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What is a Public Adjuster?
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What Does a Public Adjuster Do?
Homeowner and business claims are often large and complex, even if not initially thought to be. The larger the loss, the more difficult it is for a policyholder to receive a fair offer and settlement due to the contractual fine print, conditions, and exclusions.
This is where an experienced public adjuster provides value.
They know the exact claims process strategy that works to quickly and effectively settle insurance claims, delivering the best results for the policyholder, their client.
The public adjusters at Long Island Public Adjusters, LLC:
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​Analyze your homeowners or commercial insurance policy to develop a claim strategy that ensures you receive everything your policy promises.
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Serve as your exclusive advocate and representative in all communications with your insurance company.
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Dig deep to document damage to your home or building(s), personal property, or business personal property.
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Prepare and agree with your insurance company on a proper scope of loss to reduce construction cost overruns and other out-of-pocket expenses.
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Educate, advise and communicate openly with you, so you can make informed decisions about your options throughout your property insurance claim process.
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Provide Proof of Losses for your:
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Coverage A: Dwelling
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Coverage B: Other Buildings, detached garage, etc.
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Coverage C: Personal Property
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Coverage D: Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
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Loss of Income/Business Interruption (Business Policies Only)
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Replacement Cost Value (RCV) depreciation reimbursement
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Negotiate for the maximum settlement available under the terms of your commercial or homeowners insurance policy. ​
At Long Island Public Adjusters, LLC, we understand that navigating a large insurance claim and meeting the deadlines outlined the policy can be a challenging task. That's why we have a team of on-staff estimators, loss consultants, personal property specialists, and other insurance professionals to support our public adjusters and ensure no details are overlooked.
Want to learn more about our team? Call for a free consultation.
Don't I Already Have a Claims Adjuster?
It's important to remember that the adjuster assigned to your insurance claim by the insurance company is not on your side.
They may be an employee of the insurance carrier or an independent adjuster under contract with the company, but their job is ultimately to reduce claim costs and increase profits for the insurer.
This is where public adjusters come in.
As an insurance claims adjuster who only represents and advocates for policyholders, Kevin Godfrey, a public adjuster based in Stony Brook, NY, Long Island, can help ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your commercial or homeowners insurance claim.
Doesn't my Insurance Company Have to Pay me for 100% of the damages?
"Unfortunately, the answer is no.
When you've experienced a covered loss, your insurance company only has an obligation to pay you as little as possible to get you to accept a settlement.
You are required to prove the full extent of your damages according to the terms of your policy, and most people don't have the tools or knowledge to create a detailed claims packet.
While the insurance company may offer you a settlement and claim that it's based on a scientific calculation, it's important to remember that valuation is subjective, and insurance company representatives are known to underestimate damages.
As a result, the value of your claim may be significantly higher when assessed by a public adjuster working on your behalf.
What Qualifies a Public Adjuster to Handle Claims in Long Island, NY?
When managing your insurance claim, you want to ensure you have the best qualified public adjuster on your side.
But what qualifies a public adjuster to represent you in your claim?
Most importantly, the PA is fully licensed and insured by the New York State Department of Financial Services.
Find Kevin Godfrey's & Long Island Public Adjuster's, LLC license (PA-1156995) here.
Here are a few additional things to look for:
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Insurance claims and policy expertise:
Public adjusters who are successful in their field deeply understand insurance policies and the claims process. They are experts at interpreting policy language, identifying coverage, and maximizing your settlement award.
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Buildings and personal property expertise:
A thorough scope of the loss is essential to ensuring a full and fair settlement for your damages. Look for a public adjuster with experience with different loss types and how they can cause (and often hide) different types of damage. They should also be knowledgeable about construction and restoration means and methods and how to determine what can be repaired versus replaced.
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Business loss expertise:
If your property damage has led to lost income, business interruption, relocation, or other extra expenses, it's crucial to have a claims expert on your side. A public adjuster can analyze your insurance policy to leverage all applicable business and extended business interruption coverage, provide a complete and proper accounting of your loss, and serve as your licensed professional representative throughout the claims process.
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Negotiation expertise:
When negotiating your insurance claim settlement, a public adjuster can level the playing field and provide abundant documentation and verifiable proof to ensure you receive a full and fair settlement.
When selecting a public adjuster to represent you in your claim, look for one who is licensed and has a proven track record of success. At Long Island Public Adjusters, LLC, we have a team of experienced public adjusters serving Long Island who are ready to help you get the settlement you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
What if There's a Dispute with My Claim?
Claim disputes can be stressful and emotionally difficult for policyholders. However, a licensed public adjuster can help prevent most claim disputes when brought in early.
If a dispute does occur, an experienced public adjuster will know how to resolve it efficiently.
In some cases, this may involve providing additional documentation or explanation. Other cases may include advocating for the policyholder through appraisal or pursuing a bad-faith lawsuit.
Public adjusters can help resolve a variety of claim disputes, including:
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Lowball settlement offers: Insurance companies may try to offer policyholders a settlement significantly lower than the total value of their loss. Public adjusters can help negotiate a fair settlement on behalf of the policyholder.
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Lengthy delays: Insurance companies may drag out the claims process to reduce payouts. Public adjusters can help ensure that the claims process is completed efficiently and promptly.
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Overreaching procedural requirements: Insurance companies may try to impose unnecessary or burdensome requirements on policyholders to reduce payouts. Public adjusters can help navigate these requirements and advocate for the policyholder.
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Underpaid claims: Insurance companies may try to pay out less than what is owed to the policyholder. Public adjusters can help ensure that policyholders receive the full value of their claims.
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Wrongfully denied claims: Insurance companies may try to deny legitimate claims. Public adjusters can help policyholders prove the validity of their claim and advocate for a fair settlement.
When Shouldn't I Hire a Public Adjuster?
In certain situations, hiring a public adjuster may not be the best choice for a commercial or homeowners insurance claim.
These include:
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A small claim that the policyholder can handle and ensure is settled for the total value.
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A total loss that the insurance company has agreed to pay the policy limits.
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A denied claim or loss for which there is no coverage (though a public adjuster should be able to determine if coverage is promised in the policy).
It's essential to consider these factors and ask relevant questions before deciding to hire a public adjuster.
For more information on whether a public adjuster is the right choice for your situation, call Kevin Godfrey at 516-410-0164.
Why Hire a Public Adjuster and not an Attorney?
If you are considering legal action against your insurance company because your claim has become impossible to settle, hiring a property claims attorney may be the right choice.
However, it is worth considering a public adjuster as an alternative.
Public adjusters serve as advocates for policyholders throughout the entire claims process and can often successfully resolve claims without the need for legal action.
A licensed public adjuster can provide you with exclusive representation and work to secure the maximum settlement possible for your claim at a substantially reduced rate.
While attorneys in Long Island, NY, often charge 30% of the settlement and require an immediate $5,000 retainer, Public Adjusters work on a 7 - 10% contingency with no upfront costs.
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If an agreement isn't reached, public adjusters aren't entitled to any compensation.
If you are unsure whether to hire an attorney or a public adjuster, call for a free consultation and get detailed guidance on your next best steps.
For more information on whether a public adjuster is the right choice for your situation, call Kevin Godfrey at 516-410-0164.
How Much does a Public Adjuster Cost?
A Public adjuster's fee depends on various factors, including the complexity of the claim, the type of loss, and the amount of work that needs to be done.
In general, public adjusters charge a percentage of the total settlement amount that is settled on behalf of the policyholder.
In Long Island, New York, the fee for a public adjuster's services may range from 5% to 12.5% of the total settlement amount, with the average fee being around 10%.
It is important to note that these fees may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
It is also worth noting that public adjusters must be licensed in the state of New York and must adhere to ethical standards set forth by the NYS Department of Financial Services.
Policyholders should choose a reputable, licensed, and experienced public adjuster, rather than simply selecting one with the lowest fee, to ensure they receive the best representation and the highest possible settlement for their claim.
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Kevin Godfrey has settled over 10,000 claims with total settlements of over $1B. For a free consultation, call 516-410-0164 or email liadjusters@gmail.com
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Long Island Public Adjusters, LLC
34 E. Main St.
Ste 347
Smithtown, NY 11787
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Southampton Public Adjusters
26 Hill St.
Southampton, NY 11968