Experience with Goodman Gable Gould Adjusters International and Advice to Those Who May be Seeking Help

As I have grown older and maybe a little wiser, I have had the privilege of seeing certain things in life “play out.” For example, I have had to file claims on my homeowner’s insurance at different points in my life with the following issues:

• The master bath shower leaked into the ceiling of the lower level
• Trees fell on my roof after a storm
• I lost my original engagement ring
• My new engagement ring and my great-grandmother’s antique, irreplaceable engagement ring was stolen on a work trip to Las Vegas

Thankfully, these were not large claims, as I would have definitely hired a public adjuster, one who would work for me, not the insurance company. I had a good working relationship with my insurance agent, so she helped the process, but she did have an attitude with me when I made the second jewelry claim as she couldn’t believe that I had now lost two sets of engagement rings; the first from my ex-husband and the second, I designed with my jeweler. My rates went up, and my agent retired.

The pros of making the claims gave us the financial means to make repairs or replace items, but they raised our rates, which kind of stunk since we were good-standing clients who had, at that point, only made four claims over a twenty-five-year period. It seemed a little precarious, so I decided to work with public adjusters on another, larger claim and it was a positive experience overall.

A large tree fell on our family’s home, making that the first major home insurance claim experience we had to date. While initially challenging, we found immense support from public adjusters. (BBB’s A+ rated Goodman Gable Gould Adjusters International). Public adjusters expertly handle both property and contents claims, offering valuable assistance in organizing and assessing losses. They provide thorough advice, with an emphases on the importance of seeing the property to offer tailored solutions. Their commitment to education and support is evident, highlighting their efficiency and client-centered approach. A public adjuster can significantly ease the process, ensuring comprehensive assistance and protection.

According to US News and World Report, they suggest the following, “Before making the call, read through your policy to get an idea of what is and isn’t covered, what exclusions and limits are included, and what additional coverages you might have that you may have forgotten about. If it’s been a while since you purchased the policy, this would be a good time for a refresher. Make a list of questions as you go through the policy,”.

Furthermore, these are the items a public adjuster will go over with a fine-toothed comb to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible under your policy. They will meticulously review your entire policy, assess all possible angles for coverage, and identify any potential benefits or riders that you may have overlooked. Their expertise often uncovers avenues for compensation that policyholders might not be aware of, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.

Another advantage is that public adjusters will act as your advocate. Unlike insurance company adjusters, who aim to protect the interests of the insurer, public adjusters work exclusively for you. Their goal is to ensure you receive a fair and just settlement that reflects the true nature and extent of your loss. They will negotiate fiercely on your behalf, leveraging their deep understanding of insurance policies and claims processes.

Is using a public adjuster a good idea?

Utilizing a public adjuster’s expertise is a good idea if:

• The claim is large
• Damage is severe
• Working with insurance companies is stressful
• Poor claims experience in the past

An excellent example is when my relative’s house burnt down in Baltimore, and she had an enormous fire claim to file. Thankfully, she hired a public adjuster in the Baltimore area who assisted them gracefully throughout the entire grueling and emotional process. Some of the positive outcomes one can expect when working with public adjusters, as my relative did, are:

• Alleviate the stress of navigating the insurance claims process
• Level the playing field with your insurance company
• Experience with managing thousands of claims from a variety of disasters — including fires, windstorms, floods, snow and ice storms, building collapse, vandalism, and business interruption. Network of trusted advisors
• Central location

These experts are able to move quickly with policyholders on developing a claims strategy that gets them an equitable settlement as soon as possible, frequently significantly higher than the insurance company’s initial settlement offer. They were at her side throughout the entire process, investigating the loss, documenting the damage, and presenting and negotiating her claim.

Moreover, the public adjuster took the burden of complex paperwork off their shoulders. Insurance claims like theirs often involve a substantial amount of documentation, which can be overwhelming, especially during such a stressful time. A professional adjuster managed this expertly and ensured that all the forms were completed accurately and timely, which significantly reduced the chances of their claim being delayed or denied. They had a great working relationship with them.

Remember to make sure they have a BBB’s A+ rating.

Why hire a public adjuster

First and foremost, public adjusters will thoroughly document all property damage and present detailed, itemized claims to the insurance company, leaving much needed time to concentrate on daily responsibilities.

Additionally, they save us time and help to meet obligations to the insurance company, while preparing and presenting the claims.

They will help to reduce stress and identify all of the coverages available in the insurance policy.

Most importantly, they will work hard at negotiating the fairest and most equitable settlement. It is vital to remember that public adjusters will take a percentage for all the work they will do but it is so worth every penny.

Another aspect often overlooked when considering a public adjuster is their deep understanding of policy language and legal jargon. Homeowners are not typically well-versed in the specifics of insurance contracts, which are filled with complex terms and conditions that can be misinterpreted or missed. A public adjuster’s expertise ensures that there are no surprises or misunderstandings. They can explain exactly what your policy covers, what it doesn’t, and what clauses or provisions might apply to your situation. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and gives you confidence that you are not missing out on entitled benefits.

Additionally, public adjusters have the resources and experience to handle extensive documentation requirements efficiently. Insurance claims often require a plethora of forms, evidence, and back-and-forth communications. This paperwork can be daunting, especially during a time when you’re likely already dealing with the emotional and physical impacts of property loss. Public adjusters manage this bureaucratic load, ensuring that all deadlines are met and that your claim progresses smoothly through the necessary channels. This administrative support is invaluable, allowing you to focus on recovering and rebuilding without the constant worry of paperwork.

Public adjusters also bring a network of professionals to your aid. Whether you need appraisers, contractors, or repair specialists, an experienced public adjuster has established connections with reputable experts in various fields. These relationships mean that your property damage is evaluated accurately and the necessary repairs are carried out promptly and professionally. This network ensures that the quality of work remains high and that you are getting a fair assessment of the costs involved, which can profoundly influence the settlement you receive.

Moreover, their involvement can expedite the entire claims process. Insurance companies can sometimes be slow in processing claims, especially when they are extensive and complicated. The meticulous preparation and organization a public adjuster provides means there is less back-and-forth with the insurance company, reducing the likelihood of delays. In many cases, they can significantly shorten the timeline for receiving your payout, allowing you to start repairs or replacements much sooner.

In terms of cost, while public adjusters do take a percentage of your claim settlement as their fee, this often results in a net positive outcome due to the higher settlements they negotiate. They advocate for the true value of your losses, which can lead to a much larger final amount than you might secure on your own. The increased settlement typically more than compensates for their fee, leaving you in a stronger financial position.

Lastly, securing peace of mind during a challenging time cannot be overstated. Knowing a dedicated professional is handling your claim allows you to focus on personal and family needs rather than the stresses of negotiating with an insurance company. Their objective advice and emotional support through the claim process add a human touch, making a difficult period more manageable.

SIGNS YOU NEED A PUBLIC ADJUSTER

Following an unexpected property damage loss, you can expect the insurance company to come prepared with experts. A fire, earthquake, flood, winter storm, hurricane, or other natural disaster can turn your life upside down without a moment’s notice. As an insured policyholder, you have rights and obligations. One of which is the ability to hire a public adjuster to advocate on your behalf. So, how can you tell when you need to bring in a professional to represent your interests?

You will need to document, file and prove a claim

When your claim is relatively large or has many public adjuster complicating factors, a public adjuster is just the person you need on your side. Your insurance company will involve an adjuster for your claim; however, they are paid by the insurance company to adjust the claim on the insurance company’s behalf — not yours. An insurance company has a team of people who understand the ins-and-outs of your policy, what it covers versus what it excludes, and are looking out for their bottom line. If you do not have the same resources on your side, you may find yourself fighting a losing battle.

A claim can quickly become difficult to navigate. For example, if a fire damages your home like my family member, how do you go about proving damages or receiving reimbursement? Or, for instance you never made an inventory of your possessions, and now have to create one from memory and list all the items that were lost in the disaster including their current valuations. Public adjusters have perfected this process and will ensure that you receive the best possible recovery for all your belongings covered by your policy. Many situations can complicate a claim quickly, but public adjusters have experience and know how to handle them to ensure a proper settlement.

You don’t fully understand the insurance policy’s language or depth of coverage

Public adjusters are there to work for you, the policyholder, to help you financially recover from a loss. Insurance claims hold a variety of complex provisions, processes, clauses, legal terms and issues that need to be addressed in order to maximize your settlement. Basic terminology such as Actual Cash Value, Business Interruption Coverage, Period of Restoration, and Replacement Costs are just a few terms you can be expected to understand when settling a claim by yourself, as well as knowing how your insurance company develops the valuation. Seeing that you most likely do not have specific property claim experience, hiring a public adjuster can greatly increase the amount of your claim settlement.

When you don’t have time to deal with the insurance claims process

Losing a home is a stressful time. As a homeowner, you will have an emotional loss of personal possessions and memories that will affect your entire lifestyle. This is a time when you should be focused on getting your home, or family back together on a solid foundation rather than learning the ins-and-outs of the insurance claims process.

Unfortunately, the burden of proof is always on the insured. It is up to you to prove what the insurance company owes you. When you hire public adjusters, their team will:

• Evaluate the insurance policy to establish the best possible strategy for presenting your claim to the carrier;
• Document and substantiate every detail of damaged property;
• Negotiate on your behalf with your insurance company;
• Keep you informed every step of the way; and
• Settle the claim for the maximum amount with less hassle for you.

The insurance company is not answering in a timely manner, or you feel they are not adequately evaluating your claim

An insurance claim can be a lengthy process. If you feel you are being neglected by your insurance company (they are not responding to your calls in a timely manner) it would be wise to expand your team to include a public adjuster.

The public adjuster will take over the task of directly communicating with the insurance company for you and will serve as the middleman to avoid these time-consuming calls and contacts. But the final settlement decisions will still ultimately stay in your hands. The public adjusters know how to get to the people with the answers.

A public adjuster will also make sure that your claim includes all of the related expenses that have resulted from the damage to the insured property. For instance, based on your policy debris removal, loss of business income, the cost of temporary locations, additional living expenses and more could be covered.

Seeking professional help is the wisest decision to make when it comes to dealing with your insurance company in regard to an insured commercial or residential claim. You have spent your life building up your business or home for your family and have paid significant insurance premiums to be protected. Hiring a public adjuster will ensure that your claim is handled correctly, from the very start.

Pros and cons of filing a homeowners insurance claim

Seeking advice from professionals can provide a detailed roadmap for navigating the complex world of homeowners insurance, ensuring that you make informed decisions every step of the way.

By the way, after making a lost item claim for my engagement ring, about three years later, I found it. Guess where it was all that time? In my silverware drawer — it fell off while I was doing the dishes!

Pros of Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim

• Financial Security
• Peace of Mind
• Coverage for Personal Belongings
• Temporary Living Expenses
• Liability Protection
• Mitigating Legal Costs
• Covers Natural Disasters
• Added Endorsements

Cons of Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim

• Deductibles Apply
• Potential Premium Increase
• Claim Denials
• Loss of Discounts
• Risk of Policy Non-Renewal
• Claim Documentation and Process