FAQ About Fire Damage Claims
Everyday families witness the types of horror that a fire presents and never thinks it might happen to them. Unfortunately, many people do not understand or realize the true nature of fire and what it can do. Every year more than 4,000 Americans die and approximately 20,000 people are injured in fires. If more people were aware of how to prevent fires, less and less incidents would occur.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are a few simple facts that homeowners should know in order to reduce fire deaths.
- Fire is FAST! (There is little time!)
Most fires occur in homes where people are usually asleep. If you happen to wake up to a fire, you have very little time to take valuables because fire spreads very quickly and the smoke is extremely thick. In 30 seconds or less a small flame can become completely out of control and turn into a major fire. The only time you have is to escape!
- Fire is HOT! (Heat from a fire is more dangerous than flames.)
When a fire hits a room, temperatures can be 100 degrees at floor level to 600 degrees at eye level. The heat alone can kill individuals. Inhaling this extremely hot can burn your lungs. It can even melt the clothing you wear to your skin. Once a fire hits a room, everything can ignite at once, in under 5 minutes, which is also known as a flash over.
- Fire is DARK! (Fire isn’t bright, its PITCH BLACK!)
Fire begins by looking like a bright light, and rapidly produces black smoke and total darkness. Because of the extreme darkness, if you were to wake up to a fire, you may be blinded, perplexed and unable to find your way around your own home.
- Fire is Deadly! (Flames kill less people than Smoke and Toxic gases.)
We all need oxygen to breathe, but when a fire hits, it uses up all of the oxygen you need and ends up producing fatal smoke and poisonous gases. Because the fumes are colorless and odorless, they can get you into a deep sleep before the flames even reach your door and cause you not to wake up in time to evacuate your home.
In the event of a fire remember that time is not on your side and every second counts. Be sure to evacuate your home first, and then call for help. Be sure to design a fire evacuation plan for your home to meet outside. Make sure that you each member of your family has two known ways of escaping in case there is a fire. Also, try to practice this with your family and remember to always crawl low under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. Never return to your home for any reason. Your life will be at risk. Lastly, be sure that your home fire alarm is working and be sure to test it regularly. It will increase your chances of surviving a fire!
Our Adjusters Have Handled a Variety of the Following Types of Fire Damage Losses
Commercial Fires
Condominium Fires
Residential Fires
Business Fires
Chimney Fires
Electrical Fires
Kitchen Fires
Cooking Fires
Barbecue Fires
Grease Fires
Smoke Damage
Brush Fires
Fires from lightning
Near Total Loss Fires
Rental Apartment Fires
Arson
Heater Malfunctions
Fireplace
Fire Exposure
(from your house of your Neighbors)
Cooking appliances
Accidental Fires
(eg. cigarettes, child mishaps, etc)
- Published in Damage Types
Water Damage Mold FAQ – Damage Answers
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MOLD FAQ – Mold Damage Recovery AssistanceWater Damage untreated properly or not Dried will form mold within 72hrs
The Florida Department of Health has developed this brochure to address some of the most common questions and concerns about indoor mold, how it affects human health, and ways in
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Regardless of the type of damage that you have experienced in your home of comercial property a licensed public adjuster can help you collect more money on your insurance claim. [footer1] |
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Public Adjuster in Missouri
Experienced Private adjuster can help you recover the maximum money you deserve to fix you home. Insurance companies have a professional insurance adjuster representing them in the claim. Home owners have the same opportunity to hire a professional adjuster who has THEIR interests in mind.
As Public Adjusters in Missouri we have professional experience in handling many types of claims:
- Fire Damage claims, Residential and Commercial Claims, Water Damage Claims
- Wind claims, Roof Damage Claims, Hail Damage Claim
- Vandalism Claims
- Plumbing Claims – Slab Leaks, pipe break, pipe leaks
All American Public Adjusters in Missouri. We service the following cities: Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Independence, Columbia, Lee’s Summit, O’Fallon, St. Joseph, St. Charles.
- Published in Public Adjuster
Flood Damage Insurance Claims
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Living in a house next to the water can be serene and beautiful, but only if you have intentionally chosen that location! Flood damage can be one of the most devastating experiences that a homeowner can go through. Water is a powerful force and can cause a lot of damage and literally wash away all your belongings and investments. Just the smallest amount of flooding can result in large costs, for those with flood insurance, getting your claim paid can be a complex issue. When your belongings and investment, your home, is on the line its time to hire a professional who can take of the claim filing process and take over for you ensuring that your investments will not be lost.
Hire an Expert Flood Claim Specialist
When dealing with the aftermath of flood damage, you need an experienced and knowledgeable Public Adjuster. Not having a public adjuster represent you in the event of any damage to your home is similar to not having an attorney represent you in legal matters. Insurance Companies hire the best to protect their assets. SO SHOULD YOU!
Contact All American Public Adjusters Inc. today, and let us maximize the value of your insurance claim. Don’t fight the insurance companies alone. All American Public Adjusters Inc is one of the most reputable Adjusting firms in the Nation and has extensive experience dealing with Insurance Companies. Contact us today and allow us to help you get the money you deserve!
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- Published in Damage Types
Hurricane Damage Claim Recovery
Hurricanes and Tornadoes can lead to disaster for your personal or commercial property. Whether your claim was denied or underpaid you deserve a fair insurance claim settlement. Contact a public adjuster to know your legal options.
Regardless of the type of damage that you have experienced in your home of commercial property a licensed public adjuster can help you collect more money on your insurance claim.
Even if your insurance claim has been denied by the insurance company an All American Public Adjuster can help you reopen a claim with your insurance company.
If your insurance company settled your claim and sent you a check which did not completely cover your damages you have a legal right to receive a free consultation to see if your claim can be reopened in order to receive a fair settlement for your property damage claim.
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Tornado Damage
Tornado’s look fun on television but if your home was damaged because of a tornado, the damage caused can sometimes be severe and the problems can start to mount the moment the tornado hits. Wind damage can be devastating. Flying debris can cause roof damage; you can be left without power, water, heat and other essentials. You may be forced to relocate for an extended period of time which creates additional costs to you. When a tornado hits, you must ask yourself a few questions before doing anything. First and foremost you must assess the damage to determine if you and your loved ones are safe. You must also preserve the loss by taking as many pictures as you can, if you are able to do so. Before contacting your insurance company call All American Public Adjusters, Inc. All American Public Adjusters, Inc. has expert adjusters who specialize in assessing damage and dealing with the insurance providers in order to secure the money you need to fix your home. Don’t go up against the insurance company without proper representation. Policy language can be very confusing and tricky and saying the wrong thing when filing a claim and be detrimental and costly. If you were a victim of a tornado, contact All American Public Adjusters, Inc. today and let us get you the money you need. Don’t forget the burden of proof solely lies on the policyholder. Insurance companies have their own adjuster. Why don’t you!
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Vandalized Property Damage
Claim Recovery Assistance for Destruction from Vandalism
Vandalism is a problem in communities all over the country. Although more prevalent in big cities such as New York City and Los Angeles, no home is immune to acts of vandalism. What most homeowners don’t know is that most damage and losses suffered by vandalism is covered by homeowners insurance. If you were a victim of a home invasion the chances are good that you suffered more than just mental distress. Valuables such as jewelry, property damages such as broken doors, stolen copper pipes, and most other physical losses are covered by your homeowners’ policy. If you evicted a vindictive tenant who chose to take out his rage on your property, whatever damages your property suffered is covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy. If you have been a victim of burglary or vandalism, do not suffer any more than you already have. Contact All American Public Adjusters today and let us help you receive the money you deserve from your insurance company.
Regardless of the type of damage that you have experienced in your home or commercial property, a licensed public adjuster can help you collect more money on your insurance claim. Even if your insurance claim has been denied by the insurance company, All American Public Adjusters, Inc. can help you reopen a claim with your insurance company. If your insurance company settled your claim and sent you a check which did not entirely cover your damages, you have a legal right to receive a free consultation to see if your claim can be reopened in order to receive a fair settlement for your property damage.
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- Published in Damage Types
Department of Financial Services Mobile Unit
The New York State Department of Financial Services mobile unit is stationed in Manhattan Beach until 7:00 p.m. tonight, assisting residents and business owners with bank and insurance issues. And they’ve got company: representatives from several local banks who will hopefully help ease lending and the release of tied-up insurance funds.
Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz writes:
On Monday, March 4th, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., representatives of five of New York’s largest banks and mortgage servicers will be stationed in the Department of Financial Services’ Mobile Command Center outside P.S. 195, 131 Irwin Street (between Shore and Oriental Boulevards) offer one-on-one help to homeowners.
JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, CitiMortgage and Ocwen Loan Servicing will be on hand. Other institutions sending representatives include OneWest Bank and Assurant, which will represent dozens of smaller banks and mortgage servicers.
… As a member of the Assembly’s Committee on Insurance, I heard testimony at a hearing last week which shed light into policyholders’ experiences with insurance companies in the four months since Sandy struck. Thousands of residents and store owners are still struggling to rebuild their homes and reopen their businesses, and for many of them, difficulties with banks and insurance claims are the primary reason why this process is taking so long.
Insurers typically issue checks jointly to a homeowner and the homeowner’s mortgage bank or servicer following the settlement of a large insurance claim. That means the bank needs to endorse the check before the homeowner may access the funds. Dual endorsement is a standard requirement of mortgage notes and insurance contracts to protect the lender’s interest. Banks may also require proof that repairs have been made before endorsing checks.
Last month, the Department of Financial Services found that banks were holding more than $200 million in insurance funds from Storm Sandy victims; the Department urged the banks to use maximum discretion and effort to speed the release of funds and asked Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to announce emergency reforms to their rules to provide banks and mortgage servicers with even more discretion to release funds.
The five participating banks and servicers will be immediately releasing an estimated $70-80 million to current borrowers as a result of these rule changes.
The Department of Financial Services is also available to anyone who has questions or concerns about general insurance-related issues.
If you can’t attend, you can still get help by calling the department at (800) 339-1759. Insurance information is also available on the department’s website.
- Published in In the News
Are Air Conditioner Water Leaks Covered By Insurance?
One of the most common problems homeowners face with their air conditioning systems is sudden and seemingly inexplicable leaking. A/C window units tend to leak small amounts of water, which is normal, but when a central air conditioner begins to leak large amounts of water all over your floor, series damage can occur and it is not a problem that you can ignore. Especially those who have finished basements – water will accumulate and damage your furniture and belongings.
What Do I Do If My A/C Unit is Leaking Water?
The first thing to do is immediately turn off the a/c unit and stop and water flow. Call a A/C technician immediately! If water has saturated your flooring or any possessions you need to call you insurance agent and file a claim. If any water damage occurs it is essential that you get your insurance involved immediately.
Once you have contacted your insurance and filed a claim, the water needs to be mitigated/removed immediately. Call a professional mitigation company to assist you. This will ensure that your insurance company will not deny your claim due to what they consider “neglect.â€
Next, call a professional at All American Public Adjusters! We can assist you in maximizing your claim. We work with water damage claims on a regular basis and we have a strong track record of helping homeowners get fully reimbursed for any damages.
If you’re A/C is leaking, get the professionals involved:
(1) call a A/C technician
(2) call a water mitigation company
(3) call All American Public Adjusters
– this will get you on the road for a quick recovery of your most valuable investment – your home.
- Published in Damage Types
Insurance Coverage for Damage from Leaking Dishwasher
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Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage Due to a Leaking Dishwasher?
When your dishwasher leaks serves damage can occur especially in areas that you cannot see. When water is disbursed a lot of the damage occurs behind the dishwasher and on the cabinets and walls because you are not able to sop up the water.
If your dishwasher leaks, it is covered under your insurance policy as long as you act quickly. If you have a reoccurring leak that is not dealt with properly, your insurance may deny your claim under “neglect†or “improper maintenanceâ€.  If you respond quickly, and mitigate/remove the water quickly and damage occurs, your insurance company will cover the loss.
When Water Damage Occurs, Get the Professionals Involved
Homeowners who try to handle this sort of loss on their own usually get stuck with the bill. Once you see a leak call a technician immediately to resolve the issue. Additionally, hire a professional water mitigation company to remove and dry out the area properly. Your insurance company will reimburse you for any invoices paid. Lastly, water damage can be tricky and complicated. Hire a public adjuster to handle the claim for you. They will ensure that you are reimbursed fully for the loss and help you with your claim from start to finish. When you hire a public adjuster, this keeps your insurance company honest, and you will have a professional adjuster who works for you not the insurance company.
Let the professional insurance experts at All American Public Adjusters help you with your claim process. We will help maximize the claim amount and minimize the stress of a water damage claim.
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