Does anybody know what's the isurer right to get the most of his policy limit?Does an adjust have this right t

Question

Hi There,
I found out you are an adjuster. I got so many question for you.
I hired a guy to cut down a tree in my backyard The last peas of tree fell down on my garage and destroyed my garage and its' content.The guy ran away and disappeared.I put a claim on it and adjuster came up to estimate the scale of peril.He tried to pretend He is very nice guy and wants to help me out He said if you give us any clue about the tree guy we would wave your deduct ale from your claim I looked up everywhere but I couldn't find out his business card The only thing I got was his cell phone number after a while adjuster tried to locate him but He couldn't and he said I am sorry We MUST deduct from you claim -(if I had his name and address and They still couldn't get the money from the guy in that case Should they deduct that portion of my policy or since I gave them the contact number and his first name I MUST be fine and the 1000 shoud'nt deduct from my policy?)
An insurance company sent an estimat

Answer 1

Unfortunately, if the insurance adjuster did not put in writing that the insurance company would waive your deductible if you provided any information to aid in their investigation, you really have nothing to stand on. In a court of law, it would simply be your word against their word, and in most instances, the court will side with the insurance company. You are probably going to have to pay your deductible. Next time, make sure you get stuff like this in writing. You need to get the contractors name, address, business license number, phone number and a list of at least 5 people who can vouch for his work. Then if you have problems, you will be able to supply that information to your insurance company so they can pursue him for damages. Sorry, an expensive lesson, but one you probably won't soon forget.

Answer 2

As per the insuring agreements you are required to submit all information regarding the claim to the insurer. Withholding any information is a violation of the policy conditions and can be the basis of denying a claim, and may even be the basis for being charged with fraud. Therefore I don't understand why this adjuster would go around bribing insureds to do what is required of them. However an insurer is free to waive a deductible, although this is seldom, if ever, done (unless they are required to by the policy conditions). I definitely would've asked for their offer to waive the deductible in writing, and then I would bend over backwards to try and find the guy, considering you would've saved $1000. However you didn't really give the adjuster any real information to find the guy, so I don't see how you would have any case.
Although I'm surprised, considering how risky cutting down a tree next to a home is, that the only information you have about this company (if it even was a company) is a cell phone number and/or a business card!

Answer 3

OK, I have NEVER seen anything that says, "if you give us some info we waive your deductible". I'm wondering if he said, "If you get us info to track the tree guy down, we can try to get your deductible BACK." Huge difference here.

I'd go to your agent, and ask him why the adjuster would say that, but I'm guessing the adjuster will deny it. I've never heard an adjuster promise something to a client that was contrary to the policy terms and conditions. I'm not saying it didn't happen - I'm just saying it's more likely you misunderstood.

Under the standard homeowners policy, the damage to the garage roof is covered, but the debris removal (tree limb) coverage is probably limited to $250.

Answer 4

I would not only get references, but certificates of insurance - the contractors Insurance Agent will be able to provide them - the contractor just has to ask. If he is reputable, he will have no problem getting them to you. I would ask for a General Liability Certificate and a Workers Comp certificate. That way you are protected.