Month: July 2018

When you go to file your insurance claim, you will be assigned an adjuster. But who is that adjuster? And who are they working for? Did you know you are able to hire your own adjuster, too? You will hear various types of adjusters thrown around as possibilities for who will evaluate your damage and help submit your insurance claim. They are not all the same, though. Even as you go to hire your own adjuster, you may think an Independent Adjuster, for example, works completely separate from the insurance company. That is not the case, though. Learn more about the different types of adjusters and who they work for.

Staff Adjuster

As the name implies, the staff adjuster is an employee of the insurance company. They work full time and are paid on a salary or hourly basis for any claim that comes the insurance company’s door. In short:

• Employed By: Insurance company as an employee
• Works For: One insurance company
• Motive: Save insurance company money

Independent Adjuster

Sometimes insurance companies don’t want to hire full-time, in-house adjusters because of how much it costs to pay them. The alternative is to hire an independent adjuster and contract them on a case-by-case basis. In short:

• Employed By: Themselves or their firm
• Works For: Any number of contracted insurance companies
• Motive: Save insurance company money

Public Adjuster

Unlike other types of adjusters that may or may not need to be licensed depending on the state, public adjusters are licensed and trained to assist with the insurance claim process. Since they don’t work on behalf of an insurance company, they don’t have ulterior motives. They are simply there to help the insured. In short:

• Employed By: Themselves or their firm
• Works For: Their client, the insured
• Motive: Help the insured get a quick, fair settlement

It’s important to note that of the three types of adjusters, only one is actually working for you, the insured. When you go to submit your insurance claim and are given either a staff or independent adjuster, know that you also have the right to your own public adjuster.

So you’ve suffered from a loss, have contacted your insurance company, submitted an inventory list, and then out of nowhere receive a request to appear at an examination under oath (EUO). You may be wondering what that is and why you are receiving such a request. At Guardian Public Adjusters, we help our clients get through the insurance claim process, including EUOs. Learn more below about what is actually happening when you receive an EUO request and how to best handle it. If you have questions, feel free to give us a call.

What Is An Examination Under Oath?

An EUO is a legal process through which you (the insured) appear in court for questioning by your insurance company. The goal is for them to get the most information possible about your insurance claim before formally accepting it or denying it. Reasons why insurance companies conduct EUOs stem from preventing fraud to simply intimidating clients before denying their claim. No matter what the reason, though, if you receive a request for an EUO, you must appear.

Common Questions About Examinations Under Oath

• What happens if I don’t go to my EUO?

Most insurance policies have language giving insurance companies the right for further examination. While you technically wouldn’t be breaking the law in not going, your insurance claim will likely be denied.

• Do I have to answer all of the questions during my EUO?

Since your insurance company has the right to conduct an examination as part of your policy, you can’t decline answering questions. They may ask questions that seem irrelevant or confusing, but answer them as honestly and as best as possible. If you don’t, you are at serious risk for having your claim denied.

• Can I hire an attorney for my EUO?

You do have the right to an attorney for your EUO, but they cannot answer on your behalf or object to questions being asked. Their purpose would be primarily to help you prepare.

• How can a public adjuster help with my EUO?

If you’ve already hired a public adjuster to help with the rest of the insurance claim process, they can certainly help with this, as well, since they would be the most knowledgeable about the value of your property and present damages. Similarly to an attorney, they can help you prepare documents, rehearse common questions, and make sure you’re familiar with how the EUO will work.

No matter what type of disaster has damaged your property, Guardian Public Adjusters can help you get back on your feet. We work with your best interest in mind, providing services such as documenting damages, evaluating losses, and even preparing you for your examination under oath, if you should receive one. Call today!