Too many policyholders rely on their insurance company to visit their property, inspect their claim, and provide a claim settlement for their damages. This should almost NEVER HAPPEN!

I’m not saying that there are no good adjusters out there and that they can’t be trusted, not at all. There are many excellent adjusters that do an excellent job. However, are you under the delusion that they will never make a mistake, miss hidden damages, or that they all have multiple years of experience? Not a chance.

Have you ever had a second opinion before having your car fixed? Have you or anyone you know ever needed a second opinion after seeing a doctor? A second opinion when shopping for a car, computer, or hiring a contractor? Have you ever had more than one estimate to build or repair something for your home? I’m assuming you’ve answered yes to at least one of these questions, if not more. Then why do policyholders allow insurance company adjusters to TELL THEM what they will pay on their insurance claim?

Most insurance adjusters have learned how to pass an insurance claim exam and learned how to use an insurance estimating program… but have never worked on an insurance repair job. Many have never built or repaired a home, nor have they ever worked for any type of Construction Company. Chances are they will miss something needed to properly complete the repairs of your claim.

Simply put, this is what you have been paying for all this time. To be protected when you have a claim. It is YOUR money, it is YOUR insurance policy, it is YOUR property, which in turn makes it YOUR responsibility to protect yourself from mistakes or from being taken advantage of. Again, the insurance company adjuster could be 100% accurate with the final analysis and estimate numbers for your claim damages. Regardless of what you think may be true, YOU should be sure. Policyholders need to have an independent insurance appraiser or contractor provide them with a line item, detailed estimate that will ensure their adjuster was correct.

What Is A Detailed, Line-Item Estimate?

Some contractors use a complete square foot price for replacing a roof or siding, however, the insurance company will usually request that the estimate be broken-down per line-item. Using an example of a roof replacement; the insurance companies need to view each process and layer of the work being preformed on the roof. They also need to view each type of material that is being used. These should all be listed separately. Here’s a detailed, line-item estimate example;

The numbers in the above example are fictitious; however, it shows the basics of a Line Item, Detailed Estimate. Each line item is broken down in detail and displays the description, quantity, unit cost, and total for each separate line item. This type of detail is needed so the insurance company can review and compare each separate line item and unit costs with their own software. Having the insurance claim estimate formatted the way the insurance companies like to see them, results in a faster settlement.

In the event that a insurance claim dispute arises – the highly detailed estimate will allow for a less time consuming and smoother process. It is difficult for insurance companies to dispute your insurance claim estimate when it follows the exact format that they request.

Watch yourself, educate yourself, and protect yourself by obtaining a second opinion on any and all insurance claim damages you incur. Obtaining insurance claim help makes good sence. If you won’t look out for yourself… who will?

Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will review your insurance claim FREE – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Get Insurance Claim Help , by visiting http://www.insuranceclaimsgroup.com , or http://www.insuranceappraisalumpire.com

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