The owner of a very successful Tampa, Florida executive limousine service suffered a severe fire loss at his home. The structural damage alone ran into six figures and his family's personal property were also destroyed.
After consulting several public adjusting firms, the owner made a smart decision and decided to hire Tutwiler & Associates Public Adjusters who documented the building damage, prepared a detailed scope and repair estimate, and itemized the damaged contents. Ultimately, Tutwiler & Associates successfully negotiated the claim settlement to the owner's complete satisfaction. The insurance companies total payment to the insured was in excess of a quarter of a million dollars.
Collecting the money from the insurance company first is the smartest way to handle the situation. After that task is complete, then contact a licensed reputable contractor and obtain competitive bids. If you choose to use the insurance company's "preferred vendor" to rebuild your home or try to clean your personal belongings you will never see any money. Also, if you decide to hire a contractor off the street and sign their Contract, also known as an "Assignment of Benefits Form," you just signed YOUR insurance policy and all its benefits directly to the contractor.
It is very important you understand these scenarios and contact a professional public adjuster immediately after the fire. Finally, keep in mind that there are many public adjusters who have a license, but just because a public adjuster has a license does not mean they have the knowledge or experience to handle an insurance claim. This is what Tutwiler & Associates brings to the table having been in business since 1984.