by Caitlin Burns | Photo by Wendy Mccardle
For most, Hurricane Irene roared through our area bringing rain, wind, minor inconveniences but not the dreadful prognostication that some feared. But for the less fortunate in low-lying regions, homes and businesses alike are still recuperating from the damaging floodwaters that the storm also carried with her. And while surveying the initial damage from any powerful weather event might seem like a disheartening prospect, there are people on the side of those dealing with the costly aftermath.
Public adjusters represent home and business owners against their insurance companies when damages occur. We sat down with James Wagner, owner and founder of the Alliance Adjustment Group, Inc. and a nearly 20-year industry veteran, to learn what you need to know and do when taking on or dealing with your insurance company. “A large percentage of our business is storm-related, whether caused by wind, rain, snow or ice,” says Wagner, who opened Alliance in 1999 and now has nearly 30 full-time employees.
“It’s our primary focus at Alliance Adjustment to ensure our clients receive the maximum settlement for their damage.” – James Wagner
“If a property owner has damage to their home or business, all they need to do is call us. Our team will assess the damage, review the policy, prepare the estimates, report the claim, negotiate the settlement and process the payments. Our clients simply sit back and allow us to handle their claim, start to finish. It’s our primary focus at Alliance Adjustment to ensure our clients receive the maximum settlement for their damage based on the terms and conditions of the policy. We are industry leaders and true experts in our field.”
Protect Your Investment
While Alliance certainly serves as a trusted partner when disaster strikes, the process starts long before you might need their help. When shopping for or reviewing coverage for your home or business, it’s best not to cut corners. “A leading cause of insurance-company claim denials is the fact that policy- holders fail to have proper coverage in place,” Wagner explains. He points to sump-pump overflows as an example: “If your home has a basement, finished or not, make sure you insure the property with an insurance company who offers a back-up of sewer or drains endorsement. This may provide an opportunity for coverage should you get water in your basement during a heavy-rain event.”
Wagner also recommends meeting with your agent periodically to make sure you have the proper coverage in place for your specific property. Oftentimes, a homeowner may make changes or additions to their home and fail to advise their agent. It’s important for the insurance company to be aware of any significant changes to the property to ensure that it is sufficiently protected. For instance, clients often do not take changes such as pools into consideration and do not have enough coverage. “If there is insufficient coverage in place when the damage occurs,” Wagner says, “it becomes more difficult to get the money from the insurance company, when the claim is filed.”
When It Rains, It Pours
Flooding, a major concern for those close to the banks of the Delaware River and other local waterways, can cause serious structural damage and mold if not promptly and properly handled. Wagner suggests taking a proactive stance. “If you have flood damage, the best thing to do is dry the building as quickly as possibly,” he says.
And while that might be easier said than done, Wagner has a proverbial ace up his sleeve. His team at Alliance can coordinate the emergency services to remove the water and dry the property. “It is paramount to properly dry and treat the effected areas, not only to create a safe environment but also to comply with the policy,” Wagner explains. “The policyholder has a duty to protect the property from further damage. We make sure that happens.” And since the company operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, an Alliance adjuster is available to speak with you no matter when your emergency occurs.
A Reliable Resource
If you find yourself in need of a public insurance adjuster, how do you know you’re choosing the right one? “The best thing a client can do is ask for referrals,” Wagner says. “It’s really the best indicator of an adjuster’s ability and reputation.” Alliance has proudly been a part of the community for over a decade and regularly provides references upon request. They know the ins and outs of insurance policies. “An otherwise routine claim can easily be derailed or possibly even denied due to something as simple as missing the correct form or missing a prescribed deadline,” Wagner adds.
As part of the process, Wagner also recommends investigating results. “Our firm is known throughout the industry to provide unmatched service,” he says. “We employ specialized estimating systems supported by the latest technology to deliver public adjustment services, second to none. Simply put, we will continue to negotiate the claim on behalf of our clients until the insurance company has agreed to pay for all of the damages.”
For more information on Alliance Adjustment Group’s services, call 267-880-3000 or go online at allianceadjustment.com.
