How to handle your tornado insurance claim with a public adjuster

Tornadoes are one of the most destructive natural disasters, leaving behind a trail of destruction that can take years to recover from. If a tornado has damaged your home or business, you may be wondering how to file an insurance claim and get the compensation you need to repair the damage.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the process of filing a tornado insurance claim and how a public adjuster can help you navigate the complex world of insurance.

Filing a Tornado Insurance Claim

Filing an insurance claim after a tornado can be complicated, especially if it is your first time. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Document the Damage - Take photos and videos of the damage to your property. Make a list of all the damage you can see, including any personal belongings that were destroyed.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company - Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the tornado. They will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

3. Review Your Insurance Policy - Review your insurance policy to determine what is covered and what is not. Some policies may cover only certain types of damage, so make sure you know what you are entitled to.

4. Submit Your Claim - Fill out the necessary forms and submit your claim to your insurance company. Be prepared to provide all the documentation you have gathered.

Working with a Public Adjuster

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who can help you navigate the complicated world of insurance claims. They work on your behalf to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your tornado damage.

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Here are some benefits of working with a public adjuster:

1. Experience - Public adjusters have years of experience working with insurance companies and know how to navigate the complex world of insurance.

2. Advocacy - Public adjusters work for you, not the insurance company. They will be able to advocate for you to make sure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

3. Documentation - Public adjusters will help you gather all the necessary documentation, including photos and videos of the damage, to support your claim.

4. Negotiation - Public adjusters will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your tornado damage.

Choosing the Right Public Adjuster

Choosing the right public adjuster is important to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are some tips for selecting a public adjuster:

1. Look for a licensed professional - Make sure the public adjuster you choose is licensed in your state.

2. Experience - Look for a public adjuster with years of experience handling tornado insurance claims.

3. References - Ask for references and check online reviews to ensure the public adjuster has a good reputation.

4. Fees - Ensure you understand the fees associated with working with a public adjuster. Most public adjusters work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement.

Filing a tornado insurance claim can be complicated, but working with a public adjuster can help you get the compensation you deserve.

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Remember to document all the damage, review your insurance policy, and choose the right public adjuster to advocate on your behalf.

With the right help, you can get back on your feet after a tornado and start rebuilding your home or business.

What makes a tornado insurance claim especially difficult?

There are several challenges that can make dealing with a tornado damage claim difficult:

1. Documentation - Gathering all the necessary documentation to support your tornado damage claim can be challenging. This includes taking photos and videos of the damage, making a list of all the damage you can see, and providing estimates for the cost of repairs.

2. Insurance Policy Coverage - The extent of the damage caused by a tornado can vary widely, and insurance policies can be complex and difficult to understand. It's important to review your insurance policy to determine what is covered and what is not.

3. Disputed Claims - In some cases, insurance companies may dispute the extent of the damage or the amount of compensation you are entitled to. This can lead to delays in receiving a settlement or even the need for legal action.

4. Emotional Impact - Tornado damage can be emotionally overwhelming, particularly if you've lost personal belongings or your home has been severely damaged. Dealing with the insurance claim process can add to this stress, making it challenging to navigate the process effectively.

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Working with a public adjuster can help alleviate some of these challenges by providing guidance and advocacy throughout the process. They can help you gather the necessary documentation, review your insurance policy, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Are there risks you may face by NOT working with a public adjuster?

Yes, there are risks involved in not working with a public adjuster when filing a tornado damage claim. Here are some potential risks:

1. Undervalued Claims: Insurance companies may undervalue the amount of compensation you are entitled to for your tornado damage. A public adjuster can help ensure that your claim is accurately valued and that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.

2. Delayed Claims: Without the expertise and advocacy of a public adjuster, the claims process can be lengthy and frustrating. A public adjuster can help expedite the process and ensure that your claim is handled in a timely manner.

3. Denied Claims: Insurance companies may deny your claim for a variety of reasons, such as insufficient documentation or a technicality in your policy. A public adjuster can help ensure that your claim is documented correctly and that your policy is fully understood, reducing the risk of a denied claim.

4. Emotional Distress: Filing a tornado damage claim can be emotionally overwhelming, particularly if you've lost personal belongings or your home has been severely damaged. A public adjuster can help alleviate some of this stress by handling the claims process on your behalf.

In summary, working with a public adjuster can help ensure that your tornado damage claim is handled correctly and that you receive the total compensation you are entitled to.

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Without their assistance, there is a risk of undervalued or denied claims, delays in the claims process, and added emotional distress.

Why choose Sill Public Adjusters?

Sill is the leading public adjusting firm in North America, our team is available 24/7, and we can respond to any location within hours.

Our clients choose Sill because they want our experienced team of licensed public adjusters, building and contents appraisers, damage experts, and forensic accountants to represent them throughout any property damage insurance claim.

Our company has the staff and the experience to handle even the most significant property claims at apartment complexes, manufacturing facilities, retail centers, and any property.

When you work with Sill, you get the settlement you deserve. Let's get started today; feel free to call us anytime at 844.650.7455.