FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
What
is meant by the term "accredited"
public insurance adjuster?
It
means that Stephen R. Figlin & Associates
act according to a strict code of
ethics established by the National
Association of Public Insurance
Adjusters and is an accredited member
of the Association.
Are
Stephen R. Figlin & Associates connected
with insurance companies?
No.
We are employed exclusively by you
- the policyholder- not by
an insurance company.
How
can Figlin & Associates help me?
You
will have the advantage of expert
assistance based on great experience
in handling numerous technical problems.
Figlin & Associates relieves you
of the many time-consuming and difficult
matters involved in preparing and
filing a claim - and helps you to
receive a prompt and fair settlement.
Can
I prepare my own claim?
Sure,
but it stands to reason that the
accredited public insurance adjuster
who has years of experience and
training can do so with more competence
than the policyholder.
More
specifically, Stephen R. Figlin
& Associates will assist you in
the preparation of inventories,
estimates and other factual proofs
of loss. We will handle all the
necessary details for compiling
and filing claims, as required by
the terms of your insurance policies.
We will also confer, on your behalf,
with insurance company representatives
and handle all matters essential
to a proper and satisfactory adjustment.
Why
do I need help in filing an insurance
claim?
The
typical fire policy contains hundreds
of provisions and stipulations -
various forms and riders that are
constantly changing and many complex
details about your requirements
in case of loss. Most people do
not know or understand these policy
provisions - and most do not realize
that the burden of proof is on
them, the policyholder. Most
insurance company representatives
actually prefer to work with an
experienced accredited public insurance
adjuster rather than an inexperienced
insured.
A
Stephen R. Figlin & Associates accredited
public insurance adjuster not only
has your confidence, but also that
of company adjusters who recognize
that they are dealing with a professional.
In
the event of a fire or similar destruction
of property does my insurance pay
the entire loss?
This
depends upon the type and amount
of insurance you carry. It also
depends on your expertise or the
expertise of your representative,
not that of the insurance company's
adjuster. Many insurance policies
may pay more than the amount shown
on the declaration page. A qualified
expert working for you can determine
everything to which you are entitled.
Why
should I engage Figlin & Associates
to obtain what is rightfully due
to me?
Insurance
companies offer to pay what is due
to you as they see it. Stephen
R. Figlin & Associates Adjusters
are your exclusive representatives.
With our experience and knowledge
they are better able to obtain a
more favorable adjustment for you,
the insured.
What
is the extent of their responsibility?
Your
public insurance adjuster assists
with every phase of preparing and
presenting your claim, as well as
accomplishing an adjustment for
you which is equitable and includes
everything to which you are entitled
under your insurance policy.
How
do they determine the actual loss?
We
take a physical inventory, obtain
all pertinent appraisals and make
sure all provisions in your policy
are properly fulfilled. This often
involves numerous steps of which
you may know little or nothing,
but can make a significant difference
in the amount of the final adjustment.
What
special help can Figlin & Associates
give me with technical questions?
We
are the experts to turn to when
such matters arise. They are concerned
only with your interests.
Because of their broad experience
and specialized knowledge, they
prepare your claim so that you can
recover to the fullest extent on
your insurance coverages. It
is up to you to prove your loss.
There may be many questions and
problems as to how the policy provisions
can be applied in different circumstances.
Will
Figlin & Associates help me receive
a more prompt and satisfactory settlement?
Yes.
We lose no time in complying with
the policy requirements to obtain
and evaluate the facts and prepare
the claim. The alert, knowledgeable
and prompt service they render often
preserves evidence that may otherwise
be overlooked or destroyed. The
more thoroughly and completely your
claim is compiled and prepared,
the faster your public insurance
adjuster can accomplish an equitable
and proper settlement in you best
interest
Once
a policyholder has witnessed the
skill and knowledge of the accredited
public insurance adjusters of Stephen
R. Figlin & Associates, he or she
rarely will attempt to settle a
claim without the benefit of their
specialized assistance. Stephen
R. Figlin & Associates most frequent
sources of new clients are the recommendations
of those we have previously served.
In
the event of a loss, what steps
should I take?
Promptly
report the loss to the agent or
broker, or directly to the insurance
company - and immediately retain
the services of an accredited public
insurance adjuster to serve you.
Do
Figlin & Associates take care of
claims other than fire?
Yes.
We will assist you in any claims
you may have due to windstorm, explosion,
and any other insured losses that
are sustained (inland marine, business
interruption, rental income, improvements
and betterments, commission and
profit, reporting forms, additional
expense, etc.).
Do
they sell insurance or act as insurance
agents?
No!
If they were to do so, they would
become a representative of the insurance
company - and they would no longer
represent you exclusively and independently.
How
much does Figlin & Associates charge
for their services?
Fees
are contingent upon recovery and
on a percentage basis. The percentage
can be agreed upon with the insured
in advance so that there are no
controversies when setllement with
the insurance company is concluded.
We represent YOU, and only
you.
Copyright © 2010 Stephen R.
Figlin & Associates
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