What else can I do to make sure I’m prepared in the
event of a loss?
DAWN HANSEN
The Hansen Group
Metro Public Adjustment
1-800-314-0868
www.thehansengroup.org
When it comes to property damage, people often
think they are covered because they have insurance—
not so, according to Dawn Hansen of The Hansen
Group—Metro Public Adjustment. In this month’s Ask
the Expert, she will explain the benefits of using a
public adjuster when the unthinkable happens.
What exactly is a public adjuster?
A public adjuster is a consumer advocate for home and
business owners when their property is damaged. The
damaged property must be covered by insurance. The
public adjuster steps in and makes sure that the property
owner is treated and paid fairly by his or her insurance
company. Public adjusters are licensed and bonded by
the state to provide professional representation to the
policy holder so that he or she receives the maximum
settlement possible per his or her insurance policy.
What are the benefits of using a public adjuster?
Handling an insurance claim can be very frustrating
and time consuming. The policy holder is already at
a disadvantage because he or she is dealing with a
large company that has experience in an industry with
which people are not familiar. A public adjuster has the
experience and expertise needed to evaluate the policy
holder’s coverage, document the loss and ensure policy
conditions are met. Public adjusters also help present a
damage estimate, present the claim properly, schedule
appointments, handle telephone calls, write letters, and
obtain experts as needed to support the claim. Just
as you would go to an accountant to maximize your tax
refund, you would use a public adjuster to maximize
your claim settlement. Think of it as insurance for your
insurance.
Preparing an inventory of your personal property is one
of the best things you can do to help ensure you recover
fully from a major loss. To give you a better idea of what
your personal property is, consider this. If you took
your property, turned it upside down and shook it, your
personal property would be anything that falls out. This
will likely mean you’re making a list of hundreds of items,
including furniture and electronics, dishes and silverware,
bedding and clothing, and even the small, random items
that we all throw in the junk drawer. Trying to remember
everything we own is hard enough but, in the midst of
a tragedy, it becomes that much more difficult to recall
every single item. The easiest way to inventory your
property is to walk through your home while taking a
video and narrating – couple that with pictures and a
written room-by-room breakdown of all your items,
and you’ll be setting yourself up for a much smoother
road to recovery should the unthinkable happen. Don’t
forget to store your videos, pictures and documents on a
cloud server somewhere so you can access it even if your
phone, tablet or computer are destroyed.
Why should I review my policy on a regular basis?
Having an insurance policy on your property doesn’t
mean that you’re properly insured. While many people
may think that it is their agent’s job to make sure
they have the proper coverage, this is actually your
responsibility. There are three main types of insurance
policies available: basic, broad and special. Other
factors to consider when reviewing your policy include
everything from the type of policy to coverage limits and
personal property limits to additional living expenses,
deductibles and endorsements. It is imperative to make
sure you have the right coverage before disaster strikes.
What are endorsements and do I really need them?
Endorsements are changes to the policy—they can give
coverage or take it away. One of the most important
things to think about when looking at endorsements
is what you need coverage for in addition to what
your standard policy provides. Standard policies
have exclusions on water backup and limits on things
like jewelry, firearms, antiques and coins. Adding
endorsements for these items, if you have them, may
cost a little more each month but will be well worth the
cost if something ever happens.
Check out our online edition for more information about how a public
adjuster can help you make the most out of your insurance policy!
www.scrantonchamber.com • 5