The Public Adjuster: The Community Association Super Hero
We’ve talked plenty about filing insurance claims for hurricanes, fires, leaks, the works. By now, you know it’s a tedious process with high stakes. These stakes are even higher when the insurance claims pertain to community associations. Not only are the stakes higher but there are more people involved. Too many cooks in the kitchen have to understand elaborate governing documents and property insurance policies. Just to add to the complications, these associations have a number of stakeholders that might chime in and make matters in the kitchen even more noisy.
An experienced public adjuster can step in and handle all matters of damage assessment and insurance policies. They will ultimately advocate for a maximum settlement.
Before bringing an adjuster aboard to help with the claim, the community association needs to ensure they have a disaster preparedness plan in order. This will avoid any delays in claims processing. At a minimum the board needs to check these boxes:
– Governing documents to confirm damage responsibilities
– Recent photos of property
– Copies of insurance policies and contact information
– Approved budget for pre-settlement disaster recovery spending
– Access to a credit card or cash for immediate disaster needs
– Approved vendors for debris removal, damage assessment, and other building needs
When the public adjuster is brought aboard, he or she will aid in the development of those bullet points. They will examine your photos of the property and give you any feedback in terms of camera angles to make sure all structural details are properly photographed.
A top notch public adjuster will understand insurable claims inside and out, especially that of a natural disaster like a hurricane. It won’t be their first disastrous rodeo of collapsed walls and roofs, flooded living areas, and downed power lines. In addition, most public adjusters are equipped with a team of construction and engineering experts to join them in documenting the damage.
So as you write up your Florida community’s disaster plan, be sure to include a public adjuster as part of this initiative and be sure to target an experienced one like the ones at Proactive Claims Solutions. They are advocates for your community.