In the intricate landscape of insurance claims, JF Public Adjusters stands out as a staunch advocate for fair settlements. On a regular basis, the team encounters undervalued claims, potentially leaving homeowners and business proprietors with settlements inadequate to cover extensive repairs. This predicament is especially disadvantageous for those unfamiliar with the complexities of the claims process, making them susceptible to accepting settlements that fall short of what’s required to bring the policyholder back to their pre-loss condition.
Unveiling Undervalued Claims: A Glimpse into Real-Life Cases
Here are some claims that we have handled that show this huge disparity.
Case Study 1: A New York condo owner faced a deluge when a pipe burst in the unit above, causing substantial water damage to the two-level residence. The settlement offer from the insurance company stood at $130,000, significantly below the actual repair costs. JF Public Adjusters intervened, negotiating relentlessly to secure a settlement of $253,000, ensuring the condo owner received fair compensation for the restoration.
Case Study 2: In another instance, a New Jersey home suffered water damage due to a water heater failure. The insurer proposed a settlement of approximately $40,000, an amount contested by JF Public Adjusters. Through meticulous assessment, the claim was eventually settled for $130,000, revealing the extent of undervaluation by the insurance company’s adjuster.
Case Study 3: A Bronxville, NY homeowner, having recently invested in a new roof, found their property damaged due to a missed installation step—no protective tarp was used. The initial offer from the insurer amounted to a meager $30,000, falling far short of the actual damage. JF Public Adjusters, armed with a comprehensive damage estimate, engaged in rigorous negotiations, after which the insurer increased the offer to $90,000. JF Public Adjusters believed this was still substantially less than what the homeowner was entitled to. With the insurer refusing to engage in further negotiations, JF Public Adjusters ultimately escalated the matter to appraisal. In the appraisal process, the claim settled at $187,000, a substantial improvement from the insurer’s previous offers.
Bridging the Gap: The Role of Public Adjusters
These case studies underscore a significant gap between insurance company valuations and the actual damages incurred. Many policyholders lack the experience to navigate such disparities and may be inclined to accept subpar settlements. Public Adjusters, like JF Public Adjusters, emerge as professionals bridging this gap, leveling the playing field for policyholders.
Understanding the Role of Public Adjusters
Public Adjusters are experts in property loss and are licensed to legally represent policyholders in their first-party insurance claims. They are licensed to work only for policyholders, not insurers.
Services Offered by Public Adjusters
Public Adjusters extend their expertise to a variety of claims, including water damage, storm, wind, hurricane, snow, winter storm, fire, smoke, sinkholes, vandalism, and more. They can also assist with business interruption, loss of rental income, additional living expenses, and other aspects of claims.
Enhancing Your Claim with a Public Adjuster
Working with a Public Adjuster is a prudent decision when dealing with an insurance claim. They navigate the claim process, handle negotiations with the insurer, and strive to secure the maximum settlement for all incurred damages. A study has revealed that policyholders working with a Public Adjuster received up to 574% more than those handling claims on their own.
Key Contributions of a Public Adjuster to Your Claim
- Policy Review: Public Adjusters meticulously review insurance policies, interpreting complex wordings that policyholders might overlook.
- Damage Inspection: Thoroughly inspecting and documenting the damage ensures that no aspect is overlooked, preventing potential out-of-pocket expenses for overlooked damages.
- Business Interruption Claims: Public Adjusters evaluate business interruption losses, guiding policyholders through the substantiation of losses to avoid underpayment.
- Comprehensive Valuation: Public Adjusters provide a thorough valuation of losses, substantiating claims with accurate estimates and supporting documentation.
- Negotiation: Acting as advocates, Public Adjusters negotiate settlements with insurance carriers, always seeking the best outcome with policyholder consent.
Understanding Public Adjuster Fees
Public Adjusters are compensated through an agreed-upon fee, typically a small percentage of the recovered amount. State regulations set thresholds for these fees, ensuring fairness. Importantly, the fee structure aligns the interests of the Public Adjuster with those of the policyholder.
Joel Follman: A Champion for Policyholders
At the helm of JF Public Adjusters is Joel Follman, a licensed public adjuster with a commitment to safeguarding policyholders’ interests. Joel is licensed in multiple states, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. He brings over years of experience in the insurance industry and embodies a fierce commitment to customer advocacy. Joel strives to expedite recovery processes and achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients.
In the realm of insurance claims, where disparities in valuation can be significant, Joel Follman and JF Public Adjusters emerge as beacons of fairness, guiding policyholders towards equitable settlements and ensuring that the complexities of the claims process do not compromise policyholders’ rightful compensation. If your residential or commercial property faces damage from water, fire, wind, or other insured events, Joel Follman invites you to reach out at (917) 272-8793 for a free claim review and consultation.
Joel Follman
Licensed Public Adjuster
JF Public Adjusters
https://jfpublicadjusters.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-follman/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/follmanpublicadjuster
