We’re not claiming that there are not any good adjusters left out there. We’re not saying that all adjusters can’t be trusted, or that any of them are trying to purposely cheat people. There are many efficient and professional adjusters that excel at their job. However, are we really under the delusion that there will never be an adjuster that makes a mistake, an adjuster that may miss hidden damages, or that every adjuster that works for insurance companies all have multiple years of training and experience? Let me answer for you… NO Way In Hell!
Have you ever obtained a second opinion before having a mechanic do major work on your car? Have you; or anyone you know; ever secured a second opinion before having surgery? A second opinion when hiring a landscaper, hen buying a computer, or when hiring a contractor? Have you ever obtained more than one estimate to have work done on your home? Excuse me for assuming that you’ve answered a very loud and proud “YES,” to more than one of these questions, or al for that matter. Then why will policyholders (homeowners and business owners) allow the insurance company’s adjuster to out-right “TELL THEM,” what the damages of their insurance claim will cost?
Most insurance adjusters have learned how to pass an insurance claim exam and learned how to use an insurance estimating program… but have never worked on an insurance repair job. Many have never built or repaired a home, nor have they ever worked for any type of Construction Company. Chances are they will miss something needed to properly complete the repairs of your claim.
It’s no mystery that it is YOUR property, it’s YOUR insurance policy, and it’s YOUR responsibility to ensure you protect yourself. Again, your insurance adjuster may be 100% accurate with their final analysis of your claim. Regardless, YOU should go the extra mile, have a contractor or an independent insurance appraiser provide you with a line-item, detailed insurance damage estimate that can ensure the adjuster is correct and accurate.
What Is A Line Item, Detailed Estimate?
Many contractors may use a square foot cost to replace a roof or siding on a home. However, insurance company usually require an estimate that has been detailed by separating each line-item individually. By using the replacement of a damaged roof in our example; the insurance companies will require that each process and layer of the repairs be listed. They need to view each type of material being used to ensure the insured is not upgrading what they had. Surely the insured can upgrade, but, the insured pays for the difference between what they had and what they are upgrading to. That’s the reason they wish to see all items listed separately. Here’s an example of a detailed, line-item insurance repair estimate; [I:http://www.freeaccountinginformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/JoeBrennan0.gif]
The numbers in the above example are fictitious; however, it shows the basics of a Line Item, Detailed Estimate. Each line item is broken down in detail and displays the description, quantity, unit cost, and total for each separate line item. This type of detail is needed so the insurance company can review and compare each separate line item and unit costs with their own software. Having the insurance claim estimate formatted the way the insurance companies like to see them, results in a faster settlement.
In the event that a insurance claim dispute arises – a more detailed estimate will allow for a less time consuming and smoother process. It is difficult for insurance companies to dispute your insurance claim estimate when it follows the exact format that they request.
Watch yourself, educate yourself, and protect yourself by obtaining a second opinion on any and all insurance claim damages you incur. Obtaining insurance claim help makes good sence. If you won’t look out for yourself… who will?
Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Get Insurance Claim Help , by visiting http://www.insuranceclaimsgroup.com , or http://www.insuranceappraisalumpire.com
