Appraisal Umpire Can Be The Only Chance To Resolve An Insurance Claim Dispute
Disputes, especially when it comes to settling insurance claims, are not new scenarios. In fact, they take place every day. Just what causes these disputes? Well, one of the obvious reasons is most policyholders believe that they deserve to be paid a larger settlement than what they have received. Second, many insurance companies are trying to pay as little as possible on a claim. And third, claims are sometimes denied. All of which can result in a dispute.
There are several ways one can deal with an insurance loss. For one, an aggressive approach, which we do not encourage. Overwhelming aggression can cause further delays. In most cases disputes and disagreements can be settled easier with a peaceful, civilized manner. After all, people are allowed to disagree. It shouldn’t cause a fight. There really are several options that are more peaceful and productive. The approach used will depend on the level of the insurance claim dispute a policyholder is involved with.
Some claims reach an impasse and there is no way the two parties can resolve the dispute themselves. In such a situation, it’s recommended to first obtain the name and number of the adjuster’s manager. This can be obtained by simply calling the company directly or asking your adjuster for this information. Call and speak with the manager and/or the company’s complaint department. Notify them of your problem and situation. In some cases they may be able to assist you right away. If they agree with your argument they will usually advise your adjuster to do what you’re asking for. Policyholders can also request a “reinspection” of the property damages. A reinspection will be conducted by a different adjuster or supervisor. It’s recommended to request that a “General Adjuster” be the other person to reinspect the claim damage. General Adjusters usually have 15+ years experience in insurance claim damages. Their knowledge may assist you in receiving a fair settlement. It is also recommended to obtain the name and extension of anyone you speak with from the complaint department as well.
If you have a dispute about repairing a structure that has suffered a large loss, you can hire an engineer to provide an analysis report of the damages. If the result still has not satisfied you there you should file a complaint at Department Of Insurance in the state you live in.
However, if you still feel that you have not been given a satisfying solution to your insurance loss problems you can call (919) 669-9111 which is a consumer information hotline that can answer questions related to insurance loss claims that are a result of fire, water, flood, smoke, wind, hail, tornado, and hurricanes. They have trained personnel that are available to assist and answer queries relating to various property damage complaints.
Nevertheless, if you still feel that after you have applied all the above-mentioned options and you still believe you have not been provided a fair insurance settlement, you can always turn to a clause buried in your policy called APPRAISAL. The Insurance Appraisal Clause allows each party of a dispute to settle the differences out of court. It’s similar to an arbitration. (For a complete explanation of the Insurance Appraisal Clause by visiting What Is The Insurance Appraisal Clause).
This appraisal clause calls for an impartial, competent, and unbiased Appraisal Umpire that works with two independent appraisers. The three get together to review and settle the differences between the estimates and damages. The Appraisal Umpire is the tie-breaker that allows policyholders to obtain a fair claim settlement. Being that the Appraisal Umpire has absolutely no interest in the outcome of the dispute, it concludes with a decision based solely on the facts presented to them.
(C) Joseph Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE - Ph: 919-669-9111 . Get Appraisal Umpire Help, by visiting http://www.insuranceclaimsgroup.com or http://www.insuranceappraisalumpire.com
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