You’ve suffered a major loss from fire, theft, or some other calamity and you’ve filed an insurance claim. You’re not sure what your rights are, and you’re worried about trusting your insurance company. You should be. Your financial interests and your insurance company’s financial interests are in a natural conflict – You want a maximum payout, your insurer a minimum. An insurance claim is a business negotiation, pure and simple. So although you paid good money for coverage and good claim service, you may have to fight for it. And you may need professional help in that fight. In an ideal world no one would need to hire a lawyer to get an insurance claim paid on time and in full, but in this world, many do.

To ensure a fair settlement of a large claim (in excess of $10,000), educate yourself by reading our Claim Tips and taking advantage of the resources that United Policyholders offers. And you must be a “squeaky wheel” and know when and how to get the right professional help if you need it. If you’re reading this publication, you’re on the right track.

Do you need professional help? Do you need a lawyer? Do you need a public adjuster? What is a public adjuster? Can you handle it on your own? The first thing you need before making these decisions is a complete copy of your policy, including the “Declarations Page” and all “Endorsements” and “Riders”.

Your Declarations Page is generally the first or second page of the policy. It states the dollar limits applying to each category of coverage, and lists the endorsements and riders, (extras) that you have in addition to the basic policy. Each such addition will be listed by a code number or letter, or combination thereof. Review your basic coverage categories; Dwelling, Contents (Personal Property), and Loss of Use (sometimes called “Additional Living Expenses”.) 

Answer your Questions about hiring an Attorney