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Proactive Tips for Property Insurance Claim Prevention

What are steps to take to help prevent a property insurance claim

Though this may seem counterproductive to our business here at AJR Public Adjusters, we like to provide helpful information. If we can give suggestions to help you protect your property from an insurance claim, that is a plus for everyone involved. We don’t like to see people dealing with the stress of an insurance claim; even when AJR Public Adjusters is the front line to the insurance company, there is still stress on the property owner that we can never alleviate.

Preventing property insurance claims often involves proactive measures to mitigate risks and maintain the safety and security of your property. Here are some steps you can take to prepare and prevent property insurance claims:

Regular Maintenance: Ensure that your property undergoes regular maintenance checks. This includes inspecting the structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Fix any issues promptly to prevent them from escalating into larger problems.
Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks to your property such as fire hazards, water damage, theft, or natural disasters. Take steps to mitigate these risks, such as installing smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, security cameras, and alarm systems.
Weatherproofing: Weather-related damage can be a significant risk to your property. Weatherproof your property by sealing windows and doors, reinforcing roofs, and clearing gutters and drains regularly to prevent water damage.
Security Measures: Implement security measures to protect your property from theft and vandalism. This may include installing security alarms, motion-sensor lights, sturdy locks, and security cameras.
Insurance Coverage Review: Regularly review your insurance policy to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your property. Consider additional coverage options for specific risks that may not be included in your standard policy. If you have any questions, please reach out to AJR Public Adjusters at 602-795-5227. We can tell you what we suggest from a claim perspective.
Documentation: Keep thorough records of your property, including photos, receipts, and documentation of valuable items. This will be helpful in the event of a claim, providing evidence of the property’s condition and the value of any lost or damaged items. AJR Public Adjusters uses this information to help document & price your claim for reimbursement.
Emergency Preparedness Plan: Develop an emergency preparedness plan outlining procedures to follow during a disaster or emergency. Make sure all occupants of the property are familiar with the plan and know what to do in case of an emergency. If a claim should occur, your first call to AJR Public Adjusters will help begin the process. We will help you report the claim and get started immediately with our team to help mitigate your damages and secure an estimate to negotiate for settlement.
Training and Education: Educate yourself and others who occupy the property about safety procedures and best practices for preventing accidents and injuries. This may include fire safety training, first aid training, and awareness of potential hazards.
Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your property to identify any potential hazards or maintenance issues. Addressing problems early can help prevent them from causing more significant damage later on.
Communication with Insurance Provider: Maintain open communication with your insurance provider. Inform them of any changes to your property or occupancy that may affect your insurance coverage.

By taking these proactive measures, you can help minimize the likelihood of property insurance claims and protect your property from damage or loss.

Even after taking the steps above, if your property suffers a property insurance claim, be sure to have AJR Public Adjusters, telephone number 602-795-5227, handy to call us first to let us help you report your claim and begin the recovery process.

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

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

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

#1 Ranking via YELP for October 2018

Daily responsibilities include contacting Insurance Companies on our clients behalf. Our involvement ensures our client receives all monies they are entitled to.

People have busy lives and spending the day trying to deal with an Insurance Company after a property loss, is not high on peoples wish lists.

AJR with our experience of over 30 years, knows how to speak with, negotiate and manage our clients claims with top notch results.

We are proud to be recognized in October 2018 by YELP as the #1 Best Public Adjuster for the Phoenix Arizona region.

AJR holds a license in Arizona and is able to represent policyholders with property claims throughout the state. With your next claim give us a call first. Like our clients here, let us take the stress off your shoulders and settle your claim with the high standards we have set.

WEBSITE FOR AJR

Bruce L Horowitz, President 480-519-9099

Stacy K Horowitz, Vice President 480-519-9199

Office — 602-795-5227

My child is at college — Is their personal property covered under my homeowners insurance policy?

It’s the time of year when children are off for college campuses. Some children are not living in dorms this year. Many times these apartments won’t hand over the keys until proof is shown of insurance on their personal belongings as well as liability.

Here is an article about this topic.

** Specifically take note **

If a child is over 21

there is no coverage under the parents policy at all.

Good luck to all students headed back to college this fall.

How To Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Given our current Monsoon Season, here are some tips from the Insurance Information Institute regarding preventing water losses to your property. Try to take precautions now to prevent water damage to your property.

Below is an example from a client of AJR who suffered water damage and a picture of the ominous looking clouds we are experiencing in the Valley right now.

Water damage is one of the most common and costly disasters affecting U.S. residences, accounting for billions of dollars in losses to homeowners and renters annually. However, consumers can protect themselves with the right amount and type of insurance coverage.

Source: How To Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Homeowner Disaster Preparedness Binder by The Red Guide to Recovery

As part of any disaster preparedness kit, you will need a 3-ring binder with index tabs to hold important information. Creating a binder as a single source for locating important information when you need it will be invaluable during the recovery process. This binder should include the following:

Preparedness items to gather before a disaster:

Copy of insurance policies
Personal property inventory
List of home features & fixtures
Home floor plan
Important contacts-Emergency contact list Photos
Copies of receipts

Recovery items to collect after a disaster:

Correspondence from insurance adjusters Estimates
Contracts and change orders
Building permits

Contractor correspondence Construction details Business cards

Hint: Consider creating one binder for insurance related matters, and another binder for construction when rebuilding your home.

“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.

Hidden or Not Hidden Mold In Structure via Summit Business Systems

Hidden or Not Hidden Mold

The HO3 2000, (ISO), covers mold if it is hidden within the walls, or ceiling, or beneath the floors or above the ceiling of a structure if such loss results from the accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam from within (a) A plumbing, heating, …

My question is if a cabinet under a sink could possibly be interpreted as hidden within a wall. I don’t see how, but I could possibly be told this is a hidden area and it is covered. If we go with the strict wording of the policy it is not hidden within a wall, just within a cabinet under the sink.

Florida Subscriber

The policy doesn’t define hidden, and court tradition is to refer to a standard dictionary. Merriam Webster Online defines hidden as being out of sight and not readily apparent. A wall is defined as one of the sides of a room or building connecting floor and ceiling or foundation and roof. A cabinet is a case or cupboard usually having doors and shelves.

Unless the insured has some odd arrangement, most cabinets under the sink open. While the insured may not regularly look for mold, if the insured can open a cabinet it’s not a stretch to expect him to pay attention to the condition of the area. A cabinet is not a wall, and the exception is only for damage behind walls or ceilings – not cabinets, closets, or other such structures. A wall can’t be opened to store dishwasher detergent or disinfectant in.

Most references in Couch on Insurance refer to hidden decay regarding collapse, which gets into different territory. I was unable to find a similar case to what you have – the closest one had different policy language that changes the argument. In our opinion it’s not hidden behind a wall if it’s in a cabinet – the two are different structures, and the policy exception is clearly only for mold behind ceilings and walls, not cabinets.