How to Argue With a Home Insurance Adjuster
According to the Greater Cincinnati Insurance Board, insurers paid out $9.8 billion more in homeowner claims than in premiums collected in 2001. Home insurance adjusters save insurers money by denying claims that are not covered in the policy and that they suspect are fraudulent. Homeowner claims vary and include losses from floods, theft, vandalism, weather damage and fire. An insurance contract is a legal promise from the carrier to cover the insured for certain incidents and under specific conditions. In some cases, homeowners and adjusters disagree on the settlement amount or the denial of a claim.
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Instructions
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Review your policy. Familiarize yourself with your insurance contract and determine what you are covered against and under what conditions.
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Assess the damage to determine if your policy covers your specific claim.
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Evaluate the reasons why you disagree with the home insurance adjuster. Ask the adjuster to provide detailed reasons and supporting evidence for his decision about your claim.
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Gather additional documentation such as receipts, estimates and photos to present to the adjuster to support your position and for reconsideration of your claim.
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Contact your state insurance department. All insurance carriers must hold a license in the state in which they operate, and they are regulated to conduct business in a professional manner and in accordance with the law. Each state has a designated agency that supervises insurance carriers and handles consumer complaints. Your state insurance department will assist you with filing a dispute against your insurance company and help resolve the matter with a hearing or mediation.
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Consult with an independent adjuster. You can hire a public adjuster to work on your behalf to investigate your home claim, guide you through the claims process and negotiate with the insurance adjuster. The National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters (NAIIA) has a list of experienced adjusters for hire. These adjusters are professionally trained to communicate with insurance carriers to help reach an agreement. They are usually paid about 10 to 15 percent of your settlement.
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Hire an attorney. If you are unable to resolve your homeowner claim with the adjuster hired by the insurance company, employ an attorney to argue the case for you. Your attorney will conduct an investigation, meet with the adjuster and file suit if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Be persistent. Do not accept a denial of your homeowner claim or less of a settlement than you are entitled. Contact the appropriate state officials and professionals to help you fight your claim.
References
Resources
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