FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?
WE REPRESENT THE POLICYHOLDER AGAINST THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY, WE DRAFT AN ESTIMATE FOR RECOVERY AND FIGHT FOR A FAIR SETTLEMENT FOR THEIR CLAIM.
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NO UPFRONT FEES - We get paid when your claim settles. If we are unsuccessful at getting a recovery for your claim, there is no fee!
LESS STRESS - Your public adjuster will handle the entire claim for you, providing expert level knowledge of the highly complex industry.
LARGE LOSSES - It’s important to hire an experienced public adjuster who understands the value of your claim and works with various experts to support your case.
SAVES YOU TIME - Public adjusters are claim experts who can easily navigate the complex claims process on your behalf, saving you time, money and sanity.
MAXIMIZE YOUR CLAIM - Policyholders who hired public adjusters for Hurricane claims received 747% MORE MONEY, and policyholders who hired public adjusters for non-catastrophe claims received 574% MORE MONEY. Source: OPPAGA
PUBLIC ADJUSTERS EXCLUSIVELY WORK FOR YOU - Throughout the claim process, public adjusters uphold their clients’ rights. They negotiate with your insurer to ensure you get a fair settlement.
FASTER RESULTS - Pursuing insurance firms is part of a public adjusters daily routine, they have the know-how of preventing hold-ups and the best way of dealing with unnecessary delays.
COMMUNICATION - Public adjusters communicate with your insurance company for you and actively provide you updates throughout the process.
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After our initial inspection and signed Letter of Representation we will file the claim on your behalf or reopen your existing claim.
We will meet with the insurance company’s adjuster, contractor and/or engineer at your property and discuss our findings with them.
We prepare a report and estimate which we submit to the insurance company. Your estimate is generated using line item estimating in an industry standard program called Xactimate which has the most up-to-date labor and material costs for your zip code.
If approved, the insurance company will issue an undisputed amount. We then attempt to negotiate your claim directly with your insurance company until we come to an agreed settlement amount. We will be in contact with you to discuss the settlement offers.
If we are unable to reach an agreement with the insurance company there are other options available to you such as mediation, appraisal (depending on your policy) or litigation which typically adds additional time to your claim process.
If you have a mortgage company, they will likely be a payee on your claim check. We work with your mortgage company to expedite processing.
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The insurance company has 90 days to issue a determination letter on your claim. It is common that the insurance company takes the entire 90 days. There are other things which can prolong your claim’s process including mediation, appraisal, litigation, construction and/or mortgage processing.
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If we are unsuccessful at getting a recovery for your claim, there is no fee!
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In order to properly serve you, we request you to direct all contact from the insurance company to your Dean Adjusters claims expert and staff.
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Provide us claim related documents upon request.
Allow access to the property for inspections.
Proof of Loss document reflecting the recovery value notarized by named insureds.
Carrier may require a recorded statement.
Attend mediation where your Dean Adjusters claims expert presents your case via zoom.
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We will update you continually throughout this process. If your claim is in litigation, we will request updates from your attorney and update you monthly. You can also actively view updates online with your login access we provide to you. You can also reach out to our office at (800)371-9215 for updates.
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Similar to an attorney, we take a percentage fee 20% for non-emergency claims and 10% for emergency claims (Hurricanes) for a period of one year after the event. We do not fee for deductibles or prior undisputed payments.