NY Independent Insurance Adjuster Talks about Super Bowl 2014 Concerns

Football fans in New York are without a doubt gearing up for Super Bowl XLVIII. This is especially likely to be the case for those living near MetLife Stadium. If you happen to be one of them, don’t let all of the fan frenzy cause you to forget about crucial issues like insurance coverage and legal precedence. Here’s why:

Nowadays, property owners that host Super Bowl parties need to be concerned about more than whether or not there is enough Cheese Whiz, chips and ice to make it through half time. They also need to be mindful of social host or dram shop liability. It is a legal concept that may make New York Super Bowl 2014 hosts both civilly and criminally liable for certain damages caused on behalf of their intoxicated guests. We should mention that in some areas of the state, the law covers guests of all ages. In other locations, it may only apply to underage, Super Bowl party attendees.

It isn’t the only insurance issue that can wreck havoc on a New Yorker’s Super Bowl plans. The Insurance Information Institute also notes that peer-to-peer rentals, overnight guests, onsite injuries, theft and vandalism related issues can also cause football fans a good deal of consternation.

With that in mind, our independent insurance adjusters urge New Yorkers to become familiar with their area’s social host laws and review their homeowner’s insurance policies. The ideal way to do that is to speak with a county attorney and your insurance company representative. That way, you can feel confident that your Super Bowl shindig won’t put you on the wrong side of an insurance claim or the law.

Our independent insurance adjusters would also like to encourage New Yorkers that need to file a Super Bowl 2014 insurance related claim to contact us at (877) 869-8989. Remember, we are on your team and can help significantly level the playing field when it comes to damage recovery.

NY Independent Insurance Adjuster Talks about Super Bowl 2014 Concerns

Public Adjuster in New York Discusses Winter Roof Collapse Issues

There are many more weeks of potential snow storms in front of us and our public adjusters in New York know what that means. The back breaking task of keeping one’s property safe from Mother Nature’s worst is apt to continue. One of the issues that New Yorkers may have to handle in that regard is the potential for roof collapse.

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s research, as little as 2.1 feet of snowfall could cause a New Yorker’s roof to collapse. The level of risk all depends on the type of snow, the snow load, the type of roof and what condition it’s in.

In general, packed snow and ice tend to be the most worrisome because they can apply more than 20 pounds of pressure per square foot to a New York building’s roof. The amount of pressure per square foot that a roof can withstand safely varies based on several factors, including the age of the building and where it is located. However, the roofs of many buildings in New York cannot bear much more than 20 pounds of pressure.

New Yorkers curious as to exactly how much pressure their buildings’ roofs can withstand should consider checking out four resources. Those resources are the Structural Building Components Association, the International Building/Residential Codes, the American Society of Civil Engineers and the building company responsible for the dwelling in question’s construction. They tend to have access to such critical information.

To prevent a roof from collapsing, our New York public adjusters would like to stress that it’s important to periodically remove some of the pressure. This can typically be done by a property owner with the aid of a roof rake. It’s also obviously a great idea to keep one’s roof structurally sound year round. That will generally require the use of a licensed, bonded and insured contractor. Performing both tasks is likely to minimize the property owners’ risk of experiencing a winter roof collapse.

Our public adjusters in New York want to emphasize the value of reviewing one’s roof collapse coverage as well. After all, some homeowners’ or commercial insurance policies do not cover roof collapse damage claims, roof replacement and temporary relocation costs.

Property owners that take all of the necessary precautions but still fall victim to a winter roof collapse should consider contacting our New York public adjusters. They can help file roof collapse claims and much more. To uncover additional details about how public adjusters in New York can help property owners deal with winter roof collapse related claims, please contact us at (877) 869-8989.

Public Adjuster in New York Discusses Winter Roof Collapse Issues

Florida Public Adjusters’ Tips for Planning Remodeling Projects

Do you have your sights set on completing some sort of home or business remodeling project in the weeks ahead? If so, you might want to pause a moment and read our Florida public adjusters’ tips for planning a home or business improvement project:

#1: Check Your Liability Coverage

Before planning any project, take at look at your existing insurance policies. Ideally, they should include liability or medical coverage that will take care of any mishaps that may occur while the work crew is on site. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a financial and legal quagmire.

#2: Ask the Agent about Remodeling Discounts

While you have your insurance policies spread out onto the kitchen table, why not call your agent and ask about potential discounts too? Depending on the provider, you may be able to lower your monthly premiums by simply adding certain elements to your remodeling project. Examples include impact-resistant windows, centrally monitored burglar alarm systems, select roof-deck attachments, FBC roof coverings and storm shutters.

#3: Check for Manufacturer’s Rebates & Tax Credits

Certain items that you may need to complete your remodeling plans could very well make you eligible for manufacturer’s rebates and tax credits too. The list of eligible items that may save you money includes, but is not confined to, geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters and wind turbines.

#4: Hire the Right Remodeling Contractor

Lastly, our Florida public adjusters would like to caution you and other property owners to use prudence when selecting a remodeling contractor. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry has a wealth of information that can help you make that decision.

In our experience, it is also important to learn about the Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund and the state’s Construction Industry Licensing Board. The fund and board are affiliated with one another and based in Tallahassee. The fund is designed to financially reimburse property owners who are harmed by contractors working in the Sunshine State.

To discuss these and other property management tips further, please contact our Florida public adjusters at (877) 869-8989. We can help you file remodeling related insurance claims and seek the reimbursement that you deserve.

Florida Public Adjusters’ Tips for Planning Remodeling Projects

Public Adjusters in Florida Shine Light on Solar Panel Insurance Issues

If you’ve been skipping through the Sunshine State’s latest news headlines, there is a 98% chance that you’ve run across mention of solar panels. In our public adjusters’ experience, some of the stories have been pro-solar power. Others have pointed out that the renewable technology has inherent dangers that Floridians and insurance industry members need to be aware of. As such, our public adjusters in Florida wanted to weigh in on the issue.

Just like other energy generating products that South Floridians add to their homes, solar panels may create a fire risk. The risk level tends to be predicated on the type and quality of equipment involved as well as the installer’s skills. For example, photo-voltaic systems with inferior wiring may cause arc fault fires that are difficult for fire fighters to handle. The fires can be so challenging in fact, that in October 2013 the National Fire Protection Association issued updated guidelines that focus specifically on dealing with solar energy related blazes.

With that said, our public adjusters in Florida strongly suggest that if you want to install solar panels that you do your homework. At the very least, the solar panel system’s components should have a fire classification that your local fire fighters are familiar with and meet or exceed international building codes. It is also crucial to select a licensed, insured and experienced installer that offers some form of warranty. Otherwise, you could end up putting your family and South Florida property’s safety at risk.

Prior to installing the system, it’s imperative that you contact your homeowner’s insurance provider and local utility company as well. Based on what they say, it may be necessary to increase your property’s insurance coverage. In general, an increase is typically recommended if property owners plan on entering into a net metering or PPSA agreement with the utility company. We’d also suggest that you investigate whether or not any solar system related rebates, insurance discounts and tax credits are available in your South Florida county.

After the installation is complete, should you ever need to file a fire or other insurance claim, be sure to contact us at (877) 869-8989. Remember, our public adjusters in Florida will work hard every time to ensure that you don’t get burned by the insurance companies.

Public Adjusters in Florida Shine Light on Solar Panel Insurance Issues

Independent Insurance Adjuster’s Tips for Dealing with Winter Roof Leaks

Did you know that roof leaks can occur in the winter? It’s true. The situation is most often the result of snowmelt, poor insulation and ice damming issues. Ice damming related problems are the ones that our independent insurance adjusters tend to deal with each year. So if such problems occur at your home or business this year, consider keeping our tips in mind:

Tip #1: Rake Away Debris

One way to temporarily handle winter leaks is to remove as much snow as you can with a roof rake. They are typically available for purchase through various retailers. Just make sure that the rake you choose has a handle that is long enough reach the roof from the ground. That way, you won’t have to risk your life making an icy climb.

Tip #2: Clear the Gutters

While you are raking, make it a point to clear the gutters. Some people opt to do that by filling ladies’ nylons with ice melt and placing them onto the ice. If you do decide to take that route, keep in mind that some deicers can cause structural damage and plant death. So it is important to select an ice melt product that is safe for your structure’s roofing system and landscaping. In some instances, that may be a product made with calcium chloride.

Tip #3: Patch it with Plastic Roof Cement

If you end up with a clear day and a snow free roof, consider temporarily patching problem areas with plastic roof cement.  There are certain types, like Gardner Gibson’s Wet-R-Dri, that may be used during the winter months. In general, you will need two gallons of the product for every 24 square feet of coverage.

Tip #4: Keep the Area Cool

Keeping the attic cold can also help stave off problems. To do that, consider air sealing any gaps between the attic floor and the heated levels of your structure. You may also want to install attic fans and insulation as well as refrain from using any heat generating appliances that vent into the space.

Tip #5: Look for Hidden Damage

Using an infrared camera to look for any hidden water damage after a roof leak has occurred is also a good idea. If you don’t want to purchase a camera and do the work yourself, make sure that you hire a licensed professional. Otherwise, you may end up with unreliable test results.

Tip #6: Contact Us

Lastly, remember to contact our independent insurance adjusters before filing a winter roof leak claim. We can help with the paperwork and ensure that your insurance company acts fairly during the settlement process. To contact our independent insurance adjusters in New Jersey and New York, please send us a message online or call (877) 869-8989.

Independent Insurance Adjuster’s Tips for Dealing with Winter Roof Leaks

Public Adjuster in Florida’s 5 Tips for Year-end Insurance Review Time

With the start of 2014 only a few weeks away, our public adjuster in Florida would like to remind everyone to conduct a year-end insurance review. After all, completing a year-end insurance review can save you from having to deal with aggravation, out-of-pocket expenses and confusion in the months ahead.

#1: Review Hurricane/Flood Policies

Two of the first things that Floridians should review are their hurricane and flood insurance policies. Hurricane and flood insurance coverage are normally listed separately from other storm related provisions. The hurricane portion may also feature a fixed or percentage deductible. Therefore, it is important to review which one you have and whether or not it still meets your family’s needs.

#2: Review Sinkhole Policy

Although 2013 was a mild year for hurricanes in Florida, it was a wicked one when it came to sinkholes. They cropped up in a variety of places including Clermont, Winter Park and Hillsborough County. Given that fact and the changes that were made to the way sinkhole insurance claims are handled in the state, it is best to review your coverage carefully.

Look to make sure that you are covered for catastrophic ground collapse as well as sinkhole loss. The sinkhole loss portion is usually part of an endorsement policy and covers cosmetic damages. The catastrophic ground collapse coverage, on the other hand, normally does not address cosmetic or land stability related damages.

#3: Review Floater/Endorsement Policies

Does your insurance coverage include endorsement policies and floaters? If so, be sure the go over the details of those as well. You may find those policies will need to be altered based on updated appraisal values, new purchases and sales. While you are at it, take a second to update your inventory list as well. Doing so may just help you remember a valuable piece of jewelry or other item that you forgot to insure during the last policy examination.

#4: Review Homeowner’s Policy

Once you’ve reviewed all of the extras, run through your basic homeowner’s policy too. Depending on the age of your home and its location, you may want to change from a HO-2 policy to a HO-3 or HO-8 policy instead. Each one has its good and bad points. Thus, it pays to weigh your options carefully.

#5: Review Discounts/Maintenance Needs

Lastly, take a look at which discounts you may be eligible for now and within the next six months. Remember, completing some spring improvement projects may just bring your homeowner’s insurance down a bit. Examples include the installation of electronic home security systems, fencing and hurricane shutters.

Those are just five things to remember when conducting a year-end insurance review. To speak with our public adjusters in Florida and learn more, please contact us at (877) 869-8989. We have 50+ years worth of experience handling insurance claims and the recoveries records to prove it.

Public Adjuster in Florida’s 5 Tips for Year-end Insurance Review Time

Florida Insurance Adjuster Discusses 2013 Sinkhole Insurance Claims

In mid November 2013, national headlines were rocked with news regarding yet another sinkhole forming in the Sunshine State. That particular one occurred in Dunedin and quickly expanded to 90 feet in diameter. In the process, it claimed homes and a 14-foot long boat. Because of that, our Florida insurance adjuster wanted to take time out to discuss sinkhole insurance claims.

Sinkholes, unfortunately, are just as much a part of Southern life as subterranean termites and hurricanes. There is really no escaping all three. The best one can do is take preventive measures and keep a Florida insurance adjuster’s number on speed dial. This is especially the case if your property happens to be located in what’s known as sinkhole alley.

There are eight different types of sinkholes that commonly occur in the state. The one that took place in Dunedin is frequently referred to as a catastrophic ground collapse. The damage caused by such events is traditionally covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies. Problems caused by smaller sinkholes, however, are not normally a part of standard policies.

For example, let’s pretend that a small sinkhole forms near your home’s concrete pad. As a result, your home’s walls, foundation and ceiling develop minor cracks. The cost of repairing those cracks and filling the hole will most likely fall on you unless you have what’s known as an endorsement for sinkhole loss. The endorsement is generally purchased separately and has its own deductible. Therefore, it is best to make sure that your total insurance coverage addresses the various sinkhole types as well as relocation/living expenses.

Should you notice sinkhole activity on your Florida property, it’s best to contact our Florida insurance adjusters straightaway. We can help you sort out which deductibles and provisions apply to your sinkhole situation. In some instances, it may also be necessary to notify your county’s emergency management team, geologists and specialty contractors to solve the problem. The Florida Geological Survey has a phone line and comprehensive web page devoted to dealing with such issues. You may find reviewing it helpful as well.

To learn more about how our Florida insurance adjuster can provide assistance with sinkhole insurance claims, please contact us. We may be reached by e-mail or by calling (877) 869-8989. Our Florida insurance adjuster also welcomes comments about sinkhole issues on the Equitable Public Adjusters’ Facebook and LinkedIn pages too.

Florida Insurance Adjuster Discusses 2013 Sinkhole Insurance Claims