Public adjusters play a critical role in property damage insurance claims. A public adjuster does not work for the insurance company; they represent the property owner throughout the claim.
Most property owners are not aware that they have the right to get professional help with a property insurance claim. Insurance claims can be difficult and stressful ordeals, especially if it is a commercial property or large residential property.
Consumer Reports recommends hiring a public adjuster to ensure a more successful outcome for your insurance claim. Having an insurance expert representing your best interests means you will ensure you get the settlement you deserve.
It is a good idea to call a public adjuster immediately after your home or business is damaged. A public adjuster can take on the burden of handling your claim right from the beginning. They can communicate directly with your insurance provider, schedule meetings, and manage complex paperwork that your insurance company will require.
Before you hire a public adjuster, consider a few essential things. First, be sure that you hire a licensed public adjuster. Only a licensed public adjuster has the appropriate credentials to help with your claim. Your state's insurance commission licenses public adjusters.
It would also help to look at the list of previous clients that the public adjuster has worked with. This should give you insight into who they have worked with and see if they have represented a property owner facing a similar situation.
Choosing a quality public adjuster could save you countless hours of work and thousands of dollars.
Sill is the largest public adjusting firm in North America, with offices throughout the United States and Canada. Our firm is one of only a few that features insurance policy, building, and contents damage experts and forensic accountants who can handle business interruption claims.
Sill has been in business for more than 90 years and has successfully settled insurance claims with almost every insurance provider in the industry.
Our team has the experience to handle the most significant insurance claims at commercial and large residential properties, but we specialize in commercial building damage claims.
In October of 2018, Hurricane Michael slammed into Panama City, Florida. The storm tore through the area, leaving multiple apartment complexes owned by Arbor Properties. More than 850 apartment units were heavily damaged.
Sill's disaster response team was there to inspect the damage and produce a details proof of loss report to support the claim. It turned into one of the most significant hurricane damage claims in history, with a settlement amount of $90 million.
Sill helped the property management company through their claim and worked with them throughout their rebuilding efforts.
"Bottom line is that this huge claim was able to get resolved in fairly short order with adequate funding being issued along the way, which allowed us to rebuild quickly. This made the city happy as we are the largest housing source, " said Gordon Thames, Arbor Properties, Inc.
When you hire Sill, here's what we do:
- Review current insurance policy, identify all coverage limits
- Inspect your property damage, assess and document all value
- Handle all communication with the insurance company
- Ensure your insurance company gives you the coverage you deserve
- Settle your claim much faster and for a more significant amount
We can schedule meetings with your insurance adjuster to inspect your property damage together. This ensures that the claims adjuster does not miss any potential hidden damage. A public adjuster will take the necessary steps to ensure that all property damage is reported and included in the claim.
Sill will also produce claim forms and provide them to your insurance company. We can carefully review your insurance coverage to identify all coverages you are entitled to.