Noteworthy Claims

The following are a few examples of claims we’ve negotiated. While our specialty is negotiating residential water and fire claims, we also have experience handing storm claims and commercial losses – especially those involving roofing.

No claim is too small for us to evaluate. If you’ve been turned down elsewhere, we would welcome the opportunity to review your situation to determine if we can help.

STATE FARM, Fire Claim, Surprise, AZ

This was a house fire that started in the backyard and burned a substantial portion of the home. The adjuster offered policy limits – which was $192,000. However, the insureds were in trouble because they were almost 20% underinsured (not enough to get a coinsurance penalty, thankfully). Because of our experience reading policies, we were able to get the insureds an additional 30% in funds over and above policy limits – thus enabling them to be able to rebuild without coming out of pocket. So, even if you think you don’t need a public adjuster because your carrier is offering you policy limits – understand that your policy is a complicated document with many areas of additional coverage you may not be aware of. This claim ended up settling at $405,000 (including both their home and personal property).

STATE FARM, Fire Claim, New River, AZ

This was an electrical fire starting in a secondary bedroom involving fire, water, and pervasive smoke damage throughout the home. State Farm’s offer was $26,067.17. After negotiation, we settled with State Farm for $80,185.12 – a 207% increase!! SAFECO INSURANCE Water Claim Phoenix, AZ This was a water claim caused by wind-driven rain through window caulking. Safeco denied the claim entirely – stating it was not a covered cause of loss. We went to appraisal on the claim (which is unusual when there are coverage issues) and the umpire awarded the insureds a $9,552.00 Appraisal Award.

FARMERS INSURANCE, Water Claim, Peoria, AZ

This was a duplex condo unit water claim caused by a leak in the kitchen’s under the counter reverse osmosis system. Farmer’s came in with an initial offer of $14,673.00 for repairs to the structure. The HOA retained our firm and we began to work on the claim. Our final settlement with Farmers was $49,093.94 – an increase of 234%!

METLIFE INSURANCE, Hail Claim,Tolleson, AZ

This MetLife claim was denied twice. The insurance company claimed the roof was not damaged by hail. The client came to us more than two years after the storm and we were able to re-open their claim. We were able to prove the damage was hail and MetLife replaced not only the shingle roof, but also the HVAC system. The original claim was denied. Our final settlement with MetLife was $17,553.05!

KEMPER INSURANCE, Wind Claim, Tempe, AZ

The original offer from Kemper was $2,263.16. The insurance company paid for part of the roof damage from wind, but left off several slopes. This claim went to appraisal (similar to arbitration) and the appraisers agreed at a final settlement amount of $9,814.00 – a 334% increase!!

HOMESITE INSURANCE, Water Claim, Phoenix, AZ

The original offer from Homesite was $21,177.40 for water damage throughout a four bedroom home caused by a failed toilet supply line. After negotiating this claim, Homesite settled for $78,261.25 – an increase of 269%.

FARMERS INSURANCE, Water Claim, Buckeye, AZ

This was a failed water line to a refrigerator that had been running for weeks. These clients are seasonal residents who were not in the state at the time of the loss. They phoned our office from the Pacific Northwest and we handled their claim so they didn’t have to return to Phoenix to deal with it. Farmer’s initial offer was $29,963.89. We settled with Farmers for $83,158.55 – an increase of 177%.

LIBERTY MUTUAL, Water Claim, Apache Junction, AZ

This claim was a failed icemaker supply line in the kitchen that occurred when the homeowners were on a 10-day vacation.  When we were retained, it had been a month since the date of the loss and the homeowners had not received an estimate yet from Liberty Mutual.  Liberty Mutual’s preferred vendor contractor was being extremely pushy for them to hire them to do the restoration work, and the insureds were living in their RV in the backyard in the summertime.  The preferred vendor finally provided their repair estimate of $24,596.83 and Liberty Mutual wrote a check for that amount.  This was not nearly enough to make all the necessary repairs to the home.  Through negotiations we were able to increase the claim to $164,858.04 – an increase of 670%!

AMERICAN FAMILY, Fire Claim, Prescott, AZ

This was a fire claim that had gone a bit sideways for the insured.  SIU was involved (which is an insurance company investigator) and American Family had only paid out $37,544.76.  In the end, we were able to settle the claim for $187,562.42 – an increase of nearly 500%!

 

FOR PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE CLAIM REPRESENTATION IN ARIZONA, CALL PROPERTY CLAIM ADJUSTERS TODAY!

BUT, I ALREADY HAVE AN INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER WORKING ON MY CLAIM.

The word “independent” means that the licensed adjuster is able to represent more then one insurance company. Although he is “independent,” he does represent the insurance company, not the policyholder.

MY POLICY SAYS I’M TO MAKE TEMPORARY REPAIRS TO PROTECT MY PROPERTY.

Property Claim Adjusters will help you make these important decisions as part of the many services we provide. A good rule of thumb is to protect your property as if you had no insurance at all.