PUBLIC ADJUSTER ADVICE: What SHOULD be documented for insurance claims

A public adjuster is your best line of defense when it comes to handling a large property damage insurance claim. They can guide you through every step of an insurance claim to ensure you get the settlement you deserve.

Experiencing property damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for any property owner, especially when it involves a business or a high-value home. Documenting the damage is critical for insurance claims and restoration efforts, but it can be challenging to know where to start.

Sill is the leading public adjusting firm in North America. Our team of insurance claim experts handles hundreds of claims each year.

RELATED | 5 things to do BEFORE you file an insurance claim

Let's take a closer look at what should be documented after experiencing property damage, including the benefits of working with a public adjuster to assist with the insurance claim process.

Why Documenting Property Damage is Important

Documenting property damage is crucial for several reasons, including:

• Insurance Claims: Documenting property damage is essential for insurance claims. Insurance companies require documentation to assess the extent of the damage and determine the amount of compensation that the policyholder is entitled to receive.
• Restoration Efforts: Documentation of property damage is also important for restoration efforts. Restoration professionals need accurate documentation of the damage to develop a plan for restoration and ensure that all damage is adequately addressed.

What to Document After Experiencing Property Damage

Here are some essential items to document after experiencing property damage:

1. Photographs and Videos: Take photographs and videos of the damage, including both the overall damage and any specific areas of damage. Make sure to capture multiple angles and lighting conditions to provide a complete view of the damage.

2. Detailed Descriptions: Provide detailed descriptions of the damage, including the type of damage, the location of the damage, and the extent of the damage.

3. Itemized List of Damaged Items: Create an itemized list of damaged items, including the item's value, age, and condition before the damage occurred.

4. Personal Belongings: Document any personal belongings that were damaged, including photographs, documents, and other items that may have sentimental or financial value.

5. Witnesses: Identify any witnesses to the property damage and document their contact information.

6. Communication with Insurance Company: Keep a record of all communication with the insurance company, including phone calls, emails, and letters.

This information will be required by your insurance company. It would go into a proof of loss report, but if you are not an expert when it comes to the insurance claims process.

Benefits of Working with a Public Adjuster

Working with a public adjuster can provide several benefits when dealing with a property damage insurance claim, including:

• Expertise: Public adjusters have specialized knowledge of the insurance claims process and can provide guidance and support throughout the claims process.
• Documentation: Public adjusters are trained to document and assess property damage thoroughly, ensuring that all damage is accurately accounted for in the insurance claim.
• Negotiation: Public adjusters are skilled negotiators and can negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the policyholder to ensure a fair settlement.
• Time-Saving: Dealing with an insurance claim can be time-consuming and stressful, but working with a public adjuster can alleviate the burden of the claims process and allow property owners to focus on other priorities.

Using a Public Adjuster for a Property Damage Insurance Claim

Using a public adjuster for a property damage insurance claim can help ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your claim and alleviate the stress and burden of the claims process.

A public adjuster can assist with documenting the damage and negotiating with the insurance company to ensure that you receive the compensation you're entitled to under your policy.

Documenting property damage is essential for insurance claims and restoration efforts, and working with a public adjuster can provide several benefits when dealing with a property damage insurance claim.

Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner, it's important to document property damage thoroughly and consider working with a public adjuster to ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your insurance claim. By working with a public adjuster, you can protect your rights as a policyholder and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Sill team has been advocating for its business and homeowner clients for over 90 years to ensure that your rights are protected and that you maximize your claim recovery.

Our team specializes in insurance claims management, taking on the burden of handling a property insurance claim.

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Sill is the leading public adjusting firm in North America. We have offices throughout North America, so we can respond to any location within hours.