Aamir Saleem

@aamirsaleem28 · 20 Feb 2025

Follow Following

Top Challenges With Adjusters During Restoration

Dealing with insurance adjusters during property restoration can be challenging. Homeowners often face issues like undervalued estimates, delays, and disputes over repair scope. These problems arise due to conflicting priorities - homeowners want proper restoration, while adjusters aim to control costs for insurance companies. Here’s what you need to know:

• Common Challenges:

  • Undervalued Estimates: Hidden damage, outdated pricing, or incomplete evaluations.

  • Delays: Slow claim processing due to overloaded schedules and complex documentation.

  • Disputes: Disagreements on damage extent, repair methods, and material quality.

  • Knowledge Gaps: Adjusters may lack expertise in areas like mold, water, or fire damage.

• How to Overcome:

  • Document Everything: Photos, videos, and detailed inventories strengthen your case.

  • Independent Estimates: Get quotes from contractors and specialists to validate costs.

  • Professional Help: Restoration experts and public adjusters can advocate for fair claims.

  • Understand Your Policy: Review coverage limits, exclusions, and deadlines to avoid surprises. 

    
    

Common Issues with Adjusters in Restoration

Interactions with adjusters often come with challenges that can complicate the restoration process. Here are the main problem areas:

Undervalued Estimates

A frequent issue is when adjusters underestimate the actual costs of restoration. This often stems from company policies that focus on minimizing expenses. Common practices include:

• Ignoring hidden damage that only becomes evident during restoration

• Relying on outdated pricing that doesn't match current market rates

• Leaving out necessary preparatory work in their calculations

"Adjusters are not advocates for the insured, they are advocates for the insurance carrier." - Avner Gat

Slow Claim Processing

Delays in processing claims can lead to extended restoration timelines, sometimes causing further property damage. These delays are often caused by:

• Overloaded schedules that postpone assessments

• Complicated documentation requirements

• Multiple rounds of internal reviews and approvals

• Limited availability for on-site inspections

Disputes on Repair Scope

Disagreements over the scope of repairs are another frequent pain point. These disputes often arise because of differing views between adjusters and restoration professionals:

Area of Dispute                     

Adjuster's Approach                            

Actual Requirement

• Extent of Damage
• Focus on surface-level repairs
• Addressing hidden structural issues
• Restoration Methods
• Minimal intervention
• Comprehensive restoration
• Material Quality
• Basic replacements
• Matching existing quality
• Prevention Measures
• Optional add-ons
• Critical safeguards

Limited Specialized Knowledge

Adjusters often lack the expertise needed to assess specific types of damage accurately. This gap can lead to incomplete or incorrect evaluations, particularly in areas like:

• Mold Remediation: Properly gauging contamination and containment needs

• Water Damage: Recognizing potential long-term structural effects

• Biohazard Cleanup: Understanding safety protocols and cleanup standards

• Fire Damage: Fully assessing the impact of smoke and soot

These knowledge gaps highlight the importance of involving skilled professionals to ensure claims are handled correctly and thoroughly.

Strategies to Overcome Adjuster Challenges

Homeowners can tackle adjuster challenges effectively by focusing on four practical approaches:

Documenting Damage Thoroughly

Detailed records are your best ally when disputes arise. Here's what to include:

• Photos and videos: Capture timestamped images and videos from various angles.

• Written inventory: List damaged items and include pre-loss maintenance records.

• Communication log: Keep track of all interactions with adjusters.

Phil DePaul, CEO of BoomZeal Enterprises, advises, "Take the client on the journey with you", stressing the importance of maintaining detailed records during the restoration process.

Getting Independent Estimates

Gathering estimates from multiple sources helps establish accurate repair costs. Here's a breakdown:

• Source                                   
• Purpose                                            
• Benefit
• Local Contractor
• Baseline cost assessment
• Reflects current market rates
• Specialized Expert
• Technical insights
• Validates complex repairs
• Materials Supplier
• Replacement pricing
• Ensures accurate material costs
• Industry Professional
• Scope verification
• Helps with thorough planning

Using Professional Restoration Services

Companies like Quality Restoration NW bring expertise to handle challenging scenarios, such as hidden structural damage. They offer:

• Detailed documentation of the scope of work

• Cost assessments aligned with market rates

• Skilled communication with adjusters

• Technical explanations for necessary repairs

Hiring a Public Adjuster

When disputes escalate or claims become complex, a public adjuster can be a game-changer. They are especially helpful when:

• The initial settlement offer falls short

• Restoration involves intricate repairs

Though public adjusters charge a percentage of your settlement, their involvement often results in settlements that are 20-30% higher, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

These strategies address the challenges of cost-cutting and knowledge gaps, ensuring you receive the compensation needed for proper restoration.

Steps Homeowners Can Take
Reviewing Your Insurance Policy

Taking a close look at your insurance policy before filing a claim can help you avoid disputes with adjusters. Focus on these key areas:

Policy Element                                            

What to Review                                       

Why It Matters

Coverage Limits

Maximum payout amounts

Ensures you have enough coverage for repairs or restoration.

Exclusions

Non-covered damages

Helps you avoid claims for damages not covered under your policy.

Filing Deadlines

Time limits for claims

Prevents you from missing crucial deadlines for filing.

Documentation Requirements

Required evidence

Ensures you provide the necessary proof to support your claim.

Understanding these elements can make conversations with adjusters smoother and help address common issues like undervalued estimates or denied coverage.

Communicating Clearly with Adjusters

Keeping organized and consistent records can help you tackle slow claim processing or undervaluation. Insurance expert Phil DePaul recommends setting up a professional documentation system that includes:

• A digital folder to store all correspondence.

• Timestamped photos and detailed documentation of damages.

• Written summaries of any verbal discussions.

• A regular schedule for following up on your claim.

This approach ensures you have everything you need to back up your claim and keep the process moving.

Working with Trusted Restoration Experts

Partnering with experienced restoration professionals, like Quality Restoration NW LLC, can be a game-changer during the claims process. Here’s how they can help:

• Detailed Documentation: They provide thorough records of the damage, meeting insurance company requirements.

• Advocacy: With their understanding of insurance policies, they can clearly explain the technical aspects of repairs to adjusters, reducing the risk of undervalued claims.

When choosing a contractor, ask about their experience with insurance claims and how they handle documentation. This ensures you’re working with someone equipped to navigate the process effectively.

Conclusion: Managing Adjuster Challenges for Successful RestorationKey Points

To navigate disputes with adjusters effectively, focus on these three areas:

• Detailed documentation: Collect and organize evidence to support your claim.

• Expert assistance: Work with professionals who understand damage assessments and claims processes.

• Clear communication: Maintain consistent and transparent dialogue with adjusters.

Final Advice

Keep documentation organized and collaborate with knowledgeable experts throughout the process. Restoration professionals like Quality Restoration NW LLC can help assess damage and ensure claims are valued correctly.

Balancing assertiveness with a cooperative approach is key. Stay informed about your policy, document everything thoroughly, and reach out for expert advice when needed.