Periodically, we like to highlight a property claim we’ve handled based on something new we’ve learned, alert readers of important insurance claim issues or just to show the value public adjusters can bring to the claims process. This was a particularly satisfying claim. Not only for the settlement amount we were able to achieve but because it helped improve the client’s perception of the value of public adjusters as you will see by the note at the end of this article.

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The public insurance adjusters at Tutwiler & Associates work extremely hard everyday to prove why our industry profession is so valuable to policyholders throughout the United States. We work with potential clients to guide them in their decision making and impress them with our knowledge while they take time to decide their best course of action. We strive to educate policyholders after a serious loss when they are the most vulnerable.  Case in point involves a massive electrical fire that occurred at a condominium on August, 2015 in Sarasota, FL. 

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On February 28, 2013 a massive fire broke-out in this upscale waterfront home located in Tierra Verde, Florida burning off the roof and causing significant fire, water, and smoke damage to the rest of the building structure, custom furniture, and personal belongings.  As is typical with all fires, which become public record when the fire department gets called, the homeowner was “assaulted” (his words) by emergency service restoration contractors and public adjuster chasers who came from all over the State of Florida to give their sales pitch.  Unfortunately, this property owner fell victim and signed with a restoration company who provided an estimate with a “not to exceed” agreement. But when the contractor sent the invoice for services performed, it was triple the amount!  The insurance company was just as surprised and refused to pay an obviously exorbitant amount. The contractor’s response was to place a lien on the property until the situation could be resolved.

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On May 11, 2014 a serious electrical fire broke-out in the home of a Clearwater Largo, FL family causing significant fire, water, and smoke damage to the building and personal property.  During and after the fire was extinguished many contractors and public adjuster chasers offering their services bombarded the homeowners with confusing information and high pressure sales tactics. Sadly, this is becoming a recurring theme when fires occur. We continue to believe that property owners need to realize that it is in their best interest to stay away from the majority of these solicitors until they have done their due diligence and have coordinated plan of action in place. They must also be wary not to sign any contract that assigns the entire insurance claim over to a stranger who now owns the proceeds of their claim. In our industry this language is called Assignment of Benefits.

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Background: 
On January 14, 2011 just after celebrating the Christmas holidays, a perilous fire erupted in St. Petersburg, FL causing massive damage throughout the Sheldon family home.  Lucky to have survived the fire, the husband and wife team and devoted parents quickly caught their breath and proceeded to make the best out of the situation assuming their insurance company would help them by responding the same.  They had no idea that this would turned into a 3 ½ year ordeal that would bring nothing but stress and heartache upon this strong family who lost everything.

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On December 29, 2013 this rental home in Tampa, Fl. caught fire due to a cooking accident caused by the owner’s tenant.  Sadly, the tenant had no renters insurance and they lost everything. In this particular case, the owner was savvy enough not to make any quick decisions and hired a contractor to specifically board-up and secure the property as required by the insurance policy.  He then patiently waited for his insurance company claims adjuster to provide a repair estimate.  After waiting and waiting the owner quickly realized he was not getting anywhere fast.  He then decided to search for help and for some reason remembered the words “Public Adjuster”.  Soon thereafter, public adjuster Rick Tutwiler was called in to assist.

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On May 24, 2013 a large fire erupted at this multi-story commercial apartment building in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida resulting in significant damage from the fire, smoke, and water damage to their personal business property as well as loss of rental income.  Upon learning of the extensive damages incurred and the complexity of the claim, the owner realized he needed professional adjusting help and contacted Tutwiler & Associates to discuss their insurance claim.  Public adjuster Rick Tutwiler was hired soon after to manage the claim.  Following multiple inspections and documentation of all aspects of the loss, Mr. Tutwiler prepared the claim detail for the building, personal property, and loss of rents.  Getting a public adjuster involved early paid off and avoided many of the mistakes policyholders make when trying to handle the claim themselves. As a result of the claim preparation, the carrier made payments, which totaled $279,239.

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On November 29, 2013 a fire broke-out at this 2 story home located in Tampa, FL causing significant fire, water, and smoke damage to the structure and families personal belongings.  Immediately after the fire, many different types of vendors offering their services approached the property owner.  They included various Emergency Service Contractors and local Public Adjuster “chasers.”  At this most vulnerable time, the owners keenly recognized that it was in their best interest to stay away from the majority of these people simply because they did not know who they were and seemed like opportunists.  They knew not to sign contracts with any firm until they had a chance to think about it and check references. 

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Sagatom Business Inc. owns a mini-mart operating in Wimauma, FL along with other locations.  The owners were referred to public adjuster Michael Platts of Tutwiler & Associates to help with the insurance claim two days after a fire loss.

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