but it’s important to remember that the policyholder controls the settlement. We advise and assist.” said Bruce Horowitz, president of AJR Public Adjusters, who has been serving homeowners and businesses for over 30 years, the last 4 being here in Arizona.

In addition to estimating how much damage has been done, AJR also helps file the paperwork to complete the claim and negotiate with the insurance company. There is no up front retainer type cost like an attorney, for their services, AJR charges its clients a percentage of the settlement.

Horowitz can offer his clients the advantages of a wealth of training and more than 30 years as a public insurance adjuster. He and his wife Stacy, who serves as vice president of AJR, moved their family to Phoenix following Bruce’s lengthy career, first with one of the largest and oldest public insurance adjusting firms in the Philadelphia area, then in Charleston, South Carolina.

Stacy, who handles the marketing and accounting for AJR, has another important job that is critical for the property owner – determining exactly what was lost or damaged.

“We take hundreds or sometimes even thousands of pictures,” she explained. “We document everything, then we send it to the client for approval.”

Bruce Horowitz cautioned homeowners and businesspeople to hire only public insurance adjusters who are licensed in the states where they do business. Also to be wary of people claiming to be in a position to negotiate with the insurance company. Only a licensed Public Insurance Adjuster has this authority, not your contractor, mitigation specialist, handyman, etc.

AJR is unique as they are one of a few companies who are a member of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) with an office in Arizona. NAPIA is a 60 year old organization that sets the standards for the industry and offers its members educational opportunities and certification in various aspects of the business.

To find out more about how AJR Public Adjusters, Inc. can help you recover from a natural disaster or other property loss by helping you obtain an equitable settlement from your insurance company, call (602) 795-5227, email info@betterclaimresults.com, or visit www.betterclaimresults.com

FAQ– Public Insurance Adjusters –AJR

FAQ==Common Questions for Arizona’s Best Public Insurance Adjusters –AJR

I just discovered my property has damage from (fire, wind, water, hail, theft, etc), when is the best time to enlist the help of a Public Adjuster?

Upon discovering your property has damage it’s best to contact AJR immediately so we can help you report your claim. Delay in engaging our services, puts the amount that your entitled to recover at risk. Always wanting to put your best information forward, contacting AJR immediately is to your benefit. Your interest and the insurance companies interest are not the same. Commercials indicate that the insurance companies have your back, this might not always be the case. Many times insurance carrier’s claim centers ask tricky questions to potentially confuse policyholders into saying things which may compromise coverage on their claim. As the saying goes “anything you say, can and will be used against you”. To protect yourself against these errors, it’s best to contact a Public Adjuster at the first sign of damage to your home or business. The Public Adjuster will gather all the correct pertinent information and help report the claim in a timely efficient manner to the carrier.

The insurance company sent out an adjuster, why do I need a Public Adjuster?

There are three types of adjusters, a company adjuster who the insurance company has on staff. An independent adjuster, who the insurance company hires. The insurance company pays them to handle their claims and protect their interests. A Public Adjuster is the only adjuster who is the policyholder’s advocate. The Public Adjuster works only for the policyholder, representing their interest and maximizing the claim for the insured, not minimizing for the insurance company.

How do I find a good Public Adjuster in my area?

You want to make sure you hire an experienced licensed Public Adjuster. All Public Adjusters must hold an active license in the state. A Public Adjuster with many years of experience is valuable, as they have seen many things in the industry. The adjuster should have good valid references with whom you can speak to about their experiences. NAPIA – The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters is the oldest/largest professional organization for this industry. On their website you can find many helpful links.

The insurance company and their adjuster say that hiring a public adjuster will delay and slow down the process?

Think about it, the insurance company makes out better if you are not on a level playing field with them. They use lingo special to the insurance industry that you may not fully understand. Hiring your own expert will not slow down the process actually it puts you in the same league as the insurance adjuster. Insurance contracts can be a confusing mix of words, leaving policyholders unsure of what coverage’s actually may be. Though your insurance agent placed your coverage, their allegiance is to the insurance company. Additionally they might not be able to clarify to your satisfaction the questions you may have.
If you were called to the IRS for an audit, would you take an accountant with you to represent your interests? Why would you deal with an insurance companies professional adjuster without someone to professionally represent your interests.

What’s the best way to level the playing field in claims?

Claim adjusting is a really specialized industry. It is not just putting numbers to the paper and receiving all you have asked for. There is negotiation involved in the process and preparing the claim to put you in the best situation for this negotiation. Relying on your insurance company to calculate the amount of damage and honestly putting forth what you are owed, you are not likely to recover a full fair settlement.
Insurance companies who are in the business to turn a profit send out their adjuster who will possibly value damages to your property differently than you. Many times they make a decision you are not covered for some of your damages. Often times their offer will not even come close to the value needed to restore the damaged property.

This is where an experienced expert, Arizona’s Best Public Adjuster AJR, will help put you in the same ballpark as the insurance company.

Who at the firm will personally handle my claim?

Many times companies send out solicitors to “sign up” losses. In times of desperation many people engage in services they later realize might not have been in their best interests. The solicitors who sign the claim up generally are not the ones who handle the claims. You always want to make sure you know who will be personally handling your claim. You want to feel comfortable with that person, their level of experience and their demeanor. They will be your representation with the insurance company and you need to feel comfortable that you have someone putting your best foot forward in negotiations.

Who does my insurance company speak with after I hire a public adjuster?

Once you sign a contract with a Public Adjuster, they will notify your insurance company. At this point all correspondence will be directed towards the public adjuster. The public adjuster should continuously keep you informed and updated of all correspondence and make you aware of the progress of your claim.

The insurance company sent out a mitigation company to help with the clean-up, should I always just use this company?

Mitigation/Restoration companies sent out by the insurance company are beholden to the insurance company. Their bread and butter business comes directly from the insurance company, it is not in their best interests to protect you and your concerns with your claim. AJR works with many restoration/mitigation companies who have one job to satisfy their clients not the insurance company. Insurance companies send out their own preferred contractor whose job it is to define the scope of damage and estimate costs for repair. These companies as stated previously are measuring the loss for the insurance company not for YOU. Their job is to protect the financial goals of the insurance company not protect your goals as the policyholder.

The mitigation/restoration company wants me to sign and hire them to repair my property and sign a power of attorney stating they can talk with my insurance company about my claim, should I?

The only licensed professional’s to represent a policyholder with an insurance claim is a state licensed Public Adjuster or a lawyer. The benefit of hiring a Public Adjuster over a lawyer is number one it does not make economic sense. Number two is the daily experience the Public Adjuster has in this field. Lawyers are qualified to do this work, but generally this is not the only work they do. Public Adjusters review and handle claims 365 days a year and stay current with education on new laws/rules to adjusting.

Contractors, Mitigation Companies, Restoration companies are not authorized to represent you in insurance claim negotiations, nor are they professionally licensed or regulated by your state insurance department/agency to do so.

No one should ever request a power of attorney be signed over to them, BIG RED FLAG. Public Adjusters have state licensed contracts clients must sign. These are determined by the state.

The insurance company is offering to pay out immediately. Why would this be a problem?

Insurance companies lead you to believe that a quick pay out is in your best interests. Policyholders will be more satisfied and look favorably on the carrier. BIG MISTAKE. What looks like great customer service may actually be an attempt to settle a claim and convince you to settle for less money due to stress you are under and just a desire to “finish the claim”. We recommend taking your time and making sure you are completely protected. Don’t feel rushed or sign anything until you understand all ramifications of your claim.

My damage is extensive, how can I be sure to recover all my damages?

Severe property damage creates all kinds of complicated issues. Coverage’s you are due under your policy and damage you can’t see may be missed. Experience professional help ensures you will not miss damages that can be submitted as part of your claim.

What should I do if my insurance carrier delays the claim?

Insurance carriers are required to respond to you and process your claim in a specified period of time when certain conditions are met. The public adjuster understands these nuances and can assist with this. If you are getting the run-around with your claim, seek immediate help from an expert in this field.

How do I pay for the Public Adjuster services, will my insurance company pay for this?

The Public Adjuster is paid on a contingency fee basis. Be careful when you are interviewing adjusters, this fee should not be more than 25%. The fee you agree to pay is dependent upon the size, type of loss and status of the loss. The amount the adjuster is paid comes from the proceeds you receive from the insurance company. The contract you sign is between you and the adjuster not the insurance company. The adjuster with their knowledge and experience are better suited to maximize your claim and get a better return than trying to handle a claim without their professional advice.

What if I can’t agree with my insurance company as to the final $ amount of my claim?

If the dollar offer the insurance company is making is too low to cover your repairs or losses, there is a clause in every policy called the appraisal clause. This is when you, the policyholder demand an appraisal, which is similar to arbitration in other fields. Each side chooses an appraiser then agree on an umpire. Each appraiser states the value of the property and amount of loss. If they cannot agree, decision goes to the umpire. Two out of three binds the award. A Public Adjuster is fully capable to act as your appraiser if this situation arises.

Is a Public Adjuster an attorney? Can’t I just hire an attorney to represent me?

This is a common question and NO Public Adjusters are not attorneys. They are state licensed professionals whose sole job is to represent policyholders with insurance claim negotiations with insurance company. Knowledge is important, this is the only industry Public Adjusters engage in. Their experience matched with information gained over years puts public adjusters in the best position to negotiate your claim. There is a monetary consideration when deciding whom to engage to represent your best interests with a claim.
There may be times an attorney is needed if legal issues arise in your claim. Denial of claim, bad faith are two examples of conditions that require an attorney representation.

I have already settled my claim and now discover there are additional damages I was not aware of, can I get a public adjuster involved now?

As long as you did not sign a full and final release, YES you can engage a public adjuster. You may be required to sign a proof of loss or partial proof of loss, in order to receive some check from the insurance company. There are also statute of limitations that you need to be aware of that may apply to your claim.

Do they raise my rates if I file a claim?

There are many factors that are included in rate determination. Your rates aren’t guaranteed to rise or even be dropped by the insurance compay if you do file a claim. With that in mind,iIt is not recommended to file claims for every small loss that occurs to your property. It may work against you in the future, if insurance companies see you consistently file claims for minor damages. We buy insurance to protect us in time of a loss. If you are unsure whether to file a claim or not, give AJR a call. We will discuss your situation and help you decide the best course of action to move forward with.

My insurance company has sent me a check what do I do? It is not enough money to fix the damages.

At this point, please reach out to a licensed, experienced Public Adjuster. Evaluation of the policy and documenting papers needs to be made to determine if you are giving up all future rights if you deposit this check. AJR does not charge a fee to come and evaluate your particular situation any step along the way.

Should I ask for references of the Public Adjuster?

A quality licensed Public Adjuster should be able to provide at least three references for you to speak with about their claim. When speaking with the references a few good questions to ask are:

If you had another disaster would you hire this public adjuster again?
Do you feel the fee you paid was worth the service you received?
After you signed the contract, was the same adjuster involved with your claim or did someone else take over at the firm?
How long did it take to settle the claim?
Was your settlement enough to restore the property to prior condition?
Were you able to get enough money to replace all of your personal property?
Did the Public Adjuster keep you abreast of all that was happening in your claim.
Did the Public Adjuster take your phone calls in a timely manner?