10 Questions to Ask Your Insurance Adjuster After a Loss

The insurance company’s adjuster assesses the property after the initial loss, authorizes initial funds and restoration work, and works with the policyholder to complete the claim to the satisfaction of both parties.

The insurance company’s adjuster, however, isn’t on your side; they’re a representative of your insurance company. Your insurance company is a for-profit business with an obligation to maximize profit to shareholders.

You probably don’t want an adversarial relationship with your insurance company’s adjuster. But you probably don’t want to be a pushover or come across as naïve either.

Here are 10 questions to ask your insurance adjuster after a loss to ensure a smooth claim process:

1. Should I start cleaning up? Generally, your insurance policy requires you to take basic steps to secure the property after a loss. If a falling tree tore a hole in your roof, for example, then you should put a tarp over the area to prevent further water damage to your home. However, you may want to ask your adjuster before performing other repair or cleanup work. Even basic cleanup could make it hard to determine the initial scope of loss.
2. What information do you need from me? Your insurance adjuster may provide a list of required documents – like receipts proving the value of items in your home, videos and photos of the damage, etc. The sooner you provide this information, the easier this claim will be.
3. How do I prepare an inventory of my possessions? Some insurers require you to upload your home inventory to a specific online platform. Others prefer inventory in a certain way. Most homeowners don’t have a specific list of items in their home or a formal inventory. However, it’s a good idea to ask your insurer if they prefer inventory in a certain way.
4. Can I start to repair or replace anything? You may have performed basic cleanup work. However, you should talk to your adjuster before repairing or replacing items. Some homeowners make the mistake of repairing or replacing items before damage has been documented, for example, which could cause your insurer to deny your claim. Talk to your adjuster before throwing away damaged items or replacing them.
5. Can I do repairs myself? Some insurers provide a list of preferred contractors and restoration crews. However, you’re not obligated to use them. Some insurers allow you to do basic repairs and cleanup yourself – and could even compensate you. Other insurers require you to use an authorized contractor – particularly for larger repairs. Performing unauthorized repairs on your home could jeopardize future homeowners insurance claims.
6. What damages are covered and not covered by my policy? Your insurance company’s adjuster may push back against certain damages – say, if rising floodwaters aren’t covered by your policy. Ask your adjuster for clarification on what damage is covered and not covered by your policy.
7. Am I entitled to an advance from my insurance company? Some insurers provide an advance in the hours following a loss. You could receive money to cover restoration work, hotels, car rentals, and other emergency expenses, for example. Some insurers provide you with a prepaid credit card, check, cash, or direct deposit following a loss. This compensation is part of your total claim. Ask your adjuster for a funds advance, if necessary.
8. How long do I have to provide proof of replacement? Your adjuster may ask you to sign a “proof of loss.” You list household items lost and their approximate value. If you have a replacement cost policy, then your insurer covers the cost of replacing these items. Generally, insurers give you 180 days to replace items and provide proof. Ask your insurance company’s adjuster about specific timeframes.
9. What happens if we disagree on the outcome of the claim? Your insurance contract should have an appraisal clause or dispute resolution section. Generally, the appraisal clause outlines a process where you and your insurer both hire an appraiser, and the appraisers hire an umpire.
10. How will this claim affect future insurance claims? Some insurers drop coverage after a major loss. If you have a major house fire, for example, then your insurer could cover this claim and then refuse to renew your policy. In other cases, a claim raises premiums by 30% to 50%. Ask your insurance company’s adjuster how the claim could impact your home insurance in the future.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Talking to an Adjuster

You don’t need an adjuster to answer questions about your policy, limits, or coverages; instead, you can answer those questions yourself by looking at your insurance policy.

In fact, asking your adjuster these questions could make you look naïve, increasing the risk of an adjuster taking advantage of you.

Here are some of the questions you should be able to competently answer before talking to your insurance company’s adjuster:

• What are my policy limits?
• What is my deductible?
• Do I have an actual cash value policy or a replacement cost policy?
• What happens if my claim is denied?
• Does my policy cover additional living expenses (ALE), like hotels, car rentals, and meals?
• Does my insurance policy include or exclude this type of loss?

Check your policy’s declarations page to answer most of these questions. Your policy documents should also clearly list what happens in an insurance dispute, how the policy covers additional living expenses, and other basic information you need to know about your claim.

If you need help with a claim contact a public adjuster for a free consultation.

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Public Adjusters vs. Insurance Adjusters

ClaimsMate has a team of public adjusters – not insurance company adjusters.

Public adjusters are insurance professionals who represent the homeowner or business owner’s best interests in an insurance claim. They oversee the claim, negotiate with the insurer, and ensure you receive every penny you deserve for your claim.

Insurance company adjusters are salaried employees or independent contractors of your insurance company. They represent your insurance company’s best interests and may want to pay as little for your claim as legally possible.

If you have a claim with a large disputed amount – say, over $10,000 – then it may be in your best interest to hire a public adjuster.

Public adjusters are on your side – insurance company adjusters are on their side.

Is a public adjuster right for your claim?

Discover how ClaimsMate could help during a no-cost consultation. Tell us about your claim, and we’ll explain how we could help.

Stephanie Corona

Stephanie is a property insurance claim expert with over 20 years of experience working as an insurance adjuster, expert witness, appraiser and umpire. She is passionate about sharing her expertise, knowledge, tips and training to help both property owners and Public Adjusters in their pursuit of effectively managing claims and recovering the claim settlement they deserve after a loss.