Wind Damage Insurance Claims

Hurricanes come with torrential rain and heavy winds. Your property, your cars, and even your life may lay in the balance after a wind storm blows through your life. Does your home insurance policy cover wind damage? Does it include a valid flood policy? When your property is damaged in the wind storm, insurance policies are designed to mitigate financial loss. Insurance policies require monthly premiums. Those premiums go towards any future claims. You pay that money and rely on your insurance company. Can you rely on your insurance company in your time of need? Should you call an adjuster who cannot bring legal action?

We at Freundlich & Littman, LLC are your wind damage insurance claims attorneys. When your insurance company fails you, we are here to help you. We battle insurance companies for our clients. We know how to get them to respond to property insurance claims.

Lodging Wind Damage Claims With Insurance Companies

After wind damages your property, your first step is to report your loss to your insurance company to file a claim for the damages. This must be done quickly after the loss.

Your next priority is maintaining all the evidence. You do not need to laminate everything or go overboard to preserve the evidence. It is enough to just take pictures of all the damage. If necessary, call the police. The police will give you a full report for your records. Any forms that you sign or fill out in connection with your insurance claim should be in your personal records. Keep all documents in a safe place until the insurance claim process is complete.
Your insurance company will ask you to provide your basic demographic information and details about the damage. Especially if the damage is costly, your insurance company will most likely have an insurance adjuster contact you. The adjuster is there to determine the value of your claim.
Prepare yourself for several questions regarding your claim. The insurance adjuster’s job is to make sure the insurance companies only pay for what they have to by law. Insurance companies may also require you to show proof for whatever insurance payouts you feel entitled to receive. Insurance adjusters will try to get you to settle your claim. The insurance adjusters are there for the insurance company and trying to save them money. They do NOT have your best interests in mind. In short, never agree to a settlement offer that you are not comfortable with.

If you feel that you are not getting the full amount that you feel entitled to, do not accept payment. If an offer from the insurance adjuster does not feel fair, or if you just need assistance navigating the insurance claims processes, do not hesitate to contact Freundlich & Littman, LLC to review your options. Insurance companies have a lot of weight in the legal world. They have adjusters and attorneys on their side. Why not get someone on your side to look out for your best interests today.

Dangers of Public Adjusters After High Winds

A public adjuster is a mediator between a claimant (the person with damaged and insured property) and the insurance company. After a hurricane or period of heavy wind, some people contact public adjusters to evaluate. Public adjusters have the ability to negotiate on the claimant’s behalf. In essence, the adjuster does not worry about whether the insurer will pay. Rather, a claims adjuster worries about amounts.
A claims adjuster values the damage on your property. Then, they negotiate the particulars with the insurance company. After a windstorm, look out for false adjusters.

Not all people claiming to be public adjusters are legitimate. Before agreeing to deal with a public adjuster, consider these common warning signs.

Money
Money is the end goal for false public adjusters. Beware of the public adjuster who wants the money up front. Most public adjusters contract on a contingency basis. Likewise, they will not ask for money until after the insurance company cuts the check. Any demands for money up front is a sign you should decline their offer.

Previously Unknown Damage
An adjuster knocks on your door. They seem friendly enough, but they inform you that there is damage to your property. You were not aware of the damage. This is a red flag. Adjusters show up to homes in areas affected by storms. This is normal. What is not normal is a claim adjuster seeking to defend you for small claims. Insurance companies are more likely to comply with small insurance claims. An adjuster, therefore, is not necessary.

What if the Insurance Company Will Not Pay?

We will not only review your policy to make sure you are eligible for coverage, but will evaluate your claim to ensure that you are returned to status quo before the loss incident. We service New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. Contact Freundlich & Littman today to schedule an appointment.