The Propery Casualty Insurers Association of America has this information about insurance claims as a result of Katrina. I know it is hard to imagine, but as we have seen people will take a devasting event like this one and try to turn a profit by victimizing people. The PCI offers these tips about insurance adjusters:
Independent Adjusters - During a widespread natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina, insurance companies want to respond to policyholders as quickly as possible and may hire independent insurance adjusters to supplement their own staff of adjusters. Independent adjusters are professional insurance adjusters who own their own businesses, but represent the insurance companies that contract their services. The independent adjuster will be sent to inspect the policyholders property to assess the damage and report the claim to the insurance company for settlement.
There are three types of adjusters:
· company adjusters who are insurance company employees
· independent adjusters who are independent firms that work for the insurance company
· public adjusters who are hired by the policyholder and for a percentage of the claim settlement, they will handle the claim and negotiate the settlement amount with your insurance company.
Regardless of what type of adjuster you use, make sure that the person is properly licensed. Ask to see identification, check their references and inquire as to how long they have been an adjuster. If you hire a public adjuster, check their qualification, ask about their fees, get a written contract outlining the fees and services. Avoid public adjusters that misrepresent themselves as being part of a government agency or being sent by your insurance company or agent. If you are still unsure, call your state insurance department.
Be on the lookout for scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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