for insurance claim help call (859) 227-5171
1. you contact us
Contact us by either completing our contact information form, emailing smgclaims@gmail.com or calling us directly at (859) 227-5171.
2. Free insurance Claim consultation & evaluation
We provide a free claim consultation and answer any questions you may have. As Policyholder advocates, we work in your best interest and provide you with options you may not have considered that can have a tremendous impact on your claim and loss recovery.
Please note, if during the free claim consultation we feel our services might not be needed, or there is an alternative course of action better suited for your situation, we will not hesitate to let you know.
3. representation as your public adjuster
Hiring us as your Public Adjuster is a simple process which begins with signing our “Public Adjuster Contract” and “Notice of Representation”. By law we are required to have a written contract.
If your claim has not yet been reported, we report your claim to your insurance company. Then we provide your insurance company with our “Notice of Representation”, putting them on notice of our representation as your Public Adjuster.
4. Inspection and Scoping/estimating the loss
We arrange a joint inspection with your insurance company’s adjuster to show the damages. At the joint inspection, we address coverage and scope of loss issues, as well as any issues relative to advance payments, additional living expenses, loss of use and/or loss of income.
Your insurance company’s adjuster will prepare his/her own estimate of damage, and we will prepare our own scope loss and estimate of damage. It is important to note that the policyholder has the burden to prove their damages and that is why having an experienced expert representing your interest is so important.
5. personal property damage inspection and inventory
Additionally, at the time of our joint inspection, we will show the insurance company’s adjuster any personal property damage.
In accordance with policy, a personal property inventory is required. Preparing an accurate Inventory of damaged personal property is very time consuming. Most policyholders find it to be an overwhelming task and either fail to prepare a complete and accurate inventory or just don’t prepare one at all.
We will manage the entire inventory process, and in partnership with you, we will assure a complete and accurate personal property inventory is produced.
The inventory process involves separation of salvageable and non-salvageable items, as well as documenting each item’s description, condition, quantity, quality and value, as well as addressing depreciation, sales tax and acquisition costs.
6. claim Negotiations and settlement
We perform all negotiations with your insurance company on your behalf, however, no claim is settled without your consent.
Negotiation time can range from a few days to a few months, it really depends on the complexity of your claim and the efficiency of your insurance company. You will be provided status updates throughout the claims process.
Insurance companies typically attempt to settle based on their own best financial interest rather than your interest or what the policy dictates, however, we hold them accountable, and advocate on your behalf to obtain a full, fair and just claim settlement.
7. Claim payment and repair/replacement of damaged property
We will guide you through the entire process to protect your interest and assure your compliance with policy conditions, as well as hold the insurance company accountable for their obligations.
Insurance companies typically don’t pay the full amount of the loss owed until certain policy conditions are met. On a replacement cost value policy, insurance companies will usually issue payment based on the actual cash value of the loss until the repair/replacement work is completed. Additionally, replacement cost policies do have conditions you are required to meet in order to make a claim based on the replacement cost value.
Please note there are policies that pay based on actual cash value only. Also, most replacement cost policies will pay for specific items on an actual cash value basis only.
As your Public Adjuster, we
Alleviate the stress of the claims process.
Prioritize your immediate and future needs.
Conduct a comprehensive insurance policy review.
Thoroughly Document your loss.
Act as your representative and advocate at inspections with the insurance company’s adjuster/representatives.
Ensure your compliance with policy conditions, duties and obligations.
Hold the insurance company accountable for their actions or inaction, as well as compel their compliance with their duties and obligations.
Act in your best interest throughout the entire claims process.
Negotiate on your behalf, in your best interest, to maximize your claim settlement and securing all you are entitled to under your policy.