F.A.Q.
Here are some answers to questions we get asked the most. We hope that these will provide you with answers and information on what Think Smart Adjusters does for its clients.
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Q: Will I get a higher payment when using a public Adjuster?
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A: There is a big difference when a claim is handled by a public adjuster. Studies show when policyholders use an adjuster, they receive an average of 747% higher payouts than those who weren’t represented.
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Q: Why should I consider hiring a Public Adjuster?
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A: Attempting to re-establish normalcy after a loss can be very time-consuming. The demands of preparing a claim to comply with the requirements of your policy are a full-time job, even for the experienced professionals. The experts at Think Smart relieve you of the claim responsibilities allowing you to devote your time and energies to the resumption of normal activities.
Q: What is a Public Adjuster?
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A: Public Adjuster is a licensed professional claims handler that advocates on your (homeowner, business owner, association, etc) behalf to ensure proper navigation through the many complex provisions and processes involved with a typical insurance claim. A claim that is professionally documented, appraised, and negotiated will allow you to receive the maximum settlement allowable according to your policy.
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Aside from attorneys, public adjusters licensed by the state are the only type of claims adjuster that can legally represent the rights of an insured during an insurance claim process. Please be aware it is illegal for anyone other than a public adjuster or an attorney to assist you in the handling of your claim.
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Q: Doesn’t the insurance company provide me with an insurance Adjuster?
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A: Insurance companies are big corporations for profit. Insurance adjusters are employed by Insurance companies, and their loyalty is only to the insurance company. Insurance company profits come from policy premiums minus any money they pay out for claims. Adjusters working for insurance companies are trained to pay as little as possible for claims. Many studies show that hiring a Public Adjuster to represent you with your insurance claim results in much higher claim settlements.
There are two types of insurance company adjusters:
Company Adjuster – A company adjuster is employed as a member of an insurance company’s staff. A company adjuster’s primary goal is to protect the insurance company’s interests. In essence, a company adjuster’s allegiance is to the insurance company – not you.
Independent Adjuster – Independent adjusters are hired by insurance carriers on a contract basis to handle certain claims when their company adjusters can’t handle the volume of claims.
Please remember that neither of these two types of adjusters has your best interest in mind.
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Q: When should I consider hiring a public adjusting firm?
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A: Immediately. The most common mistake we see is an insured compromising his or her position because they waited to hire Sill. Too often, we are retained after the insured has already committed to a partial settlement or after irreparable harm is done to settling the loss. The initial steps you take will have a profound impact on the ultimate outcome of your claim.
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Q: What is the cost of hiring a public adjuster?
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A: Public Adjuster fees are regulated by the state and will generally be a very small percentage of the maximum settlement from the insurance company.
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Q: What problems might I encounter if I try to adjust the claim myself?
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A: All claims are subject to differences of opinion. They are not black and white. Typically, disagreements arise concerning what is covered and what is excluded, the scope of damages, restoration required, applicable depreciation and labor and material costs. Remember, the burden of proof is upon you, the policyholder, to prove your damages.
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Q: Can I get help with my denied claim?
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A: Yes. We have found over the years that if you have a legitimate basis for additional claim damages and if documented through a professional public adjuster, insurance companies often will sit down with us and make a good faith attempt to try and resolve any outstanding differences.