As a busy roofing contractor, you don’t have time to mess around. When you waste time, you waste money! If an insurance company won’t fulfill its obligations to its customers with a new roof, you’ve wasted time you could have spent seeking other valuable jobs.
To “buy time,” it might be tempting to have a Public Insurance Adjuster (PA) make a claim on your client’s behalf. But doing so could be doing a disservice to your client and yourself.
So, is a public adjuster worth it? Let’s get into it.
Is a Public Adjuster for a Roof Claim Worth It?
Public Adjusters can play a pivotal role in assisting homeowners with insurance claims. These professionals typically lock homeowners into a contract to handle the entire claims process on behalf of the property owner. PAs should promptly file a comprehensive claim and persistently follow up until a decision is reached. However, it's important to note that while PAs can advocate for homeowners, they don't possess special powers to expedite a decision or increase the likelihood of approval.
If the claim is denied – that’s it; game over. The PA can’t provide legal advice as they aren’t attorneys. All they can do is recommend that an attorney get involved. In our experience, the PA will still require payment of their 10%+ out of the proceeds even though they personally weren’t able to get the claim paid.
So, to answer whether a public adjuster for a roof claim is worth it – not usually.
As with any profession, there are some crooked public adjusters, but most are fine professionals. Governor Greg Abbott issued a Consumer Alert when he was the Attorney General of Texas, stating that:
“Most consumers do not need to pay a consultant or public adjuster to obtain the amount owed to them under their policies. I would urge you to avoid sharing your much-needed settlement with a third party if you can reach a satisfactory settlement on your own.” He also states, “[If] you believe you are not being offered a fair deal by your insurer, you may wish to speak with a qualified private attorney of your choice about your options.”
How to Empower Homeowners to Take Control of the Insurance Claim Process
Instead of locking you and your client into what can be a lose-lose situation, give them this sound advice instead:
1. Do Your Homework
Research tips on how to file a homeowner’s claim. Taking a few minutes to educate yourself on how to communicate with your insurance company can pay big dividends in the amount recovered.
2. File the Claim Yourself
Yes, it will take a little extra time, but only a little more than hiring a PA. As the property owner, you have just as much influence as a PA with the insurance company, so the odds of getting the claim approved aren’t diminished.
3. Remain Diligent
Texas law sets deadlines for insurance companies to act after you’ve filed a claim. Know them, and don’t be afraid to hold the insurance company accountable, as some have been known to hold checks even after approving a claim.
4. Seek Help Only If You’re Denied
You should only hire a competent attorney if or when the claim is denied or underpaid in writing. If the insurance company pays up as it should, there is no need to hire anyone to help, and 100% of the payout is yours to spend on repairs.
Contact The Lane Law Firm Today for Expert Assistance
By retaining a relationship with The Lane Law Firm, you have the best of both worlds. After years of defending big insurance companies while they squashed the “little guy’s” insurance claims, Chip Lane opened his own firm to serve families and business owners needing help with their insurance claims. With his years of experience and extensive knowledge of the insurance company’s tactics, he can level the playing field and get claims approved for homeowners and roofing contractors.
If you want to speak with an experienced professional about public adjusters and roof claims for your clients, we’re here to help. Give us a call today!
