Up Front Settlements – November 6, 2012
A property damage claims adjuster in Michigan is a person who usually works for an insurance agency and who is tasked to investigate insurance claims regarding damages to property.
He/she is usually responsible for responding immediately to each of the property damage claims; communicating with policy holders; assessing damages, negotiating with product/service providers on the cost and time of repairs in order to offer settlement to the claimant; protecting the interest of the insurance company which he/she represents when negotiating with policyholders; filing paperwork; investigating the liability; researching, substantiating, and detailing every aspect of the claim; and ensuring procedures are accurate.
A property damage claims adjuster in Michigan often works long hours, including weekends and nights because his/her work depends on the needs of the client and is appointment based. He/she is also required to deal with a 50-pound ladder and must walk, crawl, stand, kneel, and perform physical work when investigating the damaged property.
Property damages can be traumatic to an insurance policyholder and cleaning up can be very difficult. A property which has suffered moderate or severe damage must be reported to the insurance company by the policyholder by filing an insurance claim. For quicker results, the claim must be filed immediately by contacting the insurance agent. The agent will normally ask for the extent of the damage and will inform the policyholder how to go about filing the claim. The policyholder must keep his/her calm and record any communication between the insured and the representatives of the insurance company in case there may be broken promises or disagreements later on.
The extent of the property damage must be documented so that the policyholder has concrete proof that he/she is entitled to any settlement from the insurance company. A written report of the extent of damage may be appropriate in order to facilitate request for reimbursement. Emergency repairs can be done to prevent any further damage to the property but the policyholder must make sure that all receipts are kept because they are also included in the settlement claim.
A property damage claims adjuster will normally sit down with the policyholder to discuss details of the claim. Supporting evidences must be prepared prior to meeting with the claims adjuster. In cases when the meeting doesn’t go well, the policyholder must keep his/her cool and speak calmly. It is important that the insured doesn’t get pressured or intimidated by the claims adjuster. The insured’s demands must be stated calmly and clearly. It may be necessary to meet with the property damage claims adjuster often because more issues must be settled before there is actual claim settlement.
The policyholder must always be polite because it will put a strain in one’s dealings with the property damage claims adjuster if harsh words are used during the conversations. Contacting the Department of Insurance or lawyer may strain any relations the policyholder has with a property damage claims adjuster in Michigan so it is best that any disagreement be settled amicably between the insured and the claims adjuster.
via How to Deal with Property Damage Claims Adjuster in Michigan.