Increase in owner-occupied homes leads to growing insurance exposures

By Steven Weisbart, Chief Economist, Insurance Information Institute

 

For a dozen years – from 2004 through 2016 – the number of owner-occupied homes in the U.S. was virtually unchanged at about 75 million, even though the population grew by more than 30 million during that time span. In the same period, the number of renter-occupied residences spiked – from about 33 million to about 43 million. Both trends persisted through the Great Recession, and on into the recovery, during which time mortgage interest rates plummeted, and many homes went on the market at bargain rates, thanks to foreclosure or short sales.

The implications of these trends for the homeowners and renters insurance exposure bases are easy to see: very little...

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Increase in owner-occupied homes leads to growing insurance exposures was originally posted by ClaimsMate.com Insurance Information Resources

The most dangerous risks for insurers – a midyear review

Cybercrime tops the list of the most dangerous risks for insurers in Willis Re’s midyear review of issues likely to keep insurance executives up late at night.

Specifically, the most omnipresent cybersecurity problems to date are Meltdown and Spectre, two hardware vulnerabilities built into the chips of almost every server, computer and mobile device.

Not far behind is the threat of falling into the information technology gap. Most insurers surveyed by Willis have just completed, are in the middle of, or are planning a major IT systems overhaul. They report a concern surrounding the expense of constant updates and at the same time the risk of not being able to satisfy customer service expectations by falling behind on the latest...

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Having a problem with an insurance storm claim? Learn How ClaimsMate Can Help

The most dangerous risks for insurers – a midyear review was originally posted by ClaimsMate.com Insurance Information Resources

How to Deal with a Home Insurance Adjuster from the Insurance Company

Dealing with a home insurance adjuster is a normal part of making an insurance claim after a loss. If you’ve never dealt with a claims adjuster, however, then the process can be intimidating. Is the adjuster waiting for you to make a mistake? How can you maximize the payout from your insurance company? What items can you expect to be covered?

Today, we’re answering all of these questions and explaining how to deal with a home insurance adjuster from the insurance company.

Once you decide if you should call to file an insurance claim, it is important to understand the next steps of the process to properly handle dealing with the company insurance claims adjuster.

What is a Home Insurance Adjuster?

Your insurance company employs adjusters. An adjuster’s goal is to evaluate your claim and decide how much money the insurance company is required to pay out.

It’s important to note that the home insurance adjuster is a paid employee or independent contractor of your insurance company. Like any good employee, the adjuster’s goal is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line. From a financial standpoint, insurance companies want to pay the the least amount of money they’re legally obligated to pay.

An insurance company may call their adjuster an analyst, a representative, or some other title. Whatever they call their adjuster, however, their main goal is typically the same: to evaluate your claim and close it as quickly as possible, for as little money as possible.

How to Negotiate with your Home Insurance Company’s Adjuster

You shouldn’t be intimidated when negotiating with your home insurance company’s adjuster. Many insurance companies hand out a low initial offer because they expect the insured policyholder to negotiate or hire a public adjuster. They might give you a low initial offer assuming you’re going to reject it.

Delivering a low initial offer is a win-win situation for an insurance company. If you reject it, then they may have another, more reasonable offer lined up. If you accept it, then the insurance company avoids a drawn-out negotiation process, while saving money.

There are two important things to remember when negotiating with your insurance company’s home insurance adjuster:

Your Insurance Company is Legally Obliged to Act in Good Faith

When you buy a home insurance policy from your insurance company, you’re entering into a mutual contract. That contract states that your insurance company must cover certain types of damages. If an insurance company is refusing to cover certain damages, then the company may be acting in bad faith. Insurance companies that act in bad faith are liable for lawsuits. Lawsuits can be very expensive for insurance companies, and they’ll do whatever they can do to avoid a lawsuit.

You Have the Upper Hand

A home insurance adjuster usually deals with several insurance claims on a weekly basis. However, you have the upper hand because you only have one claim to handle: your own claim. You can be the expert of your own claim. Take advantage of that expert knowledge while negotiating with your home insurance adjuster.

What Happens When Negotiations Fail?

In a perfect world, your home insurance adjuster would offer a fair and reasonable settlement based on the damage to your home, and you would accept that offer and move forward with restoration, recovery and repairs.

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, and home insurance negotiations can quickly get messy.

You don’t have to accept the first offer your insurance company makes. However, if the insurance company continues to decline your claim or refuses to cover certain damages, then it may be time to decide between hiring a public adjuster or an attorney.

Tips for Dealing with a Home Insurance Adjuster

Here are other tips to remember when dealing with a home insurance adjuster:

• Avoid giving the adjuster a recorded statement
• Avoid speaking to the adjuster unless necessary, and consider having a friend or, better yet, your lawyer or public adjuster assist when speaking with the adjuster
• Avoid signing any documents from the insurance adjuster until you have reviewed and fully understand everything it contains
• Don’t settle your insurance claim too quickly
• Consider hiring a public adjuster or an attorney if negotiations are stalled or if you believe your insurance company is acting in bad faith
• Remember that what you say can hurt you; insurance adjusters have a long history of negotiating claims with clients, and a single recorded statement can impact your final insurance payout (this is more common for personal injury claims and car accident cases, but it can also be a problem in homeowners insurance cases)
• Don’t go overboard with your negotiation tactics; when the adjuster is from your own insurance company, then you’re required to cooperate with that adjuster
• If the payout offer from your insurance company seems unreasonably low, then ask for further justification on the low amount; ask them to itemize the damages and provide the facts behind their numbers
• Once a settlement is finally reached, make sure you get that settlement in writing; an adjuster might promise one thing during negotiations, then flip back to a previous offer for the final settlement

Overall, remember that the insurance company adjuster’s goal isn’t to give away money to everyone asking for it. Instead, their goal is most likely to be: settle your claim as quickly as possible, for the lowest amount possible. The insurance company’s adjuster is not on your side.

Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster

Many policyholders hire a public insurance adjuster to manage the claims process. A public adjuster is an insurance professional that works on your behalf – similar to how the insurance company’s adjuster works on the insurer’s behalf.

A good public adjuster will work diligently to manage your insurance claim from beginning to end, working hard to ensure you secure the maximum compensation possible under your insurance policy contract.

Public adjusters can’t be expected to work for free. Typically, adjusters charge a pre-arranged fee of 5% to 15% of the final settlement amount, depending on the size of the claim and the experience of the adjuster. However, homeowners who hire public insurance adjusters have been known to get settlements of 70% or more above the one initially offered by the insurance company – so many see it as a valuable investment.

If you’re overwhelmed dealing with your insurance company’s adjuster, then consider hiring a public adjuster. It can help to relieve an immense amount of time, stress and confusion while helping to ensure you get maximum compensation from your home insurance claim.

Read Full Article Here: How to Deal with a Home Insurance Adjuster from the Insurance Company

Important Tips For Wind Damage Insurance Claims

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Guide To Bad Faith Insurance Claim Practices

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Via https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcZImr64sN4bR4BB_JA82vg/videos

Public Adjusters In Victoria Texas

Find a licensed public adjuster in Victoria, Texas using ClaimsMate’s no-cost online form. Just enter your contact information on this page to get started. We’ll connect you with a qualified public insurance adjuster with the expertise . Setup a free consultation to discuss how a public adjuster can help you. You may be surprised by how effective a good public adjuster can be. In fact, our public adjusters can typically help you get a settlement that’s up to 70% higher than the payout initially offered by your insurance company.

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At ClaimsMate, we maintain a handpicked network of public adjusters across the state of Texas. Today, our coverage area officially includes all of Victoria, TX and surrounding communities. Whether you’re in the heart of Victoria, TX or in a surrounding rural area, we’re confident we can connect you with a qualified public adjuster in your local area. Our network covers all of Victoria County.

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Why Use A Public Adjuster To Help After A Loss?

Discover why a growing number of Victoria, TX home and business owners depend on public adjusters to solve insurance disputes and assist with the insurance claim settlement process. A public adjuster can walk you through the entire insurance claims process while maximizing your eventual payout. In exchange for their professional services, public adjusters charge a pre-arranged fee taken from the final settlement amount. Public adjusters work on a contingency fee basis, which means they don’t get paid anything until you accept the final offer from your insurance company. You can get a higher insurance payout, your public adjuster gets paid for his or her professional services, and your insurance company is forced to honor the terms of your insurance contract.

When To Hire A Public Adjuster In Victoria Texas

Typically, Victoria, TX home and business owners hire a public adjuster for insurance claims totaling over $10,000 in losses. If you’ve recently experienced flooding, fires and smoke damage, storm damage, water damage, wind damage, tornado damage, or another major incident on your covered property, then it may be in your best interests to hire a public adjuster. A skilled public adjuster can increase your payout remarkably at a time when you need it most.

A public adjuster can be hired to manage your claim from beginning to end. You might hire a public adjuster immediately after a disaster, for example, to ensure you get treated fairly throughout the insurance claim process.

In other cases, you hire a public adjuster after a dispute emerges with your insurance company. Your insurance company might hire their own independent adjuster, for example, and you can hire a public adjuster of your own to ensure fair treatment.

At ClaimsMate, we believe hiring a public adjuster shouldn’t be rocket science. That’s why we’ve simplified the process. We maintain a network of handpicked public adjusters serving the city of Victoria, TX and surrounding communities. These public adjusters are masters of their craft. They have a long history of providing superior services to clients.

To schedule a free consultation with a public adjuster in Victoria, Texas, simply fill out the form on this page. We’ll quickly connect you with a licensed public adjuster to start helping with your claim.

Learn More Here: Public Adjusters In Victoria Texas

From the I.I.I. Daily: Our most popular content, July 12 to July 19

Here are the 5 most clicked on articles from the I.I.I. Daily newsletter.

• A World Without Insurance: How Insurance Powers The Economy, I.I.I. video
• Jeremy Gold, Actuary who warned of pension crisis dies at 75, The New York Times
• Home Values Are Rising, So Grab the Benefits and Avoid the Risks, Consumer Report
• Excessive Speed Caused Florida Roller Coaster Derailment, Claims Journal
• I.I.I. Economic Snapshot: Second Quarter 2018

To subscribe to the I.I.I. Daily email daily@iii.org.

 

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From the I.I.I. Daily: Our most popular content, July 12 to July 19 was originally posted by ClaimsMate.com Insurance Information Resources

Public Adjusters in Kingsville Texas

Kingsville residents depend on ClaimsMate to find the perfect public adjusters for their insurance claims. Using our no-cost online service, anyone in Kingsville can find a skilled public adjuster to manage their insurance claim.

Our licensed public insurance adjusters have a long and proven track record of providing superior service across southeastern Texas. Many of our public adjusters have worked in Kingsville and surrounding communities. Our goal is to connect you with a licensed public adjuster experienced with your specific type of claim. Whether you’re dealing with hurricane damage, storm damage, hailstorm damage, fires, floods, or any other type of claim, you can depend on ClaimsMate to connect you with a professional public adjuster in Kingsville, Texas.

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To get started, just enter your basic information using the form on this page. We can quickly connect you with a licensed public adjuster in Kingsville, TX that has the experience needed to effectively handle you claim. Public adjusters offer a free consultation. During this free consultation, you can learn more about how a public adjuster can help with your specific insurance claim.

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In What Situations Should You Hire A Public Adjuster in Kingsville?

There are a number of reasons to hire a public adjuster in Kingsville, Texas. Some local home and business owners will hire a public adjuster at the beginning of their insurance claim. Public adjusters are skilled professionals with decades of insurance industry experience. They know how to handle claims efficiently and maximize your payout. They’ll manage your claim from beginning to end, then charge a small, pre-arranged fee when you accept the final offer from your insurance company.

In other cases, Kingsville residents hire public adjusters when they’ve entered a dispute with their insurance company. The insurance company might be refusing to honor your claim, for example. In other cases, insurance companies will use loopholes, insurance jargon, and “fine print” stipulations to reduce your payout. In many cases, insurance companies expect you to fight back and may initially offer a low settlement.

Typically, you would hire a public adjuster for insurance claims where losses add up to $10,000 or more. Public adjusters get paid based on the percentage of the final settlement from your insurance company. In fact, most public adjusters don’t charge any fees beyond this amount. To get a public adjuster invested in your case, you’ll typically want to have a case where losses add up to more than $10,000.

Not sure whether or not to hire a Kingsville public adjuster for your case? That’s okay! Most public adjusters in Kingsville provide free consultations. During this consultation, you can determine whether or not a public adjuster provides the right service for you.

To schedule your free consultation with a licensed public adjuster in Kingsville, Texas, complete the simple form on this page. We’ll then connect you with a licensed, experienced Kingsville public adjuster who is just right for your claim situation. ClaimsMate has a network of public adjusters serving customers across Kingsville, Texas, the 78363 ZIP code, and all surrounding parts of Kleberg County.

Read Full Article Here: Public Adjusters in Kingsville Texas

Task Force to Address Dyslexia Needs

Teachers are trained to identify and work with children with learning disabilities. If the teacher feels the student needs extra attention, they are prescribed special classes, educators and curriculum.

That’s not the case with dyslexia.

The learning disability is best known as children reading letters out of order. But, it is actually a disability where readers have trouble matching the letters they see with the sounds those letters and combinations of letters make. This affects a child’s ability to read fluently, spell words correctly, learn a second language and much more.

Many teachers do not receive education or specific cues to look for when it comes to dyslexia, and therefore numerous children progress through the...

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Task Force to Address Dyslexia Needs was originally posted by ClaimsMate.com Insurance Information Resources

When Should You Call Your Insurance Company To Make An Insurance Claim?

So you’ve experienced a problem that may warrant an insurance claim. When should you tell your insurance company? Should you tell your insurance company? Today, we’re answering all your questions about when to call your insurance company to make an insurance claim after experiencing a loss for a home, business, commercial property or personal property.

Generally Speaking, You Want to Make a Claim As Soon As Possible

Typically, it’s in your best interest to make a claim as soon as possible. The sooner you make a claim, the sooner you can start the repair, remediation, and recovery process.

However, there are certain steps you may wish to take before making a claim. First, you’ll want to take immediate steps to mitigate the loss. Next, you’ll want to decide whether or not you want to make a claim at all.

Step 1: Do What You Can to Mitigate the Loss

First, it’s important to note that you have a responsibility to mitigate the loss on your property damage claim. If your home has recently experienced flooding, fire, or roof damage from a storm, then you have a responsibility to limit this damage wherever possible. Put a tarp over your roof after storm damage, for example, or start draining water in your basement after flooding.

Insurance companies expect you to mitigate losses using the resources available to you and the emergency repairs or tasks within your control. You may not be an insurance expert or understand much of your insurance policy, but it is important to know the policy conditions under your duties after a loss. Every insurance policy contract contains this and includes preventing further damages along with preserving evidence of the loss (meaning don't dispose of damaged items). You can spend money to mitigate losses during this step, and the insurance company will typically reimburse you for any reasonable expenses. It is in everyone’s best interest to prevent further damages and failing to do so can result in losses not being covered.

Take steps to prevent further damage and ensure your immediate safety. If your house is flooded, for example, then turn off the electricity in that area of the house.

If a criminal act such as theft or burglary has taken place – like a break-and-enter – then that act needs to be reported to the police. Call 9-1-1.

Step 2: Decide Whether Or Not to Make a Claim

The next step is to decide whether or not you want to make a claim. Your business owners or homeowners insurance is one of those insurance policies that you hope to never use but can be a lifesaver when you need to use it.

First, appraise the situation. Do a visual assessment of the damages. Document everything using your phone or a digital camera. Even if you don’t intend to make a claim, it’s always helpful to have visual proof of the damages.

Establish an inventory of all of the items and property that have been lost, damaged, or stolen. Make detailed notes about how, where, and why the damage occurred.

Next, consider the cost of making a claim. Estimate how much it will cost to repair or replace any of your damaged or stolen property. Remember that you need to pay a deductible, so factor that into the cost. If the incident has caused an estimated $1,000 worth of damage, and your deductible is $1,000, then it may not be worth it to file a claim.

If you’re unsure how much it will cost to repair the damage to a home or building, consider contacting a public adjuster or professional contractor to assess the damages. Public insurance adjusters and contractors will often provide free assessments. This information can help you decide whether or not it’s worth it to file a claim.

Note: In cases where you have a large claim estimated at $100,000 or more it is highly recommended to contact a Public Adjuster first. Large claims adjusters from the insurance company are typically the best of the best, and their specialties often lie in overwhelming and confusing the client.

If you’ve filed a claim on your homeowners, business owners, or commercial property insurance policy in the past, then you may want to more carefully consider before making a new claim. Policyholders who make multiple claims in a 5 or 7 year span may be seen as higher-risk, which could make it difficult (or more expensive) to renew your policy.

Of course, if it’s a serious incident involving more than $10,000 in damages, then it’s almost always in your best interest to make a claim – regardless of how many previous claims you’ve made.

Step 3a: Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately

When should you call your insurance company to make a property damage claim or homeowners insurance claim? You should call your insurance company immediately after you’ve decided to make a claim. Keep in mind that the phone call is more than likely being recorded and insurance companies are not charity organizations that just want to give you money after a loss. Only state facts that you are sure of and don’t make statements of assumptions.

The sooner you contact your insurance company, the sooner they can send an adjuster to your location and the sooner they can start assessing the damage. The sooner you can get started on repairs and recovery, the better off you’ll be. Be aware: Insurance contracts contain proof of loss conditions that detail the time frame in which you must notify the insurance company of a claim after a loss, and in many cases, submit proof of loss forms or documentation within a specified time frame.

Step 3b: Consider Contacting a Public Adjuster

The days and weeks following a disaster, break-in, or other incident resulting in loss can be stressful. Consider hiring a public adjuster prior to making your insurance claim. A public adjuster (which in most states must be licensed) is an insurance specialist who can provide assistance and guidance on all aspects throughout the claims process. He or she will handle assessing loss and damages, communicating with the insurance company on your behalf, negotiation with your insurance company for maximum coverage, and will stick with you for each step of the claims process.

Some people hire a public adjuster before they begin their insurance claim. A good public adjuster can walk you through the entire claims process and ensure that the proper steps are taken while helping to prevent making mistakes that may affect your insurance claim. The adjuster can alleviate much of the burden during a stressful time, using his or her professional expertise to maximize your compensation.

Other people hire a public adjuster after they’ve already begun an insurance claim. You may choose to hire a public adjuster if the insurance company is dragging its feet, denying coverage for a claim, presenting a low or unreasonable offer, showing signs of possible bad faith insurance tactics, or unfair claims settlement practices.

Conclusion: Contact your Insurance Company or a Public Adjuster ASAP

Once you’ve decided to make a claim, it’s important that you contact an insurance company or a public adjuster as soon as possible. With larger claims, timing can be crucial. Your insurance company has staff available 24/7 to attend to your requests, and many public insurance adjusters are also available 24 hours a day. The sooner you contact the insurance company, the less likely you are to experience complications with your claim.

Originally Published Here: When Should You Call Your Insurance Company To Make An Insurance Claim?

Secrets The Insurancy Company Does Not Want You To Know

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Matagorda Public Insurance Adjusters

ClaimsMate provides a no-cost public adjuster search service available to residents of Matagorda, TX and all surrounding communities within Matagorda County. We maintain a network of handpicked public adjusters based across the state of Texas. All our public adjusters have a proven track record of successfully representing Texas clients against their insurance companies.

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A public adjuster can handle your Matagorda insurance claim from beginning to end. These men and women are skilled professionals with firsthand experience dealing with major insurance claims. Without a public adjuster, many Matagorda County homeowners often find that insurance companies take advantage of them. With a public adjuster, however, you can relax knowing you have a skilled professional at your side.

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What Public Adjusters In Matagroda Provide

Our Matagorda public adjusters will negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. Just like the insurance company’s own adjusters, a public adjuster will analyze your claim, check your contract, and determine a fair amount of compensation. The goal of a public insurance adjuster is to help you receive the maximum possible compensation based on the terms of your insurance contract. Meanwhile, the adjuster hired by your insurance company wants to offer the lowest amount of compensation legally required by your insurance contract.

Why Use ClaimsMate For Help With Insurance Claims Adjusting?

One of the advantages of using ClaimsMate is the fact that we exclusively use local, Texas-based public adjusters. Instead of interacting with a faceless, nationwide firm, you can interact with the same professionals your neighbors have relied on for their major claims. We’ve found this leads to better success rates and higher claims across our coverage area.

We also strive to connect homeowners with public adjusters experienced in their unique claims. If you experience flood damage in Matagorda, TX, for example, then we’ll connect you with a public adjuster with firsthand experience in flood damage claims. This local experience can give you the edge you need over your insurance company.

Deciding If You Need A Public Insurance Adjuster

At the end of the day, hiring a public adjuster in Matagorda, Texas might be one of the best choices you make. A public adjuster can help you get the fair settlement needed and deserved, that’s larger than the one initially offered by your insurance company. That means more money in your pocket and more time to focus on the recovery.

Matagorda public adjusters also work on a contingency fee basis. That means they’re not paid until you accept the final settlement from your insurance company. Once you’ve accepted the settlement, the public adjuster is paid a small fee based on the final settlement amount – typically 5% to 10%. This fee is pre-arranged and covers all the costs of the public adjuster. There are no hidden fees or surcharges: just honest rates for honest work.

Today, ClaimsMate connects customers with public adjusters in Matagorda, Texas and all surrounding communities. Whether you’re located in the center of town, on the Colorado River, or on the Gulf, we can provide the best locally-based public adjusters anywhere in Matagorda and Matagorda County. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a licensed public adjuster in Matagorda, TX.

Originally Published Here: Matagorda Public Insurance Adjusters

THE JULY ISSUE OF I.I.I.’S LATEST STUDIES DIGEST

The July issue of I.I.I.’s Latest Studies digest is now available.

In this issue:

• Marsh & McLennan on directors’ risk
• Lloyd’s of London’s 2018 City Index
• Zurich on resilience against big weather events
• Governors Highway Safety Association on drug impaired driving

And much more…..

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Having a problem with an insurance damage claim? Learn What ClaimsMate.com Can Do For You

THE JULY ISSUE OF I.I.I.’S LATEST STUDIES DIGEST was originally posted by ClaimsMate.com Insurance Information Resources

Public Adjusters in Brownsville Texas

Hiring a public adjuster in Brownsville, Texas could be one of the smartest decisions you ever make. Let’s face it: most home and business owners aren’t insurance policy experts. When you hire a public adjuster, you’re getting a bonafide insurance industry expert on your side. That expert will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive the highest possible payout on your claim.

In most cases, a public insurance adjuster can help you secure a payout that’s significantly higher than the payout initially offered by your insurance company. That means more money in your pocket at a time when you need it most.

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There’s also the convenience factor: hiring a public adjuster takes away much of the burden of dealing with an insurance claim and obtaining a fair settlement. After a major incident or disaster, the last thing you want to do is negotiate with a greedy insurance company. By hiring a public adjuster in Brownsville, you can relax while a certified professional represents your best interests and secures the highest possible payout.

ClaimsMate in Brownsville Texas

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How ClaimsMate Provides Public Adjusters To Help

When searching for a public adjuster in Brownsville, Texas, you can depend on ClaimsMate. At ClaimsMate, we maintain a network of public adjusters across the state of Texas. Our public adjusters serve small communities and big cities across the state. Today, we proudly serve customers in Brownsville, TX and all surrounding communities. Whether you’re located within Brownsville or in any surrounding community in Cameron County, we can connect you with a skilled and licensed public adjuster quickly.

When to Hire a Public Adjuster in Brownsville Texas

Hiring a public adjuster can lead to an insurance claim payout that is much higher than the payout initially offered by your insurance company. However, public adjusters aren’t used for all insurance claims.

Typically, you hire a public insurance adjuster when the losses from the claim total more than $10,000. This is because public adjusters work on a contingency basis: they get paid based on a percentage of the final payout. This fee is discussed upfront. It typically ranges from 5% to 10%. You don’t pay your public adjuster a penny until you accept the final offer from your insurance company.

Some Brownsville, TX home and business owners will hire a public adjuster at the beginning of their claim. If you recently experienced damages related to a fire, flood, hurricane, hailstorm, or any other event, then you may wish to hire a public adjuster immediately to handle your claim from beginning to end.

In other situations, Brownsville policyholders won’t hire a public adjuster until after they’re submitted a claim with their insurance company. If you claim has been denied or the settlement offer is much lower than you expected, for example, then you may hire a public adjuster to maximize your compensation.

The sooner you begin your insurance claim, the easier the claims process will be. Enter your details into the form on this page to speak with a qualified public adjuster in Brownsville, Texas. We’ll connect you with a licensed public adjuster serving your community.

See Full Article Here: Public Adjusters in Brownsville Texas

Alice Texas Public Claims Adjusters

Easily find a qualified, expert public insurance adjuster in Alice Texas to assist with an insurance claim. At ClaimsMate, we maintain a network of qualified public adjusters located across the state of Texas. Today, our coverage area officially includes all of Alice, TX and surrounding communities within Jim Wells County. Whether you’re filing a homeowner’s insurance claim, a commercial property insurance claim, or any other type of insurance claim, it may be in your best interests to hire a public adjuster in Alice, Texas.

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How ClaimsMate Helps With Local Public Adjusters

At ClaimsMate, we serve large cities and small communities across the state of Texas and provide a no-cost search service. You can enter your contact information on this page to get started. We’ll then help you get connected with a public adjuster that is the best match for your claim in Alice, TX. Schedule a free consultation with the public adjuster to discover how they can help your insurance claim. A public insurance adjuster can provide a payout that’s much higher than the one initially offered by your insurance company.

Now, finding a public adjuster in Alice that can properly handle adjusting your claim doesn’t have to be difficult. Our handpicked, licensed adjusters have a proven track record of helping Texans manage their insurance claims. We strive to connect searchers with public adjusters who are qualified in their unique claims – whether it’s a hailstorm claim, flooding, fire damage, windstorm damages, or any other incident. No matter what type of insurance claim you’re dealing with, you can depend on ClaimsMate to find the perfect public adjuster for your situation.

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When to Hire a Public Adjuster in Alice Texas

Public adjusters can help home and business owners maximize payouts from their insurance company. However, public adjusters can’t be expected to work for free. Public adjusters charge on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid until after you accept the final settlement from your insurance company. At this point, the public adjuster charges a pre-arranged agreed upon fee, that is typically a small percentage of the total settlement. In most cases, this is the only fee charged by the public adjuster.

Because public adjusters work on a contingency fee basis, many adjusters only accept cases where losses total more than $10,000. Typically, you only hire a public adjuster for larger insurance claims – like cases where you’ve experienced major property damage.

Some Alice, TX home and business owners hire a public adjuster after there is a dispute with their insurance company. The company might be refusing to honor your claim, for example, or they might be dragging their feet on certain parts of your insurance policy or showing signs of acting in bad faith. In these situations, a public adjuster can help to negotiate with your insurance company to maximize your payout.

Alternatively, some public adjusters can manage your claim from beginning to end. They can take over all aspects of your insurance claim. You can gain a huge sense of relief while depending on a skilled professional to handle the intricacies of the insurance claim process and maximize your insurance settlement.

If you’re ready to get a fair insurance settlement or just need help with handling an insurance claim, then fill out the form on this page. We’ll connect you with a licensed public adjuster in Alice, TX motivated to tackle your insurance claim.

Learn More Here: Alice Texas Public Claims Adjusters

Public Adjusters in Harlingen Texas

Hiring a qualified public insurance adjuster in Harlingen, Texas to help with your claim doesn’t have to be difficult. ClaimsMate is here to help. We provide home and business owners with handpicked public loss adjusters serving communities across the state of Texas. Today, our coverage area officially includes residents of Harlingen, Texas and all surrounding communities. If you need a licensed public adjuster in Harlingen, TX, then you can depend on ClaimsMate to find the qualified professional you need.

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To connect with a public adjuster in your local area, simply enter your information and a few details about your claim into the form on this page. We can connect you with a licensed adjuster within minutes. Schedule a free consultation and discover how a public adjuster can help manage your insurance claim and maximize compensation. Our coverage area officially includes the entire city of Harlingen, TX as well as all surrounding communities within Cameron County and other nearby areas.

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Is Finding A Harlingen Public Adjuster Right For Me?

A good public adjuster will help you maximize compensation from your insurance company. In fact, a public adjuster can help you receive a payout up to 70% higher than what was initially offered by your insurance company. Many Harlingen home and business owners choose to hire a public adjuster after they notice their insurance company dragging their feet on a claim. Others hire a public adjuster immediately after experiencing a disaster – like a fire, flood, storm, tornado, hurricane or water damages.

Whatever the reason for your insurance claim may be, a public insurance adjuster in Harlingen, TX is a certified professional that can help relieve some of the burden while maximizing your payout for loss and damages. We work exclusively with public adjusters who have local experience and a proven track record. We want to connect searchers – at no cost – with public adjusters capable of maximizing insurance payouts.

When to Hire A Public Insurance Adjuster

Public adjusters are typically hired for insurance claims involving more than $10,000 in total losses. That’s because public adjusters get paid on a contingency basis: they charge a fee based on the final settlement offered by your insurance company. In many cases, your public adjuster won’t charge a penny until you accept the final offer from your insurance company. At this point, they’ll charge a pre-arranged fee of your final settlement. You can receive a higher insurance payout, your public adjuster gets paid fair compensation, and your insurance company is forced to abide by the terms of its contract. Everybody wins!

Public adjusters in Harlingen, TX can help manage all aspects of your insurance claim from beginning to end. You might hire an adjuster immediately after you experience a major disaster or loss. Or, in other cases, Harlingen, TX policyholders wait until their insurance company has denied all or part of their claim before they hire a public loss adjuster.

During a dispute, your insurance company might hire its own independent adjusters to analyze your claim. By hiring your own public adjuster, you can defend yourself against a greedy insurance company. Some insurance companies deliberately offer you a low settlement because they assume you’ll fight back or hire a public adjuster and negotiate, or simply accept their initial offer. That’s why many Harlingen, TX home and business owners are choosing to hire public adjusters.

Fill out the quick form on this page to connect with a licensed public adjuster in Harlingen, Texas in minutes!

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Revised 2018 Hurricane Season Forecast

By Phil Klotzbach, lead author of the Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane forecasting team, and I.I.I. non-resident scholar. 

Colorado State University (CSU) released its updated outlook for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season today, and they are now calling for a below-normal season with a total of 11 named storms (including Alberto which formed in May), four hurricanes and one major hurricane (maximum sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater; Category 3-5 on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale) (Figure 1).  This prediction is a considerable reduction from their June outlook which called for 14 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.  Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) and Net Tropical Cyclone (NTC) activity are...

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Revised 2018 Hurricane Season Forecast was originally posted by ClaimsMate.com Insurance Information Resources

Public Invited to Get Its Kicks on Route 66 with Campaign to Secure Federal Historic Designation

Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Route 66 to its National Treasures portfolio and announced plans to pursue National Historic Trail status for one of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.” The centerpiece of the campaign will be a month-long road trip to help preserve the “Main Street of America.” During the road trip, the organization will share the stories of historic sites along Route 66 and build support for the National Historic Trail designation.

“Driving Route 66 is the quintessential American road trip,” said Amy Webb, senior field director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “It is the most iconic, culturally-celebrated, and internationally-recognized stretch of...

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Public Invited to Get Its Kicks on Route 66 with Campaign to Secure Federal Historic Designation was originally posted by ClaimsMate.com Insurance Information Resources

Homeowners Insurance Claim – Can I Do the Work Myself and Pocket the Difference?

If you recently received a payout from your homeowner’s insurance company, then you may be wondering if you need to use a third party repair company.

Are you allowed to complete home repairs yourself? Can you charge the insurance company for your own labor? Are you allowed to pocket extra money left over from your claim? Is it legal to profit from an insurance claim?

These are all good questions commonly asked by homeowners across the United States. Keep reading to discover the answers.

You’re Typically Allowed to Complete Your Own Repairs

In most cases, your homeowner’s insurance company will calculate the cost of completing work on your home. The goal is to pay you the exact amount it will cost to restore your home to its pre-loss condition.

Once these calculations are complete, your homeowner’s insurance company will send you a check for this exact amount. At this point, you can hire a contractor to complete repairs on your home. Or, you can complete the repairs yourself, hire a cheaper contractor, pay a skilled friend, or just leave your home as-is.

In other words: yes, you can profit from the insurance claim, fix your own home, and make the most out of your payout.

In fact, you can leave your home half-destroyed and take a vacation with the money, if that’s what you want to do.

However, there are a number of restrictions and things you need to know before you start messing with your policy like this.

If You’re Still Making Mortgage Payments, then Your Bank Can Require You to Fix Your Home

First, many people don’t totally own their own home. If your bank owns or partially owns your home, then your bank can decide to fix it.

If you’re still making payments on your home (or if you have taken out a second mortgage), then you’re not technically the full owner of your home. This is the same rule that applies to cars: you’re required to make car repairs when you’re still paying off your car loan because you don’t fully own your vehicle.

The lienholder – the bank or whoever actually owns your home – will likely require you to fix your home to its pre-loss condition condition.

The reason is simple: your home is the collateral for your loan. When that collateral is damaged, its value drops, and the value of the loan is threatened. Ultimately, if you’re still making mortgage (or second mortgage) payments, then your bank has the right to require work to be performed – and they may pick a certain person or company to complete the repairs.

Home Repairs May Be More Complex Than You Think

There have been plenty of homeowners who overestimated their home repair skills. You might have experienced a small problem with your home. You get a $10,000 check from your insurance company. You laugh and think that all you need is a trip to Home Depot and a few weekends of your own time to fix the problem.

The next thing you know, you’ve made the problem significantly worse and are spending more than $10,000 for a team of real professionals to repair the issue.

The fact is: home repairs are more complex than many people realize. Many homeowners undervalue the work required to restore their home to pre-loss condition.

If you underestimate the amount of work that needs to be completed on your home, then your insurance company might provide a smaller check than you need or deserve. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get an independent assessment after significant losses or damages on your own home.

If You Don’t Fix your Home Today, You Could Sacrifice Future Claims

There’s one final thing to note about pocketing the difference on homeowner’s insurance claims: if you don’t fix the problem correctly today, then you could be sacrificing future claims on your insurance policy.

After all, your insurance company provided you with the funds needed to restore your home to its pre-loss condition. After they provide these funds, they assume your home will be restored to its pre-loss condition.

If you suddenly experience another incident and need to make another claim on your insurance policy, then your insurance company might avoid covering these future damages.

Let’s say you suffered a small fire in your home. The fire damaged electrical wiring throughout your home. Instead of paying a professional, licensed electrician to do it, you hired your brother-in-law Dave to complete the repairs. Dave patched everything up and it all looked good. Then, a few weeks later, your home suffers an electrical fire due to Dave’s shoddy work. Your home burns down and you lose everything. In this case, your insurance company might not provide compensation because you didn’t restore your home to its pre-loss condition.

You Will Receive a Check for the Items in your Home, But You Can Decide How to Spend that Check

Your homeowner’s insurance policy might also cover the items inside your home. If your items are damaged, then your insurance company is required to send you a check for the value of those items.

However, the insurance company doesn’t require you to purchase those exact same items again. Instead, they’ll just send you a check covering the actual cash value (ACV) of those items. You’re free to spend that check however you like. You might choose to buy cheaper furniture, for example, and pocket the difference.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the insurance company is required to pay the exact amount of money required to make your property whole again. Your insurance company will give you a check to cover the costs of restoring your home to its pre-loss condition.

If your bank owns your home (like if you’re still making payments on your mortgage or second mortgage), then your bank may require you to make certain repairs from a certain contractor.

If you own your home outright, however, then you’re free to repair your home however you like. You can choose a cheaper contractor, for example, or repair your home on your own. You can even take the money and spend it on a vacation and avoid repairing your home.

However, if your DIY repair job or cheap contractor does a shoddy job, then you may not be able to file a future claim on your insurance policy. If you don’t restore your home to its pre-loss condition, then your insurance company might not cover future claims.

Ultimately, as long as you understand the rules and restrictions, you’re free to spend your homeowners insurance policy claim settlement however you wish. In most cases, however, your best option is to pay an experienced professional to repair your property to its pre-loss condition.

Article Here: Homeowners Insurance Claim – Can I Do the Work Myself and Pocket the Difference?