I have a loss.  Where do I start?

The first place to start is to locate and read your insurance policy. Your policy will detail your coverages and the steps you need to take to file your claim and get paid. You should also locate your coverage Declaration Page, which will list your policy limits and deductibles.

I received a check from my insurance company, but it will not cover my damages, what can I do?

You are entitled to receive a full and fair settlement. This means enough money to repair your damages. If you have been underpaid by your insurance company, you may file a claim supplement to re-open your claim and supplement your first payment.

Can I re-open my claim even I have deposited a check from my insurance company?

Yes. In most instances you can re-open your claim and request additional payments. For damages caused by Hurricane Wilma, you have at least a year to supplement your claim and may have up to five years.

What is a Public Adjuster?

Public Adjusters are professionals who are employed exclusively by policyholders who have sustained an insured loss. A Public Adjuster will help evaluate the loss, determine replacement costs and work on a policyholders behalf to settle the insurance claim.

Do I need the help of a Public Adjuster?

If insurance companies always did full and fair claims evaluations, there would be no need for Public Adjusters. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always do correct evaluations.  If you feel that your insurance company has not done a correct evaluation of your damages, you may need the services of a Public Adjuster.

In addition, for complex cases we recommend that you hire an Attorney, who has experience and expertise in complex insurance cases.

Why hire an Attorney?

There are certain areas of insurance practice that may only be handled by Attorneys not Public Adjusters. For example, only an attorney and not a Public Adjuster can represent you for Bad Faith damages.  Insurance attorneys know insurance law and are familiar with all procedures to best represent your interest.

In addition, a typical hurricane or flood policy contains hundreds of provisions and stipulations, constantly changing forms and endorsements, and many complex details such as inventory appraisals and real estate evaluations that are required in case of a loss.  At the Law Offices of Paul H. Berger, we specialize in insurance claims and are familiar with the complexities of insurance policies.  We handle all of our clients insurance claims needs from adjusting through litigation.