FAQ
What is a Public Adjuster?
A Public Adjuster is an insurance claims adjuster who advocates for the policy holder in appraising and negotiating an insurance claim. A Public Adjuster is the only type of claims adjuster that can legally represent the rights of an insured during an insurance claim process. It is most beneficial if you call a licensed Public Adjuster immediately after a loss.
What is the difference between a Public Adjuster and an Insurance Company Adjuster?
The Insurance Company Adjuster or Independent Claim Adjuster are both employed by the insurance company and can’t protect both your interest and the interest of his/her employer at the same time. The Insurance Company Adjuster will often offer to settle a claim for the sum they see fit, which is not always in favor of the policyholder. A Public Adjuster is an insurance adjuster expert who works exclusively for you the policyholder. We are experts in reading the final print and understanding your policy, coverage and the insurance company responsibilities in order to negotiate a better settlement.
If my claim has been closed and settled by my insurance company, is it too late to hire a Public Adjuster?
Most likely it is not too late. Florida law allows up to five years to file a supplemental claim from the date of loss. If you do not believe you were paid the right amount, and would like us to review your claim free of charge, please contact us. We will carefully audit and analyze your claim.
Will I get a higher settlement if I will hire a Public Adjuster?
Almost always, you will receive a higher settlement from the Insurance Company if you hire a Public Adjuster. Typically, the more detailed and complete your claim - the higher the settlement. We go through all the evidence, step by step, very carefully inspecting the loss site and accurately documenting the damage. Studies have clearly demonstrated that claims filed by the insured without the representation of a Public Adjuster are incomplete, lack proper evidence and return lower settlements and higher chances of being completely denied. Claims filed with the assistance of a Public Adjuster are treated differently and more seriously by the insurance companies.
Who uses services of Public Adjusters?
Public Adjusters are hired by individual renters and homeowners, corporations, business professionals, Condo Associations and Home Owner Associations (HOA's). Our roster of clients includes but is not limited to: attorneys, banks, accountants, business owners, hotel managers, restaurants and retirement homes.
Will my insurance company cancel my contract if I will hire a Public Adjuster?
No under any circumstances. If an Insurance Company were to cancel you because you hired a Public Adjuster, it would be a violation of the law. Access to Public Adjusters is a right given to you by the State Legislature.
What is an insurance deductible?
Your deductible is the amount you have agreed to pay for any one loss, before your insurance company begins to pay for the loss. This amount may be found on your declarations page. The deductible is applied to your claim before your insurance company issues its payment.
If I estimate that my damages are less than my deductible, why do I need to file a claim?
If your loss is the result of a hurricane, your policy may have an annual hurricane deductible. By filing a claim, the documentation of your damages may help to lower the hurricane deductible that would be applied to any future hurricane losses in the same calendar year. Furthermore, since you are not a professional adjuster, you may underestimate the damage and repair costs. By calling our office, you will get an expert estimate, insurance policy review and consultation free of charge.
Will my insurance company cancel my contract if I will hire a Public Adjuster?
No under any circumstances. If an Insurance Company were to cancel you because you hired a Public Adjuster, it would be a violation of the law. Access to Public Adjusters is a right given to you by the State Legislature.
Is there a minimum value requirement for a claim?
We take on claims where our services are needed. Therefore, there is no claim too big or too small. Just give us a call to discuss your claim and we will give you our professional opinion. Our consultation and claim analysis is free of charge.
What is the cost for hiring a Public Adjuster?
The standard fee for public adjusting services is a small percentage of the amount recovered from the Insurance Company. These fees are regulated by the Florida Department of Financial Services. We represent our clients on a contingency fee basis. This means we are paid for our services only if, and when, there is a recovery.
Do you handle condominium insurance claims and work with multi-home communities?
Yes, Zevuloni & Associates, P.A. offers free evaluation and consultation to the board members of the condominium association to discuss their insurance claim. If your condominium has filed an insurance claim and you feel your claim has been wrongfully denied or the insurance company's offer is willfully low and insufficient to repair all damages, please contact our office to receive an appointment with a licensed Public Adjuster. You will never be responsible for any of our fees or our costs if we are not successful. Furthermore, you will never be asked to pay for any of our costs up-front. If we are successful in your insurance claim, you will only pay a small percentage of the insurance settlement. Since not all insurance claim cases are similar, please call our office to arrange a free consultation to discuss your insurance case in more detail.
At what point, in the claims process, should I hire a Public Adjusters?
We would strongly recommend that you contact us before you call your claim into your insurance company or agent. Doing so ensures that you'll get the professional help you need immediately. However, you can enlist our services at any time (before you file your claim, during your claim negotiations, and even after your claim has been closed). Basically, it's never too late.
Why hire a Public Adjuster, won't my Insurance Adjuster do all that I need?
Experience tells us this is unlikely. Insurance Company Adjusters work for, report to, and are paid by, the insurance company. Insurance companies are businesses, and they look after their bottom line - profits. We find that often times they opt to repair items, when replacement is needed. An average policyholder working alone with an Insurance Adjuster is like an average person trying a court case without a lawyer. Policyholders need equal representation. Insurance policies are complex legal documents and you will probably have many questions and problems as to how the policy provisions can or will affect your recovery. As your Public Adjusters, with knowledge of insurance policies and coverage, we believe that we are most qualified to help you maximize your recovery.
Are Public Adjusters trained specialists?
Yes! Public Adjusters are trained, licensed, and bonded by the state. Your Public Adjuster is also required to participate in continuing education courses to maintain awareness of industry changes and standards. All Public Adjusters at Zevuloni & Associates are licensed, bonded and meet and exceed the requirements set by the State of licensure.
Will my public adjuster determine or arrange for a contractor or other labor?
No, legally a Public Adjuster cannot hire any person or company to complete any repairs on your behalf. A Public Adjuster's only job is to settle your claim so that you receive the maximum amount of compensation allowed for within the terms of your insurance policy.
Does my Public Adjuster need to be with me when my insurance company inspects the damage?
Yes. It's important that you have a Public Adjuster by your side when the insurance company’s adjuster is inspecting the damage. Your Public Adjuster will know whether the insurance adjuster is following the correct procedures and expecting all damage related cites.
In the event of property damage and loss, what steps should I take?
If you hire a licensed Public Adjuster immediately after a loss, he or she can advise and assist you each step of the way. All policies require that you report the loss as soon as practicable to the insurance company and take steps to preserve property from further damage, including theft. Failure to comply with these obligations may limit or completely void your coverage.
Will it cause problems and delays employing a Public Adjuster?
The vast majority of our claims are conducted and concluded in the spirit of professionalism and mutual respect with the insurance company's representative(s). However, if the company does not want to be reasonable, we will under no circumstances capitulate to any unreasonable demands or positions they take. If there are any problems or delays in your claim, they are the same problems which would exist whether or not we are involved. However, because of our experience we would know the best way to minimize certain problems or delays, and often, just by our involvement, many problems are avoided before they develop. While some unethical insurance company adjusters may discourage you from employing a Public Adjuster (who is licensed and certified by the Department of Insurance), statistics are quite clear that Public Adjusters, almost without exception, assist in obtaining extremely higher settlements for the Insured, not to mention the time and turmoil the Insured is saved. It is beyond dispute that if any adjuster or agent prefers that you do not hire a Public Adjuster, it cannot possibly be your interest they have in mind.
