Blog

Preventing Frozen Pipe Disasters: Winter Tips for Florida Homeowners

 

As many of you know, I’m Sterling Scott, owner of Trust Public Adjusting Group here in our community. With winter in full swing and record-low temperatures blanketing the Florida panhandle in snow, I thought it would be a good time to warn our community about the dangers of frozen pipes, which can lead to significant damage in homes and buildings.

I remember back in 2018, Volusia County experienced a few days of below-freezing temperatures. I had to cancel several roof inspections because the dew on the roofs had actually frozen. During that winter, I worked with clients who suffered from broken pipes caused by freezing water. When water freezes, it expands, and this pressure can cause pipes to rupture.

One effective way to prevent this is to keep water moving in the pipes. For example, letting a faucet or bathtub drip slightly can help prevent the water from freezing entirely. This “flow” helps reduce the risk of frozen pipes and the resulting damage. Taking preventive measures, like this one or others you may come across, is essential because a broken pipe can cause extensive and costly damage to your home.

I also recommend speaking with your insurance agent to review your policy. It’s important to understand any water damage exclusions or coverage limits that may apply. These details can play a critical role in determining whether your insurance company will provide enough funds to properly indemnify you in the event of a claim.

As always, you can rely on Trust Public Adjusting Group to assist. Our professional public adjusters offer free property inspections and policy reviews to ensure you have adequate coverage. We can also document the current state of your home, which provides invaluable evidence if you ever need to file a claim.

Stay safe and take proactive steps to protect your property this winter.

A Fresh Start for the New Year: Get the Insurance Help You Need

 

As your trusted local public adjusting company and property insurance experts, we’ve noticed an increase in claim denials and under-deductible payments. While this can be frustrating for policyholders, don’t let it discourage you. Insurance companies often take this approach, especially when damages aren’t immediately obvious.

With the new year upon us and the holidays behind us, now is the perfect time to have our professional public adjusters review the documents you’ve received from your insurance company. Along with a free property inspection, we’ll help you understand your options and make an informed decision about your next steps. T

here are many ways to pursue additional compensation from your insurance company, even if your claim has been denied. When you work with Trust Public Adjusting Group, we’ll help strategize the best approach for your situation. Whether it’s state or private mediation, appraisal, filing a civil remedy notice, addressing differences in scope, or obtaining engineering reports, we’ll guide you through the process. Trust Public Adjusting Group offers free property inspections and policy reviews to ensure you’re equipped to make the best decision. Our team has extensive experience in mediations, appraisals, scope determination, and works closely with engineers specializing in property damage cause and origin – key factors in overturning denials.

No matter where you are in the insurance claim process, or even if you’re unsure about filing a claim, we’re here to help. Trust Public Adjusting Group offers free property inspections and policy reviews to ensure you’re equipped to make the best decision. Remember, you’re only as strong as your options, and we’re here to help you explore them. Let us be your guiding hand every step of the way.

Six Weeks After Milton

 

It’s been just over six weeks since Hurricane Milton swept through our beautiful area, leaving widespread damage in its wake. While we are beginning to see some payments trickling in for both flood and wind claims, many property owners are still waiting. If you’ve filed a claim and haven’t received any payments yet, now is the time to act. Trust Public Adjusting Group can help expedite the process and ensure the insurance company fulfills its obligations.

By law, insurance companies have 60 days from the date a claim is reported to make a coverage determination. If you’re approaching this deadline or experiencing delays, we can help apply the necessary pressure and expedite your payment. Additionally, we’ll conduct a thorough evaluation of your damages, as we’re noticing significant discrepancies between the insurance company’s scope of work and the actual damage to properties.

Our inspection process is meticulous, leaving no detail overlooked. With a team of trained and licensed public adjusters, we ensure every part of your property is properly assessed. If you haven’t filed a claim yet or are unsure if you should, we offer free damage assessments and policy reviews. This service can help you decide whether filing a claim is the right move.

There are plenty of rumors about what happens when you file a claim – many of which are misleading or downright false. Let us be your trusted source of accurate information. Our experience and expertise will guide you in making the best decision for your situation.

Even if your claim has already been processed and you’ve received a coverage determination – whether it’s under your deductible or just over it – we can review your claim to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Let Trust Public Adjusting Group advocate for you and maximize your recovery.

Navigating the Storm: How Trust Public Adjusting Group Helps Maximize Your Hurricane Insurance Claims

As many readers know, I’m Sterling Scott, owner of Trust Public Adjusting Group here in our community. Following the impact of Hurricane Milton, which left widespread flood and wind damage, our team is here to support property owners navigating their insurance claims.

We specialize in flood and wind claims and understand the many myths and misconceptions around filing claims for damages. Reach out to us today for clear, accurate guidance on handling your insurance claims.

Flood and wind claims differ significantly they each have unique approaches, valuation methods, and claim rules. If you’ve experienced damages, connecting with a local public adjusting firm like Trust Public Adjusting Group is essential, no matter where you are in the process. Whether you’re uncertain about filing, facing underpayment, denial, or other complications, we offer a free consultation and policy review to ensure you’re well-informed and protected. With a licensed insurance expert on your side, you’ll have the best possible chance of securing the best outcome.

Trust Public Adjusting Group is fully staffed and has assisted thousands of residential and commercial property owners with hurricanerelated claims. From wind to flood damage, we manage every detail to alleviate the stress and complexity of claims. With us, you can rest easy, knowing we only get paid when you do.

As your dedicated claims partner, we handle everything: meeting with adjusters, collaborating with contractors, managing recorded statements, arranging engineering evaluations, calculating loss values, and ensuring accurate, timely paperwork. Our purpose is to maximize your policy payout, giving you full control over how the funds are used and which contractors to hire.

By choosing us over direct contractor partnerships, you retain control of your insurance proceeds. Don’t wait on the insurance company – let us help you get a head start on your claim. Trust Public Adjusting Group is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Preparing for the Storm: A Homeowner’s Guide to Safeguarding Your Property and Filing Insurance

When severe weather is on the horizon, preparing your property can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and protecting your investment. While storms can be unpredictable, there are critical steps homeowners should take to safeguard their homes and ease the process of filing insurance claims afterward. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare before and after the storm strikes.

Before the Storm: Preparation is Key

  • Photograph Your Property: Take comprehensive photos of your home, including the interior, exterior, roof, pool, fencing, trees, front yard, and back yard. These images will serve as essential evidence should any damage occur.
  • Document Your Belongings: Beyond structural damage, you may be able to recover the cost of lost home contents and personal property if you have the right documentation. Items to consider include furniture, antiques, electronics, etc.
  • Understand Your Insurance Policy: Make sure you are familiar with the specifics of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Know what is covered and what isn’t. Call Trust Public Adjusting Group for free policy reviews and property inspections. But it is good to know your hurricane deductible as soon as possible.
  • Plan for Evacuation: Have a plan in place to evacuate yourself and your family, especially for those with special needs. • Stay Informed: Keep a portable radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio to monitor storm updates and emergency information.
  • Prepare for Water Supply Disruptions: Homeowners who rely on well water should have an emergency water supply.
  • Get Cash and Fully Charge Devices: Have cash or travelers’ checks on hand in case banks or ATMs are down. Ensure all electronic devices are fully charged.
  • Gather Important Documents: Place important paperwork, such as insurance policies, deeds, and identification, in a waterproof container for safekeeping.
  • Prepare your Pets: Create a plan for your pets, as not all emergency shelters will accommodate animals. • Locate Emergency Shelters: Know the location of the nearest shelter and how to get there.
  • Fuel Up: Make sure your vehicle’s tank is full or your electric vehicle is fully charged before the storm hits.
  • Learn to Use Your Emergency Power Source: If you have a generator or backup power source, familiarize yourself with how it works and use it safely.

After the Storm: Navigating the Claims Process

After the storm passes, it’s crucial to assess damage and start the claims process. Begin by taking clear photos of your property’s interior, exterior, and roof when it’s safe. Consider consulting a public insurance adjuster before providing statements to your insurer to protect your interests. Report your claim promptly and have a qualified contractor inspect your home for potential damage. Keep detailed records of all interactions with adjusters, and review your policy for any co-insurance penalties. Safeguard your insurance policy, understand your coverage and sub-limits, and assess all potential damage, even if it’s not immediately visible. Time is critical, so act quickly to avoid claim denials.

By following these tips, you can minimize the impact of a storm on your home or business and ensure that you are well-prepared to file a claim and recover from any damages. Remember, it is highly advised to get Trust Public Adjusting Group involved in your claim as soon as possible, but you can contact us throughout any time of the claim process – even after payments have been made or you have received a denial.

For more information on insurance claims and how we can assist, please call (386) 256-3885 or visit our website at: TrustPublicAdjustingGroup.com.