Following a severe storm, fire, or other disaster, Wisconsin property owners are exposed to an influx of people from out of state selling services on behalf of roofers, building contractors, public adjusters, and insurance-related businesses. Concealed among the many skilled actors coming to assist our friends and neighbors are a few bad actors intent on taking advantage of people facing complicated property insurance claims.

When you experience business fire damage, it may become a front page headline, a six o’clock news story or an internet blurb. Such public awareness may bring a parade of contractors, fire restoration services, and other companies to your place of business. These professionals know you’ll need them sooner or later, so they may fill your mail slot or entryway with offers for inspections, courtesy estimates, and discounts.

Hiring a public adjuster to handle your property damage claim makes a difficult time much less stressful and has a direct impact on how much you ultimately collect from your insurer. The claims adjusters who work for your insurer are highly-trained professionals who determine how much your covered loss is worth. Keep in mind, though, that they make their determination from the insurance company’s perspective. A public adjuster represents your interests and has one objective: to obtain the best settlement possible for you.

The old wisdom, "Good things come to those who wait" doesn’t necessarily apply when you’re ready to settle your property damage claim. When your repairs are near completion and contractors are waiting for their money, it’s just not a good idea to wait for the insurance company adjuster to call. You've lived through a catastrophe. You've been patient while your home was being restored. You've worked through a complicated claim process. You deserve to know where you stand for an offer on your claim.

Licensed and bonded public adjusters are regulated by their state’s rules and policies, and work only for the public, such as homeowners like you. They have no ties to any insurance company and as an expert in the insurance field, are employed directly by you. Their sole interest is in getting you the maximum settlement possible on your loss claim. If mistakes have been made on your insurance claim, or your insurance company refuses to settle your claim for what you feel you are entitled to, hiring an expert such as a public adjuster can be your best option.

When your home is damaged by fire, windstorm, or some other insured peril, you must work through your Homeowners insurance company’s claims process to get the money you need for repairs. Whether your damage is minor or extensive, both you and your insurance company must navigate through a maze of policy procedures, guidelines, and rules; but there is one major difference. Insurance companies have highly trained property adjusters to handle claims and protect their interests. They realize that it's crucial to have an expert to represent them, yet no insurance company spokesperson is likely to suggest that you hire an expert of your own. No one will explain that hiring a public adjuster will get you a better settlement.

Insurance claims are complicated. Understanding the process may be even more frustrating. Following are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the role of a public adjuster after filing an insurance claim in Illinois.

The saying haste makes waste can be aptly applied when you decide to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance provider. Filing a claim before you take certain steps often results in delays or denials. The first best way to avoid having that happen is by not filing your claim haphazardly. Here are five steps you can take to can avoid having a delay hold up your claim.