Lost our house to a fire yesterday at 6 in the morning. Wife and I and the dog are fine but we lost everything, total loss. Old house that fought to the end, they had 5 departments hauling water, told me they hauled 200,000 gallons to get it out, as much as it usually takes on a dairy barn. Plus it was 12 below zero that made it more challenging. Fire investigators say electrical, either the outlet or short extension cord that went to a freezer on the back porch. Anyway I had a guy I know stop in and recommend using a public adjuster to battle the insurance company. He had a fire a year ago and recommended the guys he used, said they got him an extra 40,000. But they get 7% of the total payout, not just 7% of the extra. The guy's he used called me and stopped in, they claim it's better for them to be involved right from the start rather than to come in later and pick up the fight. So we really need to make a decision this morning before the ins. co. adj. shows up. I'm pretty sure there's at least one guy on here that is a public adjuster, hoping he see's this and can give some advice. Or anybody else that has experience with this. Is it worth taking the gamble to get them involved ?
Oh that is awful, I’m so sorry, but thankful you all are OK. Not a public adjuster, but have two points. In your neck of the woods, the parties who will turn up on your property likely know, or know of, each other. Watch how they interact with each other. Do more asking around, to manage your expectations, you’ll have already hired them at that point. They must not completely suck or they’d be out of business. Let them know you’re watching. Personally, I wouldn’t want to deal with the insurance people on top of a catastrophic loss. 7% sounds good to me. Their business model is simplicity itself, they don’t kill, they don’t eat. Let them eat. Good luck. And you’re right, there is a public adjustor here, or something similar. Covers southeast region, input over the years has always been on point and impressive. Someone will know who he is.
Damn that really sucks. Glad you, the missus and the dogs got out though. I havent dealt with anything like this but i agree with some of the above....this is a large, complex thing and letting an experienced pro help out/handle it is probably worth it. My experience with Insurance companies (vehicle issues) is less than 50/50 good/bad. If my house burned down i would 100% get a pro to help. @omatter34 Hmmm he doesnt come up on auto and it looks like he hasnt been logged in since August...anyone can ping him off beeb?
Damn. Glad you’re all ok… the one you’re thinking of is Shawn in FL… I’ll pm you his contact info Pm sent @Banditracer
Sorry about your loss. Can't imagine how hard the road ahead will be. Good luck battling the bean counters. Give a shout if there's something you need to get by.
It depends on the policy limits. If the staff adjuster sees your loss as up to, or beyond policy limits, why give up 7%? Policy limit issues are a big factor in the SoCal fires. Talk with the staff adjuster when they come out and find out where you're standing with the company. You can always hire a PA in the next few days. Be sure to ask for a certified copy of your insurance policy as a reference tool. I wasn't a PA, but spent over 3 decades as staff/ independent adjuster and restoration estimator. Sorry for your loss.
Well I've been on the phone most of the morning talking to multiple people about this. General consensus seems to be it's not necessary. Payout on the house should be a simple payout because it's a total loss, could be a little dispute over contents. The company I'm with has a good reputation for paying without issues, been with them almost 40 years and have had other claims with no problems. Had another independent adj. stop in a few minutes ago and he was honest enough after I filled him in to tell me we probably didn't need them.
Sorry to hear this Bandit, glad everyone is ok. Your home can be rebuilt. Good luck with this whole process.
