What is Public Adjusting?
If you need public adjusting services in Alabama, call Jonathan Alden today.
What is Public Adjusting?
A public adjuster is a professional who represents policyholders in the insurance claims process. Their primary role is to advocate for the policyholder to ensure they receive the maximum settlement to which they are entitled under their insurance policy. Unfortunately, Alabama does not recognize, license, or regulate public adjusting but considers it the practice of law. Jonathan Alden is a licensed Alabama Attorney.
What steps do Public Adjusters take to help their clients?
Claims Assessment and Documentation:
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Evaluate the Loss: Public adjusters assess the damage or loss covered by the insurance policy. This could be due to events such as fires, floods, hurricanes, or other insured incidents.
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Document the Damage: They meticulously document the damage through photographs, videos, and detailed descriptions. This includes both structural damage and loss of contents.
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Inventory and Valuation: They compile an inventory of damaged or lost items and determine their value, considering depreciation and replacement costs.
Policy Review:
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Interpret the Policy: Public adjusters review the insurance policy to understand the coverage limits, exclusions, and specific conditions that apply to the claim.
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Identify Coverage: They identify all possible areas of coverage to ensure nothing is overlooked in the claim process.
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Claims Preparation and Submission:
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Prepare the Claim: They prepare and organize the necessary documentation to support the claim, including estimates, reports, and detailed inventories.
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Submit the Claim: The public adjuster submits the claim to the insurance company on behalf of the policyholder, ensuring that all required information is included and correctly presented.
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Negotiation:
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Negotiate with Insurers: Public adjusters negotiate with the insurance company's adjusters to reach a fair settlement. They use their expertise to challenge any underpayments or denials and work to maximize the claim amount.
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Handle Disputes: If there are disputes or discrepancies in the claim, public adjusters advocate for the policyholder to resolve these issues.
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Settlement and Follow-Up:
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Settlement Agreement: Once a settlement is reached, the public adjuster reviews the agreement to ensure it is fair and comprehensive.
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Follow-Up: They follow up on any necessary actions or additional documentation required by the insurance company to expedite the settlement process.
What are the benefits of hiring a Public Adjuster?
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Class Actions & Mass Torts
Commercial Litigation
Premises Liability
Product Liability
Workers’ Compensation
Expertise and Experience: Public adjusters have specialized knowledge of insurance policies, claims processes, and negotiation tactics.
Time and Stress Management: They handle the complex and time-consuming aspects of the claims process, allowing policyholders to focus on recovery.
Maximized Settlements: Studies have shown that policyholders who use public adjusters often receive higher settlements than those who handle claims themselves.
About Jonathan Alden
Jonathan served as an Independent Adjuster working for insurance carriers, in New York City from June 1994 through July 2003. During this time, he adjusted over 15,000 losses including collisions and recovered thefts.
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Jonathan began working as a Public Adjuster in 2019, where he adjusted over 1,000 hurricane claims from March to September 2020, giving him a unique perspective as he now serves as a mediator, appraiser, and umpire. He is a licensed Public Adjuster in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and South Carolina.
Jonathan Alden is an Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association (IAUA) Certified Appraiser and Umpire as well as a Windstorm Insurance Network Certified Appraiser and Umpire.​
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Jonathan is admitted to practice law in New York (2008), Florida (2009), and Alabama (2021). He is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and is listed on the Louisiana State Bar Association's ADR Section’s Mediator Registry. Jonathan is also listed on the Roster of Alabama State Court Mediators of the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution.