When property damage occurs—whether from a storm, fire, water leak, or another unexpected event—the last thing you want is to be overwhelmed by the claims process. Insurance policies can be complex, and insurance companies may not always offer the full settlement you’re entitled to. That’s where a public adjuster comes in. At The National Adjusters Group, we work exclusively for you, the policyholder, to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your loss.
Here’s a checklist of essential steps to take after property damage, and why hiring a public adjuster can make all the difference.
1. Ensure Safety First
The first priority in any damage situation is safety. Make sure everyone is safe and call emergency services if necessary. Once you’ve taken care of your family’s well-being, it’s time to start the claims process.
At this point, a public adjuster can help. We can guide you through securing the property to prevent further damage and ensure your policy covers any emergency repairs.
2. Document the Damage Thoroughly
After ensuring safety, take detailed photos and videos of the damage. This will serve as essential evidence when filing your claim. But documentation goes beyond just snapping a few pictures. A professional public adjuster like those at The National Adjusters Group will know exactly what to look for—hidden damage, structural issues, and even items that could be easily overlooked.
We take care of documenting the damage and making sure your claim covers every aspect of the loss, ensuring nothing is missed.
3. Secure the Property (But Don’t Make Permanent Repairs Yet)
In the aftermath of property damage, you may need to make temporary repairs to prevent further destruction. For example, covering broken windows, boarding up doors, or shutting off the water. Keep receipts for all repairs, as they may be reimbursed. However, don’t make permanent repairs until your insurance adjuster has had a chance to assess the damage.
A public adjuster will work with you to ensure temporary repairs are documented correctly and that the full scope of the damage is preserved for your claim.
4. Call Your Public Adjuster
Instead of contacting your insurance company directly, call your public adjuster first. A public adjuster works on your behalf, not the insurer’s, and has your best interests in mind. Once you reach out to The National Adjusters Group, we’ll take over the communication with the insurance company, handle the filing of your claim, and make sure the process moves smoothly.
Our team will:
- Notify your insurance company of the damage.
- File your claim on your behalf.
- Ensure all documentation is properly submitted.
- Begin working on negotiating your settlement right away.
By hiring a public adjuster, you can rest assured that someone is advocating for you, making the process easier and ensuring you’re not left shortchanged.
5. Why You Should Hire a Public Adjuster (And Not Rely Solely on the Insurance Company)
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to settle claims quickly and as cheaply as possible. That’s why hiring a public adjuster is a smart move. We advocate for your best interests, ensuring that you get the full payout you deserve.
At The National Adjusters Group, we have years of experience assessing damage, negotiating with insurance companies, and maximizing settlements. On average, our clients receive 747% more than those who handle claims on their own.
6. Review Your Policy and Understand Your Coverage
Understanding your insurance policy is essential, but it’s also complicated. What does your policy cover? What’s your deductible? Are there any exclusions or limits on your claim? A public adjuster can help you review your policy and ensure you’re aware of your coverage and any potential limitations.
We’ll ensure you don’t miss anything—whether it’s understanding the fine print or determining if you have coverage for specific types of damage.
7. File Your Claim with Confidence
Once you’ve gathered all the information, your public adjuster will file the claim for you, ensuring everything is in order. We’ll help you craft a well-documented, thorough claim, ensuring that all damages are fully accounted for and that the insurance company doesn’t undervalue your loss.
8. Get Multiple Repair Estimates
To ensure the accuracy of your claim, it’s important to get estimates for repairs from reputable contractors. A public adjuster will help you choose the right contractors and ensure their estimates reflect the true cost of restoring your property to its pre-damage condition.
We work with trusted experts and can guide you through the process of securing the right contractors and ensuring your repairs are fully covered.
9. Review the Settlement Offer Carefully
Once the insurance company processes your claim, they’ll make a settlement offer. This offer might not fully reflect the extent of your damages, especially if you don’t have the right representation.
This is where a public adjuster truly proves invaluable. We’ll help you review the settlement offer, ensure it’s fair, and, if necessary, negotiate with the insurance company to secure a better deal.
10. Keep Detailed Records
Throughout the entire process, it’s important to keep detailed records of all communications, repair estimates, receipts, and damage reports. A public adjuster can help organize and track these records to make sure you don’t miss anything important and that your claim remains on track.
Final Thoughts: Why Choose Us
Dealing with property damage and insurance claims can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. When you hire a public adjuster from The National Adjusters Group, you’re hiring an expert who works for you—someone who knows the ins and outs of the claims process and will fight for the full compensation you deserve.
By hiring a public adjuster, you give yourself the best chance to secure a higher settlement, faster. Don’t leave money on the table. Let us help you maximize your claim.
