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When Should You Hire Your Own Insurance Claims Adjuster?

According to AccuWeather Hurricane Center meteorologists all signs indicate that the U.S. will have more hurricanes this year. Last year in the U.S., the hurricane season consisted of 19 named storms and 12 hurricanes. However in 2011, Texas could see have hurricane activity by as early as June and Florida and the southeastern Gulf States could be impacted by a landfall by as early as July. Here is some information which will help guide you in making the decision as to when would be the best time to hire an insurance claims adjuster.

Claims adjusters can be of assistance if your insurance company isn't acting quickly to replace your losses or you aren't pleased with the terms of the settlement. In a crisis situation, caring for loved ones and establishing a temporary residence increase in priority. Do you feel confident that you will be able to negotiate the best possible settlement in regards to your insurance claim during this very difficult time?

Public adjusters are trained professionals that represent your best interests when you have a large property claim to file with an insurance company. An experienced insurance adjuster can offer the assistance and guidance necessary to bring your claim to an equitable and speedy resolution. They have specific industry knowledge and will be able to interpret your contract and better determine your rights and the insurance company's responsibilities.

Here are some cases when it could be practical to hire a public adjuster:

-When a portion of the property has been destroyed by water, fire or wind damage, and a public adjuster is needed to take inventory of which possessions survived, those that are damaged beyond repair.

-In cases when it's time consuming to follow-up on your claim and you don't have accurate records of your possessions or they were destroyed. Public adjusters will be able to provide the correct information for your file.

-If loved ones were injured or perish as a result of a natural disaster or accident, you might lack the piece of mind to negotiate with your insurance company

-If you are the owner of a commercial property, a certified public adjuster would allow you to focus on the operations of your business and negotiate a more favorable settlement.

Although you have to take a decision as quick as possible, you shouldn't hire just any public adjuster. After you've contacted the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters and/or the Texas Association of Public Adjusters, you should consider interviewing possible candidates. Ask questions about their former clients and circumstances surrounding those claims. Determine if he/she performed over and above expectations. Contact their references to get their feedback. Follow up with the industry association to validate their credentials.

American Vanguard International LLC is a Houston based public adjuster & loss consulting firm serving Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Georgia and Louisiana. American Vanguard International LLC offers homeowners and business owner's unparalleled expertise in policy coverage and with the technical aspects of homeowner and mortgagee claims. American is licensed to operate under the Texas Department of Insurance and can be contacted at 1-800-317-5501 or info@avisouth.com