Should you or someone you know suffer a serious property loss to your home or business on Cape Cod such as Fire, Freeze-Up, Soot Puffback, Storm Damage, etc... you need to call my office immediately!
Website
http://capecodpublicadjusters.net/
(508) 362-2846
jds-pa@comcast.net
Here's why!
When was the last time you read and understood the insurance policy that covers your home or business?
Many people have difficulty understanding the technical language of the insurance policy and the complicated procedures they must follow to comply with the policy's terms. Most people do not realize that insurance company adjusters are trained professionals who represent the interests of the insurance company that employs them.
Why should you engage a Public Adjuster to obtain what is rightfully yours?
Insurance companies offer to pay what is due to you as they see it. Public Insurance Adjusters are your exclusive representatives. With their experience and knowledge they are better able to obtain a more favorable adjustment for you, the insured.
How can John D. Sircom,Licensed Public Adjuster help Me?
You will have the advantage of expert assistance based on over 20 years experience handling numerous technical problems. Having been a licensed Insurance Agent as well, the perspective of a unique inside knowledge of how the system works is brought to the settlement table that few, if any, other Public Adjusters can offer.Many times our clients have received settlements which far exceeded the amount shown on the declaration page. As a licensed and qualified expert, I can determine everything to which you are entitled!
MY FEE IS GUARANTEED!
It is my job to maximize the terms and conditions of your policy in favor of you, my client. My nominal fee is based on a percentage of the insurance settlement.
If repairs cannot be made for the repair or replacement cost settlements as adjusted and agreed to with your insurance company, THERE IS NO FEE OWED. Period!
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Water damage: Seven home insurance scenarios
By Insure.com
Last updated Dec. 7, 2009
Watch what you say to your home insurance company
Be careful how you report damage to your insurance company. While you should be truthful, make sure you explain the situation using the most accurate language — or you could find your claim denied.
"What you say initially can affect the outcome of your claim. Many people believe their house is flooded because it's full of water — but it's not a 'flood' by the insurance definition," says Allan Sabel of Sabel Adjusters, a Bridgeport, Conn.-based adjusting firm.
This may seem like a minor distinction, but your insurer has a very narrow definition of a "flood," which is not covered by home insurance. To an insurance company, flooding means that the water came from an overflow of a lake, stream, river or other body of water. If it didn't, don't even say the word "flood," says Sabel. If your basement is filled with water due to a burst pipe, it's not a flood — even if its depth is knee-high.
"You just have to be careful," Sabel says. "Know exactly what is in your policy, what's covered, what's not covered, and report your claim accurately."
Water damage is one of the most common reasons people make claims on their home insurance. Burst pipes, leaky appliances and flooded basements often lead people to discover the details of their home insurance policies.
"Water damage and homeowners policies can be a volatile issue in many ways," says Don Griffin, vice president of personal lines at the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, a trade group. "Generally, the damage caused by water will be covered, but whatever causes the damage — say, a leaking dishwasher hose — may not be."
Although insurance companies may pay to replace a carpet damaged by your dishwasher leak, you probably have to replace or repair the hose at your own cost. If a sudden, unforeseen problem such as a frozen pipe leads to water damage, your home insurance covers repairs to both the broken pipe and your home and furnishings.
Here are common water-damage scenarios and their insurance consequences.
Scenario No. 1: The temperature drops to 10 below zero, causing your water pipes to freeze and burst. Your floor is now covered in 6 inches of water.
Are you covered? Yes, you're covered for water damage from burst pipes, but most policies won't cover you if you've left the house unoccupied and without heat. If that's the case, your claim could be denied because you've failed to perform the necessary upkeep that would prevent the accident.
Scenario No. 2: Water leaks from your backyard pool, ruining your manicured lawn and flooding your basement
Are you covered? The damage to your basement and your personal property are covered, but not the damage to your lawn. According to a sample policy, "We do not cover land, including land on which the dwelling is located." However, your lawn is covered if it's damaged by certain "named perils." These include fire, explosion, riot, aircraft, vehicles not owned by you and vandalism. The amount of coverage for lawns and plants is small — usually only up to $500. Swimming-pool leaks are not a named peril. But if your leak was caused by a tree falling on the pool, it would be covered.
Scenario No. 3: Your washing machine overflows, flooding the basement.
Are you covered? Yes. But it depends on your home insurance company view of the problem: Did you fail to maintain the washer properly or did sudden, accidental damage cause the flood?
"Most of the time, if an appliance breaks and water goes all over, insurance covers it. In the case of a washing machine, you might need to purchase replacement parts out of your own pocket because they were not maintained correctly, but the damage to your basement is covered," says Griffin.
Scenario No. 4: A sewer backs up, flooding your basement.
Are you covered? No. Standard home insurance policies don't cover sewer backups, and many specifically exclude damage from sewer back-ups. Special endorsements are available, at added cost, for sewers and drains.
Tip
Don't shoot yourself in the foot by reporting damage to your home insurance company that's not covered by your policy. Your damage report may still go on your insurance record and look like a claim when you shop for new insurance in the future. Read how one five-minute call to your insurance company can dog you for seven years.
Scenario No. 5: Water seeps from the ground into your basement, damaging your foundation and interior.
Are you covered? No. Seepage is considered a maintenance problem, not "sudden and accidental" damage, and is excluded from home insurance coverage.
Scenario No. 6: During a heavy rainstorm, water leaks through your roof. The roof is damaged, as is furniture.
Are you covered? Somewhat. You're unlikely to be reimbursed for roof repairs because that's a house-maintenance issue. But the water damage to your home is covered. Damage to your furniture is also likely covered if you have a standard H0-3 home insurance policy, but not if you have a generic HO-1 policy (which many insurers don't even sell anymore).
If your neighbor's tree falls on your roof, the damage to your roof, home and belongings is covered. Your policy also reimburses you up to a certain amount, usually around $500, for the cost of removing the tree.
Scenario No. 7: A nearby lake or river overflows its banks, causing a flash flood in your living room.
Are you covered? No. Flood damage is not covered by home insurance. You must purchase flood insurance for that. You can purchase flood insurance as long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.
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Posted by John D. Sircom at 12:45 PM Labels: Cape Cod Fire, Cape Cod Insurance Claim, Cape Cod Public Adjuster, Fire Insurance
