Contact A Public Adjuster First Before You Call Insurance
If your mold problem is adding up to a lot of damage, and the insurance company is dragging their feet, then it may be in your best interest to hire a public adjuster who can ensure you get fair treatment. There’s a lot of variables on mold claims, and plenty of things can be open to interpretation. This gives insurance companies an easy way to deny your claim.
Working with a team of experts employed directly by you is always in your best interest when it comes to mold. However, knowing which direction to go first is a very gray area. Insurance policies often include vague wording regarding mold coverage, and it can be difficult to determine whether any mold damage you encounter will be covered. Typically, policies exclude coverage for mold damage, except when the mold is the result of a covered loss, such as water damage. Insurance company representatives often quote the policy exclusions for mold even when coverage may exist for your mold damage.
So, who’s number do you call first?
Determining the extent of the damage is your number one priority. Hiring a certified mold inspector will breakdown how far the damage may go behind your walls and more. After your home’s assessed, it is best to call a public adjuster to make sure you are getting the maximum coverage of your mold claim.
Here are some examples of when calling a public adjuster is makes sense:
Filing A Claim for The First Time – While it is usually a homeowners first thought to go straight to their homeowner insurance company right away to make their claim, we strongly suggest that you call a public adjuster instead. Your insurance company has experienced adjusters who’ll visit your property to do a damage assessment, but they’re generally looking to pay out as little as possible. The reality is, they’re looking out for the insurance company’s interests, and what they can save in payouts adds to their overall bottom line. A public adjuster works for you, NOT the insurance company, and will work to get you the largest possible insurance settlement for repairing your property.
Underpaid By Their Insurance Companies – Often times insurance companies will quote your settlement well below the costs of repair. Why do they do this? So that they can save money — even though their job is to save you money.
Denied Outright for Their Claim – While it might seem terrible to be underpaid for a claim by your insurance company, it is even worse to be denied outright. If an insurance company doesn’t see the mold damages to your home as worthy of repairs, they will deny your claim, leaving you with damaged property.
Mold testing is a necessity to set the appropriate remediation protocol and before contacting your insurance company. Once the protocol is written, a remediation contractor will follow this document to put the most accurate estimate to remediate the mold problem. Your Public Adjuster will advise you on the most effective and precise way to assess and document your mold loss.
Finding the best ways to determine the direction when it comes to mold may seem overwhelming, but with a force of experts to work with, the mold is just a hurdle to overcome.
The information contained on this site is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent a health diagnosis, therapeutic recommendation or prescription for treatment. We urge you to consult and obtain medical advice from a licensed, trained, and competent medical provider for concerns with health issues.
References:
https://www.napia.com/faq#Why
https://www.uphelp.org/pubs/insurance-claim-tips-mold-damage