Brett Gillet Public Adjusting

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.  As Brett often says, we love it when someone asks a question we don't know the answer to, because it allows us to research and learn and grow.  Below are the most common questions we get about public adjusting.

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) Do I have to argue with my adjuster 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 and resolution occurs with discussion and comparative review.  However, Brett recognizes we don't live in a perfect world.
    In those situations, a public adjuster is capable of making passionate disagreements on your behalf, using facts and applying appropriate legal standards, like your policy or published regulatory guidance.  A public adjuster like 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 at times be required to let him or the insurance adjuster onto the property for inspections and photos, or into the home if there is interior damage. 

4) Can you make my deductible go away?
     Your deductible is part of your contract with your insurance carrier, so no he cannot touch your deductible.  The final contractor invoice that is submitted to your insurance in order to recover your final depreciation will reconcile any differences, so we always caution about contractors who promise to "pay," "eat," or otherwise "cover" your deductible.  This is too close to insurance fraud, and we do not tolerate unethical business dealings.  To learn more about deductibles check out THIS article from the Insurance Information Institute.  Also, check out THIS article on the dangers of not paying your deductible.

5) Are you a contractor?  Can you do the repair work?
     Public Adjusters are not contractors.  However, 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 can make recommendations for work for you.  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 make a difference?
     Absolutely!  Brett loves working with contractors.  If your contractor is willing to assist Brett in managing the claim, your claim will go much smoother.  Please let us know who your contractor is and if they are willing to assist Brett, he will reach out to them on your behalf.  Please note, assisting does mean interpreting or adjusting policy and is usually reserved to obtaining pictures, 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.

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