Do you disagree with your insurance company? There is another option.

"We're always there when you need us most"

How many of you have had to file an insurance claim only to find that at the end of the process you completely disagree with the insurance company’s analysis of your loss?  O.K., everyone put your hands down. The vast majority of people believe all hope is lost when the insurance company says they have completed your claim and the check is on the way. Now your only option is to accept it as is, or call an attorney, right?

No. Most people are unaware that they can dispute the insurance company’s findings via the insurance appraisal clause.  The appraisal clause can usually be found in the section of the policy marked “Conditions”. While every policy is different and there may be some variation in policy language, most policy appraisal provisions read something like:

“APPRAISAL – If you and we fail to agree on the amount of loss, either one can demand that the amount of the loss be set by appraisal. If either makes a written demand for appraisal, each shall select a competent, independent appraiser. Each shall notify the other of the appraiser’s identity within 20 days of receipt of the written demand. The two appraisers shall then select a competent, impartial umpire. If the two appraisers are unable to agree upon an umpire within 15 days, you or we can ask a judge of a court of record in the state where the residence premises is located to select an umpire. The appraisers shall then set the amount of the loss. If the appraisers fail to agree within a reasonable time, they shall submit their differences to the umpire. Written agreement signed by any two of these three shall set the amount of the loss.”

The Appraisal Provision allows the policyholder (you) to hire an independent appraiser to determine the value of their damages. In turn, the insurance company will also hire their own independent appraiser. The two appraisers will then get together and select an umpire. The umpire is basically the arbitrator, or what you might call the judge. If a disagreement between the two appraisers arises, they can present their differences to the umpire who will make a ruling.

Each side is responsible for the cost of hiring their own appraiser, while both parties must equally split the cost of the umpire.  The expense of going to appraisal is only a fraction of what it would cost to go to litigation.

The key to a successful appraisal is hiring an experienced appraiser that knows and understands the complete appraisal process. Your appraiser’s attention to every detail, and his ability to convey this information to both the other appraiser and the selected umpire can make or break your appraisal, so chose your appraiser carefully. At RHI Claims Specialist, Inc., our staff of experts are experienced in both the adjustment and appraisal process.

To learn more call 1-866-450-8520. Here at RHI Claims Specialist, Inc. our experienced staff are ready to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your policy or claim.

Common questions regarding insurance claims and public adjusters.

Can I prepare my own claim?

Sure, but it stands to reason that the licensed public insurance adjuster who has years of experience and training can do so with more competence than the policyholder.

More specifically, a public insurance adjuster will assist you in the preparation of inventories, estimates and other factual proofs of loss. He or she will handle all the necessary details for compiling and filing claims, as required by the terms of your insurance policies. Your public insurance adjuster will also confer, on your behalf, with insurance company representatives and handle all matters essential to a proper and satisfactory adjustment.

"We're always there when you need us most"

The typical fire policy contains hundreds of provisions and stipulations – various forms and riders that are constantly changing and many complex details about your requirements in case of loss. Most people do not know or understand these policy provisions – and most do not realize that the burden of proof is on them, the policyholder. Most insurance company representatives actually prefer to work with an experienced licensed public insurance adjuster rather than an inexperienced insured.

A licensed public insurance adjuster not only has your confidence, but also that of company adjusters who recognize that they are dealing with a professional.

In the event of a fire or similar destruction of property does my insurance pay the entire loss?

This depends upon the type and amount of insurance you carry. It also depends on your expertise or the expertise of your representative, not that of the insurance company’s adjuster. Many insurance policies may pay more than the amount shown on the declaration page. A licensed public adjuster working for you can determine everything to which you are entitled.

To learn more call 1-866-450-8520. Here at RHI Claims Specialist, Inc. our experienced staff are ready to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your policy or claim.

When was the last time you read and understood the insurance policy that covers your home or business?

• Many people have difficulty understanding the technical language of the insurance policy and the complicated procedures they must follow to comply with the policy’s terms.
• Most people do not realize that insurance company adjusters are trained professionals who represent the interests of the insurance company which employs them.
• You can protect your interests by employing a licensed public adjuster whose sole responsibility is to serve you, the insured.
• Licensed public adjusters are retained for the adjustment of insured claims due to fire, wind, water, vandalism, and other perils. The public insurance adjuster serves commercial businesses, financial institutions, professional firms, homeowners, and the general insuring public.
• If a loss occurs, you should give immediate consideration to engaging the services of a public insurance adjuster, specifically one accredited by the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA).
  

To learn more call 1-866-450-8520. Here at RHI Claims Specialist, Inc. our experienced staff are ready to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your policy or claim.