Huge losses almost always happen after a natural disaster. The state of Georgia is frequented by thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and floods, that’s why disaster preparation must be a vital component of a business contingency plan. Without taking precautions, important documents and business assets can disappear in the blink of an eye.
Even with sufficient preparation, nature is often unpredictable and can end up causing damage to your business. It’s often difficult to rebuild after a significant loss, that’s why it’s important to get a fair claim amount from your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs.
Insurance policies are often complex and technical, something that untrained individuals may not completely understand. As a business owner, how do you ensure that you’re getting what you are entitled to under your policy? This is where a public adjuster can help.
The Georgia Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (GAPIA) defines public adjusters as professionals who “work on behalf of the policyholder to ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive full and fair compensation from their insurance carriers in the case of an insured loss.” They are reputable and licensed individuals having no ties with your insurance company and who look after your interests.
A public adjuster‘s role includes:
- Assessing and documenting your losses accurately
- Estimating the cost of repairs and how long they will take
- Filing and tracking your claim on your behalf
- Advocating for you to ensure you receive the full amount you are entitled to under your policy
- Mediating between you, the insurance company, and attorneys or witnesses
Unlike insurance adjusters, public adjusters are hired and paid for by you. They usually receive a contingency fee which is a percentage of your settlement and is paid after you have been paid by the insurance company.
The Insurance Information Institute recommends checking the percentage that public adjusters are allowed to charge as set by your state’s insurance department. To avoid scams, be cautious of public adjusters who go from door to door after a major disaster.
Should I Hire a Public Adjuster?
Hiring a public adjuster isn’t always necessary. You don’t need to hire one for small claims or if you have filed for a claim before. However, they can be very helpful when:
- You find the process too challenging and want to understand your policy better.
- You have a high-value loss, such as storm or hurricane damage.
- You aren't certain about the correctness of the insurance company's damage assessment.
- You feel you should be receiving a greater settlement.
If you plan to go the public adjuster route, know if your insurance company is willing to work with one. When all is set, all you need to do is to find a reputable public adjuster.
You can ask for recommendations from family and friends who have worked with one before. Make sure that the public adjuster you hire is licensed in the state where the loss occurred (in this case, Georgia).
If you want to double-check an adjuster’s credentials, you can visit the GAPIA website or the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. Avoid any adjuster who pressures you and review every detail of your contract before you sign.
What's Next?
After the proposal for repairs is finished, it’s time to look for a trustworthy provider of storm damage restoration in Conyers, GA, such as ServiceMaster by LoveJoy. Simply inform your insurance company that you want to work with us!
ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is available at (678) 293-0297 and (770) 983-6665 to assist your business after water and storm damage. You can also connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
Our comprehensive storm damage services include:
- Water damage restoration
- Fire damage restoration
- Mold remediation
- Catastrophe management
- Removal and disposal of wet materials
- Recording and monitoring of moisture levels
- Emergency power
- Content cleaning and inventory control
- Pack out, pack in, and storage
- Document and records media recovery
- Deodorization
- On-site security of property, temporary fencing
Don’t know what to do next? We do. Contact us today and experience high-quality services at competitive rates.
