Apartment fires are very hazardous. Construction firewalls, fire sprinklers, fire escapes will depend on the extent of the fire damage and the safety of the tenants and the public.
L.A. Public Insurance Adjusters work directly with the policyholder or representative on ensuring that they are following the terms of the policy and mitigating their damages properly.
Our strongest recommendation is to temporarily disconnect any electrical, gas, board-up, tarp, temporary fence-up, and contact us immediately.
While some contractors try to adjust the claim unlicensed with a “Power of Attorney” from the insured, giving a “deductible & depreciation knock-off”, with an “insurance proceeds” contracts, policy interpretation (Business Interruption), etc., which your agreement might be voided (4102.207. Insured Option to Void Contract). These acts are considered fraud (Business & Commerce Code 27.02), and can potentially hurt the insureds claim. (Only accept estimates at this time)
Knowing what is covered and what is not covered, is the biggest problem that we see in the preliminary policy review. Many Property Managers worry about the high deductible language. This is why it is important to contact L.A. Public Insurance Adjusters, so we can provide you with options. Eric Ramirez is a Residential Building Inspector with the International Code Council (International Code Council) and a Master Builder with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), with an extensive ICC-International Building Codes (Resume).
Mr. Ramirez has placed an educational program for each Estimator, Appraiser, Public Insurance Adjuster, Branch Manager at our firm so that everyone can grow within the company.
Once we are called, we will have some basic questions, provide a package of information so that our process can run smoothly and have on our inspectors come out to conduct a preliminary assessment. Normally our team can inspect 500 interior units within 2 days, roof and exterior (20+ buildings) within 3-4 days, and normally a week turn-around after our inspection for completion, ready for submittal.
Business Interruption information will also be in the package, once the insured or bookkeeper provides us the information requested. BI takes an important role, after the loss till after the completion of the construction, so it is important to have someone with experience to assist you in getting what you are entitled too.
Apartment Flooding
During Hurricane Harvey, we experienced many apartments that flooded with contaminated waters. Having L.A. Public Insurance Adjusters in place and ready for action, we can expedite your process. Knowing how to handle flood claims can reduce stress levels and increase your settlement.
One of the largest problems of low settlements is that the adjusters have their in-house policies, not stated in the policy or in the Claims Manuel, shortchanging the insured, forcing them to Appeal or Appraisal/ Arbitration or litigation with deposition and trials.
Knowing how to handle flood claims is no simple task, timeframe plays an extremely BIG role, 1+ year in the appeal process. Knowing when to utilize the Appeal or Appraisal at the right time, shows experience and skills in negotiation.
WARNING: Flood Appraisal is not the same as Homeowners and is “not” recommended, should be reviewed by an experience Public Insurance Adjusters or Legal Council, this is where Forensic Estimating is needed.
