Better than the DIY store - we've got answers
It's ok to have questions, and even better to admit you don't know everything. A well educated policyholder is the best entity in the entire claims process. Below are the most common questions we get about public adjusting.
1) How do you get paid?
The most common question. Brett works on contingency fee basis. This means he charges a percentage of the total insurance payment once the claim is settled. This averages 10-15%, but is state dependent. However, every state requires this to be clearly disclosed on paperwork you sign with any public adjuster, whether you hire Brett, or someone else.
2) Do you work for my insurance company?
Brett works directly and ONLY for you, the homeowner. While he will coordinate with and work in conjunction with your insurance company, his loyalty is to the client: YOU.
3) Will my insurance really pay for (insert problem here)?
It all comes down to your policy. Your insurance contract, AKA the policy, will clearly say what the insurance company must pay for, as well as what they will not pay for. It's fairly black and white.
4) Do I have to argue with my insurance and do a lot of homework?
If insurance works how it is supposed to, no arguments occur. Insurance works best when everyone takes a collaborative approach. Even so, Brett recognizes we don't live in a perfect world.
In those situations, he is capable of making passionate disagreements on your behalf, using facts and applying appropriate legal standards. Brett is authorized to go head on with your insurance company about your claim and policy if they refuse to collaborate, so you don't have to deal with the headache.
Brett submits all relevant documents, coordinates for supporting reports and evidence, sampling, and so on. It is your home, so of course you can be as involved as you like, but most clients prefer to let Brett handle the entire process of claim management, from adjustment to final settlement negotiation. You may need to provide him information he isn't privy to (like prior inspections and mortgage reports) or allow access for inspections.
4) Can you make my deductible go away?
Your deductible is part of your contract with your insurance carrier, so no, Brett cannot touch your deductible. He always cautions about individuals or companies who promise to "pay," "eat," or otherwise "cover" your deductible, either directly or thru clever "marketing and referral programs."
5) Are you a contractor? Can you do the repair work?
Public Adjusters are not contractors. Brett has been in the industry for a long time and has contacts with a number of contractors for a variety of claims and projects. He is happy to make recommendations. However, you are under no obligation to take a recommendation and are free to use any contractor you like for the work. In a very broad sense, a Public Adjuster ensures a project has funding, while a Contractor does the work.
6) I have a contractor selected already. Does that help?
Absolutely! Brett loves working with contractors. If your contractor is willing to assist Brett, your claim will go much smoother. Please let Brett know who your contractor is and if your contractor is willing to assist. Please note, assisting does mean interpreting or adjusting policy and typically applies to obtaining documentation, providing expert reports, etc.
7) Can I perform the work myself?
Again - Absolutely! If you are a competent contractor or handyman, you are very much allowed to hire yourself for your repair / renovation. Some regulations vary state to state as to what you are entitled to for additional compensation, so if this interests you, please make sure to mention this early so Brett can alert your adjuster.
8) What if we don't win? Do you still get paid?
Brett prefers to collaborate with other insurance professionals, and doesn't like to think of claims as win vs lose. However, he understands the sentiment. Brett works on a fee basis. So if the claim is denied or no money is recovered, any percentage of $0 equates to no money owed to Brett.
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