What Happens if There is an Insurance Adjuster Shortage?

You may live in an area that gets hit by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornados, or flooding. Consequently, you may be one of many people whose property is severely damaged. Moreover, you will have to file a claim with your insurance carrier. However, you and other property owners may face a problem. Namely, there may be severe damage to property spread over a wide area. As a result of the widespread damage, there can be an insurance adjuster shortage.

How Can an Insurance Adjuster Shortage Happen?

In reality, an insurance adjuster shortage can easily happen. Remember, if you can, the damage caused by Hurricane Florence in North Carolina in September 2018. How about Hurricane Irma in Florida in September 2017?
More recently, Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc along the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. Moreover, Ida’s aftermath caused massive flooding in the northeast United States.

When massive storms extensively damage property, insured property owners file claims and claim adjustments with their carriers. However, depending on the number of damaged properties, insurance companies may struggle to send adjusters to inspect the property damage. Large insurance companies usually have adjusters on their payroll. If you are fighting with your insurance providers, then consider contacting the National Association of Public Adjusters for help.

Why Can’t I find a Qualified Insurance Adjuster During an Insurance Adjuster Shortage?

However, given the extent of damage caused by severe storms, the demand for qualified insurance adjusters and public adjusters may exceed the supply. Moreover, how quickly your insurance claim adjuster can settle your case will depend on many factors. For instance: your type of insurance, type of claim, and where you are in the claims process.

As in any other field, there are excellent insurance adjusters out there. Likewise, there are also good insurance adjusters. But unfortunately, there are terrible and inexperienced insurance adjusters out there too. Remember, be wary of insurance company adjusters, as they focus primarily on the insurance company’s bottom line.

What is the Effect of an Insurance Adjuster Shortage?

Indeed, an insurance adjuster shortage affects the insurance company. It slows down the processing of claims, thereby delaying the claims adjuster’s work. In addition, there may not be enough qualified insurance adjusters to make inspections on time in the aftermath of a severe storm or flood. In short, even if you file an insurance claim promptly, you might not get help from the insurance adjuster right away.

Will The Insurance Adjuster Shortage Effect My Settlement

Property owners may contest the insurance company’s settlement offer based on a poor inspection by an inexperienced insurance adjuster. Remember, the insurance adjuster cats on behalf of the insurance company. AllCity adjusters act on behalf of the property owners.
Notwithstanding the effect on the insurance company, an insurance adjuster shortage has a massive impact on the property owner. Furthermore, as stated above, the adjuster shortage will slow down the processing of claims. Consequently, it will take longer for the insurance company to pay claims.

During an Insurance Adjuster Shortage Should I Hire a Public Adjuster

However, because the damage was so severe, the property owner may want a private estimate for the cost of repair or replacement. Remember, AllCity Adjusting is a public adjustment firm that can assist you in maximizing your claim settlement. Moreover, as an independent adjuster we answer only to you. Most importantly, we can help you inspect your damaged property, argue the finer details of your case, and maximize your settlement.

But if there is a shortage of insurance adjusters in the area, that probably extends to public adjusters as well. Moreover, public adjusters typically work for property owners. Indeed, qualified public adjusters are in great demand after a tornado or flood causes severe property damage.

What Should You Do if the Insurance Company Sends an Adjustor to Inspect Your Property During an Insurance Adjuster Shortage?

Remember, when an adjuster comes to inspect your damaged property, make sure you get his business card. Consider this, s/he could be an insurance adjuster or a fraud. That said, they might be an independent adjuster as well. Recall that although his business card says “independent adjuster,”… s/he might also work for the insurance company. In short, be careful. Indeed, they may not be employees of your insurance carrier at all. Instead, they operate as independent contractors or, worse, frauds.

Insurance Adjuster Shortages Can Result In Fraud, Be Careful.

Remember, be cautious. During an insurance adjuster shortage, the insurance company may send out an inexperienced adjuster. Indeed, the experience of an adjuster varies by state, age, and training. Therefore, watch what the adjuster does during his inspection. Most importantly, take notes. Generally, note when the inspection began and when it ended. For example, did the adjuster get up close to inspect damaged walls, ceilings, and floorboards?

Furthermore, if the storm damaged the roof, then did he climb up to look at damaged areas. Remember, drones can not inspect hail and other types of damage. In short, these could be signs of an inexperienced adjuster.

How Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?

If you have little or no experience hiring a public adjuster, then there are a few steps you should take to ensure you make the right choice. Remember, be cautious; especially if a person arrives at your property unannounced. Frequently, this can happen during an insurance adjuster shortage after a major weather event. Consequently, these people pose as imposters, have past life insurance or other sales experience, and seem convincing. In addition, ask to see their public adjuster license number, business card, and take down their license plate information.

Lastly, request that the adjuster describe his experience in the business. For instance, ask for recommendations. Remember, good public adjusters will expect these questions and have the information readily available. Finally, don’t sign any contracts until you check them out thoroughly.

If You Need a Public Adjuster, Call AllCity Adjusting

We are a family-owned public adjuster company with five decades of combined adjusting experience. If there’s one thing we understand, it’s 100% of your claim value.

Insurance companies undervalue your claim 8 out of 10 times. They hire expensive adjusters to ensure they maintain a strong profit margin. They have experienced actuaries that create insurance agency guidelines that help their team of agents challenges your insurance claim validity and value. You have already gone through a stressful event. Get an agency that gets you more.

At AllCity Adjusting we work to ensure you get 100% of your claim value. With over 50 years of combined adjusting experience, we know insurance companies and understand where they cut corners. We help you build a larger claim. Additionally, we will maximize your claim. Lastly, we will get you back to normal fast. So don’t get fooled; get the company that gets you more.