Blog

The aftermath of any disaster is never a pleasant time. And when your home or business is damaged, it can really take a toll. People often find themselves very down after experiencing such a loss. That could leave them vulnerable to insurance companies who are looking to pay out as little as possible.

Some people believe that insurance companies are supposed to swoop in and compensate your losses. That is not the case at all. Don’t expect them to be willing to just throw money at you. It is not their business to lose money, so they will respond by trying to pay out as little as possible.

That means they could try and scrutinize everything about your claim. Don’t take it personally. That is their business and it is the same for the majority of people who file insurance claims. Just realize that your insurance company is not always your friend. And when you file a claim for property damage, they often become your enemy.

There are certain steps you should take right after your home or business sustains damage. That is simply the beginning of what can be a long fight between you and your insurance company.

Hiring a Florida, North Carolina or South Carolina public adjuster will provide you with help in that fight. It is the business of a public adjuster to know the ins and outs of all the games that insurance companies will attempt to play. And all that is done in an attempt to pay you as little as possible. Here are some helpful hints you can do to help in that fight:

• Make records of all communication with insurance company
• Gather receipts of all damaged items
• Follow the advice of your Florida, South Carolina, or North Carolina public adjuster
• Save all receipts of expenses incurred while waiting for repairs
• Pay for all contract work with credit card or check

You should also be prepared for a lengthy battle, one which might force you to live elsewhere for a while. It may be an inconvenience, but remember that it is only temporary. Also, keep in mind that doing all the right things through this process could allow you to return to an even nicer home or business when a settlement is reached.

AmeriClaims will stand by you through the claims process and advise you on how to handle each step. It pays to have a professional in your corner and AmeriClaims Public Adjusters are ready to take on insurance companies and start fighting for you.

Disaster can strike at any time and no home is immune to fire, vandalism, storms, or other acts of destruction and nature. When your home sustains damage, there are several steps that will get you compensated for your loss. It is important to follow these steps in order to be compensated fully by your insurance provider.

Mitigate Damage

Within your insurance policy, it clearly states that you have the right to protect your property from incurring any more damage. That does not mean you need to take excessive measures. However, according to an AmeriClaims public adjuster, it is important to take steps to protect your home that are within reason. The following measures should be taken in the event of a disaster.

• Board up broken windows
• Cover holes in roof with a tarp
• Remove excess water from home
• Move valuable items out of harm’s way

Do Not Disturb

Following a disaster, there is usually an instinct to clean things up. Avoid that instinct. An insurance company will want to come over to your home and inspect the property damage. The only way that can be done accurately is to leave the damage as it is. Also, do not move things around unless they pose a danger or threat. This includes throwing any items in the trash.

Remember that after a disaster, everything in your home is evidence. The way to get paid for your damages is to provide actual evidence. Anything that is thrown away is like lost evidence that might have otherwise proven your claim to be true. Being short on evidence makes any claim a very weak one, with little chance of getting any reimbursement.

Hire Wisely

After a disaster, contractors have a tendency to show up at people’s doorstep unannounced. Some may have good intentions, although soliciting door to door does not scream credibility. The first contractor who contacts you may not necessarily be the best match. It is important to first sort through the details of your claim. Once that is done, it is a good idea to interview more than one candidate. You will want to check references, and their better business bureau rating. You do not need to hire a contractor right away.

When disaster strikes your home, AmeriClaims will send out a professional public adjuster who will make sure you get every cent you deserve. For the top public adjuster in the Southeast US, contact AmeriClaims today.

The aftermath of a fire can leave a lot of your items damaged, but that does not mean everything is lost. Some items that are damaged by smoke can be repaired. However, this is not a typical household cleaning job as there are experts to turn to when it comes to fire damage restoration and repair.

It should be noted that the soot and smoke left by a fire can be nearly impossible for homeowners to clean without the use of professional equipment. That is because much of the stains left by smoke lie penetrate items beneath the surface. That could require a deep scrub accompanied by sanding and potential refinishing. Here are some more helpful hints when repairing or replacing smoke damaged items.

Get started right away

It takes a matter of minutes for smoke to discolor items. Within hours, smoke can residue can begin to stain bathroom floors, porcelain, countertops, appliances and furniture. Waiting for days can do even more damage as that could lead to a permanent yellowing of the walls, corroding metal while upholstery will be stained permanently. Needless to say, smoke damage should be addressed as soon as possible.

Wood items

To repair wood items with smoke damage, there is a couple of options. Unfinished wood can sometimes be fixed by applying a sealant that will attempt to conceal the odor of smoke. Finished wood is often more salvageable. Stripping the surface layer before sanding and finishing can repair those items. This also applies to wood floors. While it may sound simple, it is a job that is best handled by professionals.

When to replace

Re-grouting tile counters that are unable to be cleaned is a painstaking process. At that point, it is best to replace the stained countertops. Carpets can be cleaned if they have been affected by just a light amount of smoke. But when the smoke is heavy, it’s time for a new carpet. If you have a laminate floor, it is important to check the foam layer underneath. If that has been damaged by smoke, replacement is in your future.

Remove items

Items that are damaged by smoke should be removed from the home, even if you are trying to repair them. Removal will serve the function of mitigating the smoke damage. The longer those items remain in your home, the more damage they could do framing, walls and other structural components.

Making decisions on whether or not an item or structure is best repaired or replaced can be difficult, even with the information provided above. That is why a good first step to recovery is to call your local public adjuster. They will perform a professional assessment of the damage and work with the insured to make the repair vs. replace decision as well as determine the next steps in their best interest.

Remember, public adjusters work for claimants, not the insurance companies, and AmeriClaims’ clients routinely get significantly larger cash settlements than what their insurance companies originally offer. Tough times are made a bit easier with a AmeriClaims public adjuster on your side.

Home insurance policies are designed to cover costs that would normally cause a severe dent in people’s bank accounts. But when it comes to reporting smaller claims, there are some important things to remember.

Minor damage to a home during a thunderstorm or other act of nature often compels people to call on their insurance company to help pay the cost of repair. A common deductible on home insurance policies is $500. Before filing a claim, consider just how much the cost of repair will be. If it is a mere $50 to $100 over the deductible, then it is not always worth filing the claim. It will return you that extra $50 or $100, but it could also have an effect on your policy moving forward. Remember that the more claims you file, the more it may affect your insurance policy.

Continual claims could cause your insurance company to negate your renewal. Quite often, insurance companies consider a series of small claims a precursor to a bigger one that is all but inevitable. However, negating a renewal is not the only move insurance companies will make.

In the wake of a small claim, insurance companies can add a surcharge to a home insurance policy. That means an increase in your premium. So while it may seem favorable to file a claim that would get you $50 to $100 over your deductible, the increase in premium will actually cost more than that in the long run.

A home or auto insurance policy that costs $600 per year might then be raised by 20% over the next three years. That is an additional $360 over three years, which far exceeds that $50 or $100 that was saved by filing that small claim.

Another way to save money is to raise your deductible. You will have to pay less on your premium and you will still be covered for that big disaster in which insurance is definitely needed.

One thing to remember is that insurance companies do not consider homeowner’s policies as a type of maintenance. It is viewed as a policy that attends to damage on a much greater scale. And if and when that happens, homeowners should be prepared for that big one with an insurance policy that has not been compromised by a bunch of smaller claims.

Policyholders in the Southeastern U.S. are not alone when it comes to disaster recovery. They have AmeriClaims Public Adjusters to turn to for expert knowledge and experience. AmeriClaims has everything you need to help with the homeowners insurance claims process and get the cash settlements you desire. Take the first step by contacting one of our Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina or Virginia public adjusters today for a free claims consultation.

Buying a home and making it your primary residence comes with the task of purchasing homeowners insurance. However, insurance is a bit different when a home is used as a rental property. Here are some important things to know about insuring a rental property.

Liability Protection

Since people will be coming and going in and out of a rental property, it pays to have liability insurance. If someone gets injured on the property, this will protect the owner. This applies to renters and even contractors who may occasionally do some maintenance. Slip and falls are common, but liability insurance will also provide protection in case of a fire. It also does not pay to be cheap when purchasing liability insurance for your rental property. Think of it as an investment that serves to protect your investment. Liability insurance is not very expensive, which makes it wise to load up.

Dwelling Insurance

It is common to assume a homeowner’s policy is needed when you own a rental property, but there are differences within the specifics of that policy. For example, a homeowner’s policy protects possessions within the home. Owning a rental property does not always mean owners have to use a policy to protect their valuable possessions. However, the building itself still needs insurance. This is where purchasing dwelling insurance comes into play. This type of insurance will cover the actual building in the event of any damage.

Vacancy Coverage

Not every rental property is always going to be rented. There are some spans of time when those properties are vacant. That provides the chance of vandals going in and causing damage to the place. Insurance companies will attempt to deny claims that are filed without vacancy coverage. One way to ensure that does not happen is to prepare for any unexpected damage while no one is occupying the rental property.

Rental Loss Coverage

If vandalism or an act of nature forces tenants to move out, the right rental loss insurance coverage will see to it that you still receive the equivalent of rental income. This is one more way to get as much money as possible from your insurance company should an unavoidable occurrence force your tenants to move out.

AmeriClaims is ready to stand by your side when you file a claim as we maintain our status as the top public adjuster North Carolina has to offer. We are also considered to be an experienced, top-quality public adjuster throughout Florida, Georgia, Virginia and South Carolina who can help with every detail of your claim.

We all say we hope for the best yet must expect the worst, when it comes to storm damage. But it isn’t something we often practice. After all, the number of homeowners who actually expect storm damage are very few – even during the peak of the hurricane season.
Therefore, when homeowners suddenly find themselves in such a situation, they might not know what to do. This may lead to insurance companies taking advantage of the situation to get out of a bigger paycheck.

Here are 5 key steps you should take when dealing with storm damage:

Step 1: Check Your Home For Any Damage

When the storm has passed and it is okay to come outside, make sure to inspect the entire property to assess any damage. Make sure to do this in broad daylight, and be on the lookout for potential hazards such as exposed electrical wires, downed power lines, broken glass or standing water. Make sure to document all the damage by taking pictures and videos.

Step 2: Contact The Insurance Company

Storm damage is covered in most insurance policies, making it essential for you to contact your insurer as soon as possible. The sooner you reach out, the faster the insurance adjuster will arrive at the scene. Make sure to also review your policy prior to filing your claim. In case you lost your policy during the storm, ask your insurer to send you another one.

Step 3: Contact Your Restoration Company

Once the aforementioned is done, it is time to get the storm damage cleaned up. Since you have no idea about the extent of the damage, it is best to hire a restoration company to get the cleanup done. Make sure that you have documented all items before, during and post-restoration. This will help you when you file your claim.
As a general rule, insurers visit the homes of those policyholders whose homes have incurred the larger share of storm damage. This means that your insurance adjuster might take days or even weeks to reach you. If this is your situation, you can contact us – we will arrive at the earliest and get the claims process started at the earliest.

Step 4: File Your Claim For The Damage

Regardless of where your adjuster is from (i.e., a public adjuster or one coming from your insurance company), it is very important that you fully understand your policy and its implications. Remember, even the smallest of mistakes can result in shorter payment, delayed payment or the dismissal of your claim. Of course, having a public adjuster simplifies things for policyholders by guiding the latter through the claims process personally. They will help you gather essential information, such as taking pictures of the initial damage, and get you the settlement you deserve.

There are three key benefits to hiring public adjusters:

• Efficient resolution: Filing a claim yourself can be laborious, especially if you don’t have an understanding of legal proceedings. Public adjusters can help you navigate the process, and avoid any tactics your insurers might have deployed to delay the process.
• Better claims management: Public adjusters can manage the entire claims process on your behalf and in your best interest, allowing you to focus on getting in better shape.
• Bigger settlement: Insurance companies often say they will give the maximum settlement – but in reality, they rarely do, and might even employ unethical tactics to keep it that way. Public adjusters are well aware of these and will make sure to prevent insurers from paying you any less than you deserve.

Step 5: Move-In To Your Restored Home

Always remember to return to your home only once you have the approval from your insurance and your restoration company. This is both for your safety and for legal reasons. While your claims process might not have been completed when you move in (which is usually the case) – returning to where you live will give you a great sense of peace.

Several types of damage to your property require different types of solutions. However, insurance companies are going to attempt to fix your property by spending as little as possible. That does not mean you always have to settle for what they initially attempt to offer you, especially with an expert public adjuster on your side.

Water damage and smoke damage can affect property in all sorts of ways. In some instances, it may appear that a thorough cleaning will return your property back to the way it used to be. But this is different from actual replacement. Even professional water/fire clean up services cannot undo all damage. And when an insurance company is required to replace your property, you don’t have to settle for just a cleaning.

In instances of smoke damage, an insurance company may claim that cleaning will restore household items like drapes, carpet and furniture. However, there is no way to guarantee this will restore all of your property, even though insurance companies will try to convince you otherwise.

Water damage falls along the same lines. In many cases, insurance companies will offer a cleaning service in an effort to cut on costs. But that does not always account for any underlying damage caused by excess water. That damage might pose problems in the long term.

The bottom line is that when you have a replacement policy, you have the option whether to repair or replace your property. Replacement claims spell out the fact that replacement is what is required, yet insurance companies will usually try to talk clients into a cleaning instead. Another tactic they will use is actually providing you with a cleaning service they recommend.

Be wary of these ploys as they are ones a public adjuster can detect right away. There are several ways insurance companies attempt to manipulate their clients and pushing cleaning over replacement is just one common example.

Replacement cost policies are intended to reimburse the full cost of your property. You are entitled to receive a new item as if you walked into a store and bought it yourself. That can be costly for insurance companies, which makes sense why they would try to push cleaning services as an alternative. Remember that even if the claim is disputed, you do not have to settle for a mere cleaning.

At AmeriClaims, we know what you are going through. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC we also help clients in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia get fair payout on their claims. AmeriClaims can provide you with a trusted North Carolina public adjuster that won’t let you settle for less than you deserve. You can avoid insurance company tactics by enlisting the services of AmeriClaims, the top public adjuster VA, NC, SC, GA and FL offers its residents.

Insuring a condo or townhome is different than insuring a single home because the property is attached to a larger complex. According to AmeriClaims Public Adjuster, there are special considerations to make and certain factors you should know when it comes to townhomes and condo insurance.

Since owning a townhome or condo means that you belong to a larger structure, there are maintenance requirements to account for in most HOAs (Homeowners Associations). There are several common areas that are used by the whole community and these areas also need to be insured. The condo or townhome association takes care of insuring those areas, which is why there are association fees every owner must pay. But keep in mind that personal property and liability within your condo or townhome is not covered by simply paying HOA fees.

Condo Insurance

Condo insurance generally provides coverage on the majority of possessions within your individual unit. A bare walls-in policy covers all real property within a condo, which includes personal possessions, appliances, furniture, and décor items. Those looking for more extensive coverage in their condo can opt for an all-in policy. However, damages to shared amenities, the exterior structure and land all fall under the master HOA policy. Condo owners do not actually own any land, just a certain amount of space within a complex. The risks covered by your condo insurance cover the following:

• Fire or smoke damage
• Hailstorm, lightning and high winds
• Civil unrest or riot
• Car crash into complex
• Theft and vandalism
• Building collapse
• Falling objects

Townhome Insurance

Townhome insurance extends to all of the areas on the deed. That includes the land outside the townhome in addition to the interior and any balcony. Townhome owners own the land on which their unit is built, which means they need to have liability coverage should someone experience a slip and fall on their premises. The type of association and its specifics will detail what should and should not be covered with individual townhome insurance.

There are some townhomes that have no HOA that provides insurance for common areas and maintenance the way most condo HOAs are set up. In those instances, the same kind of homeowner’s insurance policies for single homes would apply to townhome owners.

In case you live in a higher risk area such as the South Carolina and Florida coasts you will want to make sure your insurance protects against natural disasters. If disaster strikes AmeriClaims can help commercial and residential property owners, including condo owners and townhome owners, through the claims process. A public adjuster will review your policy and make sure you receive exactly what you are entitled to according to your insurance policy.

When your home is damaged by an act of nature, fire, flood or vandalism, you are entitled to an insurance settlement so that you can put the pieces of your life back together. However, receiving that settlement is not accomplished by making a simple phone call. You must prove all of that damage in order to receive compensation for your claim and here’s how to get that done.

Document Damage

The first step in proving your claim is to document every shred of damage. That includes listing all of your damaged items and providing a detailed description for each one. Provide the purchase date and the expected cost to repair or replace the item. Another highly recommended task is to take plenty of photos and videos of the damage. And don’t throw out any of those damaged items before your insurance company sends over a claims adjuster. The more documentation of damage you have, the better chance you have of proving your claim.

Structural Damage

Check for structural damage and carefully document every crack, nick and missing roof tile. It is also a good idea to have your electrical system inspected by a professional and keep in mind that many insurance companies will pay for such inspections. It is also best to contact a public adjuster to assist you through the process.

Keep Receipts

In some instance, you will need to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. For example, if a storm caused a hole in your roof, you will need to close that hole to prevent additional damage. Keep receipts for every repair you made and don’t go out and make any major repairs right away. That could hurt your ability to prove your claim.

Obtain Written Estimates

Find a local contractor and obtain an estimate of what it would cost to repair the damage. Make sure this estimate is very detailed and includes the materials needed, expected timeline for completion and overall labor costs.

Organize

Keep all of your documentation, estimates and receipts in order by going out and buying a binder or portfolio. Also include every record of every conversation with contractors, insurance company reps, etc.

Avoid Making False Claims

Some homeowners may become a little greedy and start listing items they really did not own. This tactic could not only disprove your claim, but it could also lead to legal repercussions.

AmeriClaims, Inc. is ready to help you prove your claim and get the settlement you deserve. For the best public adjusters Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia have to offer, contact an AmeriClaims representative right away and let us start working for you.

When purchasing an insurance policy for your home or business, there is the option of choosing actual cash value. This provides you with cash for your damaged or lost items, but there are a number of reasons why purchasing this type of insurance is a bad idea.

Actual cash value sounds more appealing than it actually is for homeowners and business owners. The interpretation of actual cash value is one that is not exact. It could be more accurately termed as fair market value in many jurisdictions. The actual cash value is what would be paid for an item if it was sold in its current condition and not what it could cost brand new.

The main problem with actual cash value policies is that it factors in depreciation. It does not matter how much you paid for an item. You usually wind up receiving far less than that amount. Some courts may even consider older model items to be outdated and further reduce their value.

If your home incurred storm damage and your 7-year old hot water heater ruptured as a result, your ACV policy would not pay for the entire cost of a new hot water heater. Instead, it would appraise the old water heater and pay that amount towards the cost of a new water heater. Even if that old hot water was in peak working condition, the insurance company would factor in depreciation along with wear and tear.

If an item is stolen from your home, then the insurance company will automatically figure that wear and tear affected that item. So if a barely-used three year-old camera was stolen, the insurance company would assume it had three years of heavy usage. Coupling that with the fact that it is a dated model, the ACV payout is likely to be rather minimal.

The insurance company adjuster will use a formula to appraise these items, which includes age and category of the specific item or property. There adjuster’s account will also be considered as his/her report will influence the final ACV.

What ACV does is actually give insurance companies a lot of wiggle room when it comes to paying you as little as possible for your damaged, stolen or lost property. It can work against homeowners and leave them with much less of a payout than they would normally expect to receive.

AmeriClaims helps homeowners and property owners with all of their insurance claims as a trusted South Carolina public adjuster. Don’t settle for less than you deserve as AmeriClaims can help with your insurance claim.

There is a detailed process that comes with filing an insurance claim for property damage. How that process is handled can affect your overall settlement. That is why it is just as important to know what not to do after you experience a claim. Here’s a look at some things to always avoid.

Do not make repairs

The natural response to damage would be to make immediate repairs, but it is important to resist that urge. The insurance company will need to make a firsthand account of the damage in order to assess the cost of repair. Repairing the damage prematurely could cause you to lose out on a good deal of money. Be patient and wait it out.

Do not wait to notify your insurance company

Immediacy is important when making an insurance claim. Once you are out of harm’s way, the first thing you should do is contact your insurance company. Delaying could lead to your claim being denied and, in some instances, a lawsuit filed against you by the insurance company.

Do not trash damaged items

The insurance company will come out and conduct their own documentation of the damage. Until that happens, leave everything as it is. Also, hold onto any receipts you have from the damaged items as they will help legitimize the value of those damaged items. Throwing out damaged items could give insurance companies reason to deny coverage.

Do not be told which vendors to use

Insurance companies will come out and recommend using certain contractors to fix the damage. You do not have to abide by those recommendations. You can select whichever contractor you want. Do your due diligence when finding these vendors and don’t be duped into believing you have to use certain ones.

Do not let settlements go to anyone else

Don’t permit any of your insurance settlement to be paid directly to a contractor. If a payment goes out to them before the work is finished, then that could affect their workmanship and attentiveness. Make sure any insurance payouts are made directly to you and then you can pay any contractors accordingly.

AmeriClaims is ready to stand by you all the way through the claims process. As a top Charlotte public adjuster, we won’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during your time of need. AmeriClaims is ready to start working towards getting the settlement you deserve.

Insurance claims are all about fixing something that has been damaged. In instances when a home or business is damaged, property owners will want to make repairs and replace their property as quickly as possible. However, property owners do not have to do either of those things and here is a detailed glimpse at why that is the case.

Insurance policies were designed so that property owners do not have to make repairs or replace their property. All they have to do is report the damages. And in order to assess the damage in its entirety, insurance companies will need to get a close-up view of the damage.

Now, this process will not happen overnight. The good news is that it will happen as long as you follow the proper protocol and that does not mean conceding to the suggestions of your insurance company.

Within every insurance policy, there is something called Additional Living Expenses. This covers the costs of your day-to-day living while repairs are being made to your property. Keep all receipts and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement. And the longer it takes insurance companies to fix your damaged property, the longer it has to keep paying these living expenses. That could prompt them to speed up the process and take more immediate action.

Nevertheless, you will not have to repair a single thing. You can also select which contractors you would like to make the repairs. They are the ones who will be entrusted with fixing your home. You will still have to maintain mortgage payments that were in place before the damage, but it will not be on you to make any repairs.

Any repairs that you do make could be contested by your insurance company and it could also be used to lessen your settlement. In some extreme cases, it could be used to deny your claim.

Clearing debris is not deemed the same as making repairs and this is something property owners can do, in addition to closing up holes that could lead to further damage. However, the extent of that generally applies to boarding up windows or covering a hole in the roof with a tarp.

AmeriClaims provides residents of the Charlotte area with someone they can turn to when faced with any kind of property damage. Our public adjusters will walk you through the process and level the playing field so that insurance companies cannot take advantage of you. After disaster strikes, strike back at insurance companies by contacting AmeriClaims right away.

In the aftermath of a fire, there is usually a myriad of emotions experienced by homeowners. While that is perfectly natural, there is still a need to meet your duties as a homeowner. After your home has sustained a fire, here is a list of duties you should be sure to cover.

Mitigate damage
After a fire, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure the home is safe from any further damage. In instances where a home is a total loss, this step is not required. But if there is a hole in the roof, be sure to cover it with a tarp to prevent potential weather damage. Board up the necessary areas and make sure any embers are smothered. And be sure to take any valuable items out of harm’s way, such as a TV that is near an open area. Also, do not turn on any utilities without the consent of the fire department.

Compile a list
It is important to put together a list of all the items that were damaged or lost. Go around your home and be very thorough with your list as it is an important part of your insurance claim. And even if those items are completely destroyed, do not throw them in the trash. This could give the adjuster reason to refute your claim. Make sure all that evidence stays put.

Don’t wait to file a claim
Acting fast is key after fire loss. After calling your insurance company, a representative will ask that you submit a claim that is called proof of loss. This is where your list will come in handy. The reason it is important to act quickly is because it could extend the response time that an adjuster comes out to survey the damage.

Track your expenses
Most policies have a loss of use clause. This is a way of getting reimbursed for your living expenses while you are away from your home. This is not an excuse to start spending wildly as insurance companies are not going to pay out more than what you were spending per month in your home. But it’s a good idea to start tracking expenses right away.

Hire a professional adjuster
Insurance companies are going to have adjusters attempting to pay you as little as possible. The way to fight back is to hire a public adjuster that will work for you. This is almost like hiring a lawyer when you are a victim of a crime. It’s important to have a professional on your side.

Contact AmeriClaims to speak to a public adjuster about your claim. Our team is ready to our experience to work for you and ensure the best payout from your insurance.

After your home sustains damage from a fire or natural disaster, the insurance claims process begins. Insurance companies frequently attempt to settle early on, although that is not always best for homeowners. Here are some red flags for homeowners to watch out for when an insurance company makes its first offer.

You did not file soon enough
An adjuster may attempt to use the excuse that you waited too long to file a claim, which has hurt your settlement amount. Most times, this is simply not the case. It is a tactic that insurance companies will use to pay out much less than they rightfully should.

Asking for signature or recording
When insurance companies want to record a conversation or ask for your signatures in multiple places, take pause. Do not agree to sign anything or record anything without first consulting a public adjuster. Insurance companies are looking to manipulate quick settlements in their favor.

Low offer amount
It is common for insurance companies to offer you a low amount the first time around. When that occurs, you have the right to ask them to justify that amount by listing the damages and support that amount with ample reasoning. If you feel the number is too low, you can simply refuse the offer.

Fast initial offer
If an insurance company contacts you with a fast initial offer, it is wise to look at it very skeptically. Insurance companies have a tendency to draw things out and when they do propose a quick offer, it is likely to get themselves out of paying a lot more than they rightfully should. The reality is that most claims take months upon months to get settled.

Using unfamiliar language
In some instances, insurance companies will attempt to cite intricate details of your policy to justify their claim. This is a tactic meant to confuse and strike fear into homeowners. If the initial offer comes with a whole lot of jargon you do not understand, deferred to a public adjuster for assistance before accepting anything.

Aggressive allegations
An insurance company may try to get homeowners to feel as though they shoulder some of the blame. If the rep from your insurance company is acting aggressively or making any allegations to where you may be at fault, then it is a good idea to discontinue that conversation. It is a tactic aimed at getting you to settle right away.

The first thing you should do when disaster strikes is contact a public adjuster. A public adjuster will be able to steer you in the right direction and make the most out of an otherwise unfavorable situation. Public adjusters understand every part of your insurance coverage and can help you get what you rightfully deserve. However, there are some things you can do to help expedite the process.

Notify Your Insurance Company

In order for the claims process to begin, you need to promptly notify your insurance company that your property has sustained damage. All insurance companies have 24-hour phone service so that you can call them anytime to report the damage.

Secure the Property Damage

Do not mistake securing the damage with repairing the damage. If there is a hole in your roof, cover it up. If some of your windows break, board them up. It might take some time for the insurance adjuster to inspect the damage. It also helps to dry up any water as the damage will leave its mark. Remember that any damage that is incurred after you report the claim is on you. However, you do not need to clean up the damage because you want the insurance company to get a clear view of it.

Document the Damage

Go through and document every shred of damage and be sure to leave nothing out. List every item that was damaged, how old it was, its current cash value, and any other information that comes to mind. The more detailed your list, the better it will be. You can even list what it would cost to replace each item. Taking photos and videos are also highly recommended. And if an item has been lost in the disaster, still make a record of it.

Find a Temporary Residence

In instances where storms and natural disasters severely damage your home, it’s important to find another place to stay. Most insurance policies cover living expenses in a place that is comparable to your residence. That means if you live in a three-bedroom house, you can rent another three-bedroom house and even rent furnishings while you are there.

When disaster strikes and leaves its mark on your home or business, contact AmeriClaims, Inc right away and let one of our public adjusters start working for you. Our team of adjusters will level the playing field when dealing with insurance companies who are looking to pay you less than you deserve.