Whenever someone tries to represent themselves in a legal matter, it’s safe to say that person has a fool for a client. Instead of going it alone, that person should hire an attorney. That way, they can benefit from the training and expertise that comes from a professional who knows the ins and outs of a complex process.
Get a lawyer, people!
The same is true in the insurance claims process. When someone experiences a catastrophic property event – whether it’s damage to buildings or other property owned by them individually or through their business – they want to get compensated. To do this, they must navigate the complex world of property insurance. Anyone who goes solo will do about as well as defendants litigating on a pro se basis.
If you’re going to court, you need a good lawyer. If you’re fighting the IRS, you need a good accountant. If you’re facing off with an insurance carrier, you need a good public adjuster.
As an attorney, you might wonder what a public adjuster (PA) can do for you. If one of your clients enters the insurance claims process due to a property damage event – whether to a condominium, an apartment complex, or to a commercial building – you want them to have expert knowledge. After all, you know the insurance carrier will use their own experts to advance their cause.
Here are just a few of the typical questions that may arise in the claims process. Knowing the answers to these would be comparable to knowing the nuances of tort or property law.
- What does the term “replacement cost” mean, and what does it apply to in terms of property?
- What are the relevant statutes in Massachusetts for property insurance claims?
- What’s the timeframe for filing a proof of loss?
- What are the differences between a condominium’s master policy (which covers the building) and individual unit owner policies?
- How does ordinance or law (code) coverage work?
- How do you properly support and document a successful insurance claim?
- What are the options when a client gets an inadequate offer from the insurance carrier?
- When is the best time to retain a PA?
You know the law; we know the policies. There are many benefits to you and to your clients in partnering with a PA. We would be happy to do a lunchtime presentation for your partners and firm to explain them.
At SMW, you can rely on us to provide you with the same level of personalized advocacy that you provide your own clients. As the premier public adjusting company in Massachusetts, we pride ourselves on premium client service and bottom-line results. Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time to discuss any insurance-related matters.
