Most people have homeowners insurance to protect against loss from events such as fires, burglaries, and severe weather. But what many don’t realize is that standard homeowners policies exclude damage from some of the most common and costly natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes. As a result, when a major disaster strikes, insurance companies often hire outside adjusters to help process claims and assess damages. If you’re not familiar with the claims process, you may be wondering what an insurance adjuster looks for when assessing tornado damage. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the things insurance adjusters look for when assessing tornado damage. We’ll also provide some tips on what you can do to prepare for a potential tornado in your area.
The Role of an Insurance Adjuster
An insurance adjuster is a professional who evaluates insurance claims. Adjusters inspect property damage and determine the cause and extent of the loss. They also estimate the cost of repairs.
Most insurance companies have their own staff of adjusters. However, some companies use independent adjusters. These professionals work for an adjusting firm that contracts with insurance companies.
Insurance adjusters must be licensed in most states. requirements vary by state, but most states require adjusters to have at least a high school diploma and pass a written exam. Some states also require continuing education for license renewal.
When a policyholder files a claim, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate the loss. The role of the adjuster is to gather facts about the loss and evaluate the damages.
The first step in an adjustment is to inspect the property damage. The adjuster will look for evidence of what caused the damage and assess how extensive the repairs will be. The second step is to determine the cost of repairs. This involves estimating both the material costs and the labor costs.
The final step is to negotiate a settlement with the policyholder. The goal is to reach an agreement on a fair reimbursement that meets the policyholder’s needs while also being within the bounds of the policy coverage. If both parties cannot agree on a settlement, then it may be necessary to hire an arbitrator or go to court.
What Does An Insurance Adjuster Look For In A Tornado Damage?
An insurance adjuster looks for three main things when assessing tornado damage: wind damage, water damage, and debris damage.
Wind damage is the most common type of damage caused by a tornado. It can include everything from minor shingle and siding damage to complete destruction of a home or business. Wind damage is typically covered by standard homeowners or business insurance policies.
Water damage can be caused by a number of things during a tornado, including rainwater infiltration, storm surge, and flooding. Water damage is often not covered by standard insurance policies and must be purchased as an add-on to your policy.
Debris damage is another common type of tornado damage. It can include anything from broken windows to flying debris striking your home or business. Debris damage is typically covered by standard homeowners or business insurance policies.
Conclusion
An insurance adjuster will look for a few key things when assessing tornado damage. They will want to see evidence of the high winds, such as downed trees or broken windows. They will also want to see evidence of the structure being damaged, such as cracked walls or a collapsed roof. If you have this type of damage, be sure to document it thoroughly so that the insurance adjuster can see it and processed your claim accordingly.