Why You Should Get a Second Opinion on Your Insurance Claim
Getting a second opinion on important matters, such as whether or not you need surgery, is considered normal and prudent. We typically have nothing to lose by getting a second opinion, but a lot to gain should it be contrary to the first opinion. If you’re unsure about the settlement you’ve received, consider contacting a public adjuster in West Los Angeles.
However, most homeowners accept the settlement offer from their insurance company after they file a claim without questioning it or getting a second opinion. There are mainly four reasons for this, namely:
1. Believe they have no choice but to accept it.
2. Feel their insurance company knows best.
3. Think their insurer is acting in their best interests.
4. Do not know how to get a better settlement offer.
In this article, we will look at why it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion. It’s easier than you might think, and it’s often worthwhile.
Getting a Second Opinion on Your Homeowners Insurance Claim
When you file an insurance claim for a covered event, your insurance company will appoint an insurance adjuster to evaluate and manage your claim on behalf of your insurer. This adjuster is paid and trained by your insurance company to act in their best interests.
Insurance adjusters are expected by insurers to limit their liability to the bare minimum. As such, they are not there to do you any favors or give you the benefit of the doubt should you not agree with their assessment.
This is why you should always get a second opinion.
While getting a second opinion can be very beneficial, when you’re facing water damage quick actions go a long way. If you’ve suffered water damage on your property, you may want to check our guide on 5 Things You Should Do Immediately When Faced with Water Damage
Get a Second Opinion From a Public Adjuster
There is no better person to get a second opinion from about a homeowners insurance claim than a public adjuster.
Many homeowners are not aware of public adjusters or think public adjusters and insurance adjusters are the same. Although both types of adjusters specialize in insurance claims, public adjusters act in your best interests, whereas insurance or independent adjusters act in the best interests of your insurance company.
The best thing you can do if you receive a bad settlement offer on your homeowners insurance claim is to hire a public adjuster.
Public adjusters know and understand the intricacies of insurance policies and the correct way to file an insurance claim. They can assist you to get the best settlement discount you’re entitled to and help you avoid the challenges of managing your insurance claim on your own.
Conclusion
Most homeowners are too quick to accept a settlement offer from their insurance company without getting a second opinion.
If it’s a small, straightforward claim, it might not be the wrong decision. But if it’s a large or complex claim, it’s smart to first get a second opinion from a licensed public adjuster.
We understand that after suffering damage on your property, you want to bring your life back to normal as soon as possible. If you’ve suffered water damage, you might want to check this list of top safety precautions you should take when faced with water damage.
Avner Gat, Inc. has 17+ years of experience as a public adjuster in Los Angeles who covers Southern California. We protect homeowners from the games and fine print that insurance companies are known for.
Call us at (818) 917-5256 to find out how we can assist you.