Insurance Help

"A Walk Through the Negotiation Process"
There are no set rules when entering into the negotiation process with insurance companies. However, the negotiations almost always take the same basic format. Beyond the basic framework of how to negotiate, there are a lot of underhanded ambitions that come into play here. These ambitions are used to speed up the process of the other steps. Intimidation and distortion of the actual truth of the matter are the two most common things that come in to play. The first step in the negotiation process is known as your demand letter. You first write a short letter indicating your intent to file a claim. Then you proceed by writing a letter of demand. Once the letter has been written and sent you now officially have an open claim. That demand letter lays the foundation for all future negotiations. In it you will be making your first request for a specific amount of money. This amount of money should be higher than you would expect to be rewarded, but within reason. After your demand letter has been received and reviewed by the insurance adjuster, you will be contacted by phone or letter explaining why your claim won’t work. The adjuster will question the accusations of liability and try to de-emphasize their client’s liability. The adjuster will also try to turn the tables on you and put some of the blame on you, making you partially liable. Upon receiving your letter the adjuster will attempt to use any number of intimidation tactics. The adjuster will try to explain how their policies work and try to convince you that you will get nowhere by demanding so much from them. Just listen to them talk, when they are done it will be your turn. The next step in the negotiation process is when you will have to defend your demands and why you feel you are entitled to receive the amount requested. At this point (assuming you did a good job of showing that your demand is legitimate) the adjuster will offer you a settlement which, compared to your demand, will probably be a ridiculously low amount. Turn down their offer, but give in a little bit. Your demand was purposely too high, so now you’ll be able to agree with them a little and make a new offer. This “offer battle” may go back and fourth for a while until an amount can be agreed upon. In most cases the adjuster will eventually offer a suitable amount of money and you can accept it. If the insurance adjuster refuses to agree on a fair settlement amount you may have to file a lawsuit, which is the final step of your negotiation process. From there you’ll need a personal injury attorney to take over.Injury-Settlement-Guide.com teaches injured people how to protect their rights and obtain fair compensation for their damages.Learn more about <a href="http://www.Injury-Settlement-Guide.com/insurance-negotiations.html">Process of Insurance Negotiations</a> at this page on the free educational website: http://www.Injury-Settlement-Guide.com/insurance-negotiations.html
Source: www.ArticlePros.com

House Insurance for Renters 101
Financial protection against the loss or destruction of possessions is usually the goal of a renter s insurance. Fires, burglary and other losses or destruction are often not covered by a property owner s insurance that s why it is important to have possessions assessed and have them insured. Purchasing a renters insurance will cover losses from fire or smoke, vandalism, lightning, theft, explosion, water damage (except floods), and windstorms. Renters insurance also covers a policyholder s responsibility to other people who may be injured at home or elsewhere by you. Legal defense if the holder is taken to court will also be paid. The inability to live in an apartment due to a fire and other accidents may mean additional expenses, and this is covered by renters insurance. The difference between the additional living expenses and normal living expenses will be reimbursed but is still subject to review since there are limits to the amount. Renters have two types of insurance to choose from. First is the Actual Cash Value, which pays to replace possessions minus the deduction for depreciation up to the limit of the policy. Second is the Replacement Cost, which pays for the actual cost of replacing possessions to the limit of the policy. Renters are also encouraged to purchase a floater aside from the two types mentioned above. Floaters are separate policies that provide additional insurance for valuables such as jewelry, silver, furs and other possessions subject to accidental loss. Coverage of Renters Insurance Many renters are not aware that there are insurances available to them. Some just do not take advantage of it and feel that the packages are too expensive. It is important for renters to know that a property owner s insurance only covers the property itself and do not include his/her valuables or possessions. The landlord is therefore not responsible for any loss or damage. Clothes, electronic devices, furniture, jewelry, televisions, and personal computers are not covered by a landlord s insurance. A renter s loss is not responsible for any loss. Damaged or stolen property is replaced by a renter s insurance as long as the causes are listed in the HO-3. Causes may include smoke, fire, lightning, theft, explosion, windstorm, and water damage from plumbing. Renters in high rent districts usually have assets that need protection. When someone is injured on a rented property, renters may incur liability but this is dependent on the state laws where the renters reside. The renters insurance may cover the renter against personal injury resulting from accidents occurring in a renter s premises, caused by a renter s negligent act, his/her family member or a pet. The insurance may also pay the legal defense cost if the renter is taken to court. A renter need not buy a liability protection with a renter s insurance. Although the said insurance does no cover negligent acts while driving or flying an aircraft, other negligent acts committed by the renter off site of the rented premises may be covered. Those with homes being rebuilt or are awaiting a prior homeowner s departure can also take advantage of a renter s insurance. Short-term renters insurance is typically suggested to protect possessions and valuables through the moving process.Shannon Kietzman is the author. She helps others determine <a href="http://www.2insure4less.com/info/home-insurance-quotes.htm">how much is home insurance a month</a> and how to best meet their home insurance needs through content creation.
Source: www.ArticlePros.com

Insurance Appraisal Process A Policyholder s Best Chance to Resolve an Insurance Claim Dispute
Many homeowners and business owners find themselves disagreeing with their insurance company’s analysis of their insurance claim However, most are unaware that they can dispute the insurance company’s findings via the insurance appraisal process! Even though the policyholder (you) submits a contractor’s estimate, receipts for repairs or materials, or even photos showing damages that the insurance company did not include for repairs they still won’t budge . .Most policyholders are unaware of how to dispute and resolve their claim with the insurance company Policyholders have a choice and a voice within their policy for this very purpose It’s called The Appraisal Clause - also know as The Appraisal Provision Now, don’t let this scare you It may seem like a fancy clause that would take a law degree to understand However, a simple way to understand it is that it’s the insurance industry’s version of arbitration Although similar, the Appraisal Process is NOT an arbitration or mediation and the umpire is not an arbitrator, mediator, or judge Insurance Appraisal, Mediation, and Arbitration are separate things . .In short; Arbitration requires attorneys and a legal process, where Insurance Appraisal does not require attorneys or a legal process Arbitration is a dispute between two parties for any reason, where as, the Insurance Appraisal Process is a dispute between the “value or cost,” to repair or replace property only - bee it an automobile, plane, train, couch, house, commercial building, etc . .Most Policies Have the Appraisal Clause . .If you feel you’re at a dead end with your insurance company and want to resolve your claim you’ll need to check your policy for the Appraisal Clause Most policies will have the provision listed under the “What to do after a loss,” section or the “Conditions” section of the policy Below, you will find a sample of a typical Insurance Appraisal Clause included in most policies Keep in mind that policies can be different in each state Therefore, you should read your own policy to see if this clause exists It will say something similar to the following ; . . . “APPRAISAL - If you and we fail to agree on the amount of loss, either one can demand that the amount of the loss be set by appraisal If either makes a written demand for appraisal, each shall select a competent, independent appraiser Each shall notify the other of the appraiser’s identity within 20 days of receipt of the written demand The two appraisers shall then select a competent, impartial umpire If the two appraisers are unable to agree upon an umpire within 15 days, you or we can ask a judge of a court of record in the state where the residence premises is located to select an umpire The appraisers shall then set the amount of the loss If the appraisers fail to agree within a reasonable time, they shall submit their differences to the umpire Written agreement signed by any two of these three shall set the amount of the loss ” . . .OK, But How Does the Insurance Appraisal Process Work? . .The Appraisal Process allows the policyholder (you) to hire an independent appraiser to determine the value of their damages In turn, the insurance company will also hire their own independent appraiser The two appraisers will then get together and select an umpire The umpire is basically the arbitrator, or what you might call the judge If a disagreement between the two appraisers arises, they can present their differences to the umpire who will make a ruling . .OK; so far so good, the basics of the insurance appraisal process are beginning to come together We have an independent appraiser for the policyholder We have an independent appraiser for the insurance company Finally, there is an Umpire These three individuals are known as The Appraisal Panel The object of the Appraisal Panel is to set or determine The Amount of Loss The Amount of Loss is the total dollar amount needed to return the damaged property back to its original condition, either by repair or replacement . .Once the Appraisal Panel is set, the policyholder’s chosen appraiser and the insurance company’s chosen appraiser will review the documents, estimates, and differences between them The two independent appraisers will try to discuss and resolve the differences in damage and in cost For example; the insurance company may determine that brick on a home does not need to be replaced Where as, the contractor or appraiser for the policyholder says that it does have to be replaced The two appraisers will discuss their reasons for their position and try to come to an agreement, first if it should be repaired or replaced, and secondly the cost to return the brick back to it’s original condition prior to the loss . .One benefit of the Insurance Appraisal Process is that the two independent appraisers have not been subject to the bickering and anger between the policyholder and the insurance company Basically, it’s the hope that cooler heads will prevail All the appraisers really have is the amount of the damage and the difference between the two estimate numbers They do not have the previous baggage or anger that led up to the Appraisal The process was designed so that these two individuals, who have no interest in the outcome, could discuss a settlement based on the facts presented to them . .Sometimes issues arrive where the two independent appraisers can’t agree on certain items In this event, the two appraisers will submit their differences to the chosen umpire The three will discuss the issues and try to reach an agreed settlement of the differences As stated above; the settlement or final number is called The Amount of Loss The final amount is known as the Appraisal Award The Award is signed by the individuals who agree on The Amount of Loss However, only TWO of the three individuals need to agree (An agreement between the two independent appraisers, or the umpire and either appraiser) Once any TWO of the three individuals on the Appraisal Panel sign the award the dispute is over! The amount on the Award binding and is paid by the insurance company, to the policyholder . .Can I Use An Insurance Attorney To Dispute My Claim? . .The Appraisal Clause was initiated to lower the number of lawsuits filed against insurance companies The courts found that many lawsuits were entering the legal system where the cost to repair or replaced damaged property was being disputed In many cases the suites were being resolved when professional engineers and contractors could address the issues The Appraisal Process was created to get such individuals together and keep these disputes out of the courtroom Assuming you acquired an estimate of repair to your property for $100,000, from a contractor or insurance claims expert Your insurance company has created an estimate for $30,000 This would be a clear dispute between the amounts of damage This type of dispute is exactly what the Appraisal Clause was developed to resolve .
Source: www.rsstnx.com