What Happens When You File an Insurance Claim?

At Avner Gat Inc, we understand that dealing with property damage is incredibly stressful. As experienced public adjusters, we are dedicated to helping policyholders file their claims during this difficult time. In this blog, we’ll take you through what happens when you file an insurance claim and the important role a public adjuster can play in ensuring a fair settlement. With our expertise and commitment to our clients, you can have peace of mind during this challenging time.

Read these tips before filing your claim and thank us later!

1. The Insurance Company cannot force you to use their Emergency Mitigation Companies, their General Contractors, or any of their vendors. It is important to exercise your autonomy in choosing the service providers that best suit your needs and preferences. Make sure you are satisfied with the quality of the work and the reputation of anyone you work with when it comes to the assessment of the damage done to your home. This means taking the time to assess the quality of the work offered and the reputation of the company, in order to ensure that you are confident in the services you receive.
2. The Insurance Company cannot refuse to provide coverage simply because you have chosen to work with vendors or service providers that are not on their preferred list. You have the right to make your own decisions regarding who you work with, and the Insurance Company cannot use this as a reason to deny you coverage. In other words, using the Insurance Company’s preferred vendors is not a condition for receiving coverage, and you should never feel like you have to compromise your own best interests in order to receive the coverage you need.
3. The Insurance Company does not have the authority to dictate who you hire to perform work in your home. You are the homeowner and have complete control over who you allow to enter your property and perform work. Your home is your personal space, and you have the right to control who is allowed to access it and perform work. You should never feel pressured or obligated to work with a particular vendor simply because the Insurance Company suggests it. Instead, make an informed decision based on what you believe is best for your home and your family.
4. An Independent Adjuster working for the Insurance Company does not have the power to make decisions regarding coverage or to force you to use specific vendors or consultants. Their role is simply to assess the damage and provide a report to the Insurance Company, and they do not have the authority to dictate the terms of your coverage or your choice of service providers. Furthermore, the Independent Adjuster cannot use their position to influence your decision-making process or to steer you towards using certain vendors or consultants
5. The Insurance Company cannot impose any penalties or negative consequences for choosing to use the services of a Public Adjuster. You have the right to work with whoever you feel will best serve your needs, and the Insurance Company cannot interfere with this choice. Utilizing the services of a Public Adjuster is a common and acceptable practice, and the Insurance Company must treat it as such. They cannot discriminate against you or reduce your coverage simply because you choose to work with a Public Adjuster.
6. Do not sign any contracts or forms without fully reviewing and understanding what you may be committing to if executed. You should never sign a document without a full understanding of its terms and conditions, as doing so could have significant consequences. If there is anything that is unclear, seek clarification from the party presenting the document. Remember, a signature on a contract or form is a binding agreement, so it is important to be fully informed before making this commitment. To protect your interests and avoid any potential misunderstandings or regrets, always fully review and understand any contracts or forms before signing them.

Want to learn more? Check out our article “Getting to Know Your Insurance Policy – Part 1“