Why a Second Opinion is Important When Handling a Property Damage Insurance Claim

As we slowly return to a normal way of life post-COVID-19, calendars are filling up and plans are being made. Everyone is more than ready to get out into the world, take vacations and road trips, host gatherings, and finally have some fun. Shifting from a stay-at-home mentality to a preparing-for-anything mentality can be an adjustment. We may even be a bit rusty on what to do and what processes to follow should something go wrong at home or away. It is helpful to reach out to a trusted friend or advisor who can act as a support system when things do not go as planned.

You would not make any major life decisions without getting a second opinion, right? It’s true for major medical decisions, remodeling your kitchen, buying a new house – basically anything that could highly impact your life. When seeking another set of eyes, you turn to those you trust: your spouse, a good friend, or a trained specialist. The same is true for the insurance claim process. Many would not consider getting a second opinion when filing a claim, but it may be one of the most important second opinions you get. By making a call to a licensed public adjuster, you could potentially save yourself a lot of money and hours of time and stress. 

You Have Options

In this time of immediate access to information, there are countless options for nearly any situation you might face. When we think of “getting a second opinion,” we most often think of dealing with a medical diagnosis, where we invite a second professional to review the case and determine alternate treatment options. Of course, with something as important as our health, we take no chances. But, when you think about it, this can be applied to nearly anything of value in life.

No longer would we shop for a new car without getting a second opinion and additional pricing from another dealership. When browsing the internet for the perfect family vacation, we compare prices, amenities, and accommodations to receive the best possible experience for our investment. Then there’s buying a new home: likely the largest purchase a homeowner will make. We would rarely never see only one house with one realtor and sign on the dotted line. We normally want to see more houses and maybe even work with additional real estate professionals and home inspectors before we decide. The bottom line is, accessing a second opinion is essential for life’s biggest situations.

If you find yourself filing an insurance claim after your property sustains damage, the natural first call is to your insurance company to begin the claim process. It should not stop there. Your second call should always be to a licensed public adjuster, like those at Adjusters International/Basloe, Levin & Cuccaro. A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. Where the insurance company needs to do what’s best to protect their financial exposure, a public adjuster’s focus is your best interest. A public adjuster manages the claim from start to finish, ensuring that you receive the settlement you deserve.

Be Ready for Anything

After an unprecedented year, it is not uncommon to feel out of practice with keeping up with normal habits and routines, including annual medical and dental appointments, auto and home maintenance and even keeping our important files organized. Create a list and take small steps in the direction of getting everything up to speed again. Trying to do everything at once may leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Opening your home to guests or setting out on a family road trip can inevitably leave you open to mishaps, whether it be a backyard grilling party gone wrong or damage to a vacation property. When making your to-do list, do not forget to add reviewing your insurance policies and other essential paperwork. It is a good idea to make sure everything is current, and the coverage is adequate.

We are all experiencing the “new normal” together. Do not hesitate to ask for help. If you have an existing unsettled property damage claim or simply are not sure if the insurance you have is comprehensive enough to meet your needs, call us. We will evaluate your coverage from a claims perspective to make sure that you are able to feel confident that you are well prepared should a property occur. At Adjusters International/Basloe, Levin & Cuccaro (AI/BLC), we have more senior-level and licensed public adjusting professionals than anyone else in the region. Let us share our expertise with you.

We are Your Trusted Advisors  

Your trust is central to our business. Without it, we would not be able to make an impact and help policyholders in their time of need. It is devastating to become the victim of fire, flood, storm, property damage or vandalism, but with the help of a trusted advisor, you can put your mind at ease and focus on the process of getting your family or business back to normal.

After you analyze your situation and call the insurance company to file a claim, please do not forget to get the ever-important second opinion. Call on us at AI/BLC to be your trusted advisors. We will manage your claim to make sure it is handled fairly, and we will achieve the outcome you deserve. Your well-being and best interests are our main concern, and we are here to help. If you need a trusted second opinion, please do not hesitate to reach out.