Dealing with A Claims Adjuster

 

Well now the fun really begins. We will be dealing with a Claims Adjuster on my personal property in Destrehan LA on Sunday afternoon. After Hurricane Katrina, I learned so much about these types. What I learned, have receipts for all items already paid for and estimates in writing for work to be done. Here are a few tips:

  1. Have access to the property. If you’re not going to be there, reschedule the appointment. They will only see what they want and miss most of your claim.
  2. Estimates of the work will give them a guide of actual cost at today’s rates. Many adjusters are not from your area and simply don’t know what the cost basis are other than what is given to them.
  3. Have all receipts for expenses already paid, make copies and give it to the adjuster.
  4. Don’t settle fast. It may seem fair but to settle fast is a sure way to get screwed. One adjuster offer 12k for a claim. At first I thought this is fair. I call a contractor and he stated the cost was 25k to complete the repairs. When I told the adjuster he said ok I will give you 24.5k. No hesitation or argument.
  5. Don’t except patch work. The adjustment is to make you whole. It must be fair or else you will pay out of pocket.
  6. This was fun, try to get a phone number of the adjuster. I found you could never get a straight answer on this. They usually give you an 800# that is a voice mail. Yet, the claim they will treat you fairly.

I guess not all adjusters are bad but after Katrina there are so many similar stories. We pay our insurance premiums and when it comes time to pay they try to low ball.