Are you looking for a way to prove to your insurance company that you're owed money? Hiring a public appraiser is an excellent option to have a professional on your side throughout the process. A licensed public appraiser can be hired on a “contingent fee” (percentage) basis to handle your claim and negotiate a settlement. Your insurance company may assign one or more adjusters to your claim. After your home has been damaged due to an incident such as a fire or windstorm, an insurance adjuster will evaluate the damage.
Robert, a UP volunteer and licensed public assessor, works at Crown Adjusting, LLC in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you're filing a property insurance claim for a large amount, it's highly recommended that you hire a public appraiser. It's illegal for a contractor to assume the role of a public appraiser, and vice versa. Many policyholders have experienced their first appraiser offering them a sum to reach a settlement, then leaving the company or being reassigned. When this happens, the new appraiser may cancel the offer or force them to start from scratch with the claim. Having the early involvement of a public appraiser can help identify common problem areas and adjust the claim accordingly.
If your appraiser is negotiating with an insurance company and you still think you're owed more money, you may have to resort to litigation. Public appraisers are professionals who are licensed to work on behalf of the policyholder in resolving property damage claims. They can file and negotiate claims for damage from floods, fire, smoke, wind, hurricanes, and other hazards, as well as for loss of business revenue caused by property damage. It's possible for an insurance company to refuse to negotiate with a public appraiser or pay for the desired settlement. If you receive an unfair proposed insurance settlement, you may consider hiring an attorney who can help you contest an insurance claim. Public adjusters are professionals and are unlikely to overlook any costs when dealing with the entirety of a claim on behalf of its customers.
However, some policyholders may want to be involved in some capacity. When it comes to filing an insurance claim for damages caused by an incident such as fire or windstorm, it's important to have an expert on your side. They can also help identify common problem areas and adjust the claim accordingly. If your appraiser is negotiating with an insurance company and you still think you're owed more money, you may have to resort to litigation. If you receive an unfair proposed insurance settlement, you may consider hiring an attorney who can help you contest an insurance claim. However, some policyholders may want to be involved in some capacity.
