If you have a policy on your home, you have coverage for Fire.

by Seth Knudsen, Claims Adjuster

Fire is the most destructive of losses. If the fire gets hot enough few things can “take the heat.” Fire has many elements to its destructive nature, such as smoke damage, heat damage, water damage, steam damage, etc. These extra elements to a fire can cause odors, discoloration, mold, water damage, melting, chemical releases and a list of problems for your home and personal property.

Not to worry, coverage for these damages is on the most basic policy. Your only worry should be whether you have enough coverage! Policy limits that give you a repair cost of between $150 to $250 per sq ft should be sufficient coverage for San Diego in general.

Example: if your home is 2100 square feet, your policy limit for coverage A (structure) is $420,000, you are covered for $200 per square foot. ($420,000 / 2100 sqft = $200 a sqft)

To be more exact you need to find out the dollar per square foot it takes to build a home in your town.

Another recommendation: keep all important documents in a fire/water proof safe and have copies stored outside of the home with someone you trust.

We hope you never suffer a fire, but if you do we hope you are prepared.

Preparing for Wildfire from CAL FIRE

9 Tips to prepare your home for wildfire: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/

Visit CAL FIRE's website for more tips on fire prevention and protection: http://www.fire.ca.gov/

Quality Claims Attends San Diego Home Show

In an effort to get the word out about public adjusting, Quality Claims exhibited at the San Diego Home Show in the Convention Center last weekend. We received lots of questions about insurance claims as well as positive feedback and an expressed need for our services to the public. Quality Claims expects to attend more of these events in the future and invites anyone with policy or claim questions to come and speak with us.

Rain, Rain Everywhere!

By Seth Knudsen, Claims Adjuster

If you have been in Southern California the last few weeks you are most likely drying something out. SignOn San Diego reported this to be the 9th wettest December on record. Homes throughout Southern California have suffered mudslides and flooding while others experienced water damage from roof leaks and wind driven rain.

If you suffered damage which you believe exceeds your policy deductible you might be considering making an insurance claim.

It is always good to know what is covered under your policy and what is not. Generally speaking, homeowner policies WILL NOT cover mudslides and flooding of homes. What is normally covered in a homeowner’s policy are roof leaks and wind driven rain. To get your damages paid, make sure you do your part by protecting your home from further damage.

Of course each policy can be different. You should always review your policy to see what coverages you do have or call your insurance agent/broker and ask them.

SignOn San Diego Article: Rain produces San Diego's 9th wettest December

Quality Claims Holiday Safety Tips

by Kim Cary, Senior General Adjuster

This is the perfect time of year to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. There is a higher risk of fire this time of year from Christmas trees, fireplace fires and unattended holiday candles. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, 3000 people lose their lives every year to residential fires in the US. In addition to changing the batteries, they also suggest testing your smoke alarms monthly. See the link for details. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

When it comes to getting a settlement from your insurance adjuster, you have more than one option.

By Seth Knudsen, Claims Adjuster

November 30, 2010

 

Often people who have claims are at the mercy of their insurance adjuster’s opinion and calculation of the damaged value(s). This is troubling as the adjuster is employed by and represents the company he works for and not you.

 

What are your options when it comes to a smaller than expected settlement amount?

1. hire a public insurance adjuster
2. hire a lawyer
3. hire an appraiser

Depending on the type of claim you have (auto, homeowners, liability, business, etc) one or all can help you with getting the settlement you deserve.

 

You might say to yourself, “Is it worth it for me to hire someone?”

 

In my experience, more often than not, the answer is YES.

 

I think of it this way; I have to pay for my gas to commute to work and back - that’s paying for something to make money.

 

In addition, you have the peace of mind of knowing you were fairly reimbursed for your loss. You don’t have to always wonder if you were shortchanged.

 

Quality Claims Management Corp. is a national public adjusting firm. Public Adjusters are professionals who are employed exclusively by a policyholder who has sustained an insured loss. They handle every detail of the claim, working closely with the insured to provide the most equitable and prompt settlement possible. A Public Adjuster inspects the loss site immediately, analyzes the damages, assembles claim support data, reviews the insured's coverage, determines current replacement costs and exclusively serves the client, not the insurance company.

 

Let us know if we can help you in getting a better settlement.

Insurance Commissioner Elect Dave Jones

By Kim Cary, Senior Adjuster

Novemeber 12, 2010

On November 2nd, California voted in Dave Jones as the new Insurance Commissioner. The Commissioner oversees the California Department of Insurance (CDI) which ensures that consumers are protected; the insurance marketplace is fostered to be vibrant and stable; the regulatory process is maintained as open and equitable; and the law is enforced fairly and impartially.

According to insurance.ca.gov:

As a state mandated regulatory agency, the CDI has authority over how the insurance industry conducts business within California. The following eight points represent areas where regulatory authority is exercised on a daily basis by the Department:

• Legal - Legal action is the ultimate enforcement instrument of the Department. Possible legal enforcement actions include: Cease and Desist Orders, Notices of Noncompliance, and Administrative Law Hearings. These actions may result in fines or penalties against our licensees.
• Consumer Protection - The Department aids consumers by regulating how insurance companies market and administer their policies. Insurance business must be conducted in an honest, open, and fair manner.
• Licensing - As mandated by the California Insurance Code (CIC), the Department holds licensing examinations for brokers and agents and investigates suspected violations of the CIC by licensees.
• Enforcement - To protect the public from economic loss and distress by actively investigating and arresting those who commit insurance fraud and to reduce the overall incidence of insurance fraud through anti-fraud outreach to the public, private, and government sectors.
• Certificates of Authority - Insurance companies that want to do business in California must apply and be reviewed by the Department to determine whether or not they should be given the authority to sell insurance in this state.
• Conservation and Liquidation -The Department takes an active, leading role to conserve, rehabilitate, or liquidate troubled insurance companies under appointment of the Superior Court.
• Rate Regulation - The Rate Regulation Branch, under the provisions of Proposition 103, reviews proposed personal auto and homeowners insurance rates to ensure that they are fair, reasonable, and adequate.
• Financial Surveillance - By examining and reviewing key financial statements and conducting audits of insurance companies in California, the Department oversees the financial condition of the insurance industry and helps to ensure stability and to protect policyholders.

Insurance Commissioner Elect Dave Jones is currently serving his third term in the California State Assembly representing Sacramento’s 9th District. He served in the Clinton Administration as Special Assistant and Counsel to US Attorney General Janet Reno. He also worked as a Legal Aid attorney providing free assistance to the poor.

As indicated on his campaign website, Dave Jones believes in holding insurers accountable and will strive to keep insurance premiums affordable. He is a strong consumer advocate and was awarded the 2008 Consumer Champion by the California Consumer Federation. He authored legislation requiring the Department of Insurance to obtain public input and hold hearings on major decisions.

Quality Claims looks forward to seeing positive changes for consumers at the Department of Insurance when Dave Jones takes office.