1)		I have just experienced a severe property loss; what should I do?
2)		What can I expect to happen after a loss?
3)		I already have an adjuster, don't I?
4)		What is the difference between an "Independent" Adjuster and a Public Adjuster?
5)		Do I need a Public Adjuster?
6)		Do I have to accept the insurance company's estimate of the loss?
7)		Do I have to accept one of the contractors presented to me by the insurance company's adjuster?

2) What can I expect to happen after a loss?

Following a loss, you will have a lot weighing on your mind. Terms such as co-insurance, actual cash value and quantum of loss may not seem like a priority in contrast with the realities confronting you. Unfamiliar insurance jargon and confusing processes can be a recipe for further distress. Any oversight could lead to less than what you may otherwise be entitled to as payment for your loss.

Do not expect your insurer to wait while you digest the magnitude of your loss and the intricacies of your policy of insurance. They simply will not do this; nor will they explain to you the workings of the loss adjustment process. Insurance policies are open to interpretation in terms of how
they may apply to a loss and there is always more than one avenue to take in the course of a loss adjustment. Given that there are no coverage issues, the insurer will proceed on policy interpretation and a process of loss adjustment best suited for their purposes.

Your insurer will assign an adjuster to oversee the loss adjustment process on their behalf. Together, the insurer and their designate adjuster will make assumptions including assumptions with respect to what you are attempting to achieve and they will proceed on that basis (refer to "Articles; Residential Losses; Setting Objectives").

If the loss is afforded coverage under the insurance contract, you can expect to be compensated. Determining the amount of compensation for a loss is not only a matter of determining the amount of the loss but also a matter of determining the extent to which the policy will respond to the loss. The insurer will, in concert with their adjuster, proceed to quantify the loss and to apply the policy to determine the amount payable for the loss. The amount payable for a loss is thus
dependent upon both the amount of the loss and the extent to which the policy will respond to the loss; both of which are subject to analysis and interpretation.

In reality though, it is the claimant's responsibility to advance their claim to the insurer. Thus the claimant is obligated to quantify the loss and to formulate their claim under the contract of insurance and to ultimately provide this to the insurer via a Proof of Loss. The sooner you connect with Pythe Navis Adjusters Corporation, the sooner we can make your insurance work for you.

3) I already have an adjuster, don't I?

Unless you have engaged a Public Adjuster to work on your behalf you are essentially on your own. The adjuster assigned to you by your insurance company will work diligently on their behalf. On behalf of the insurer, the insurer's adjuster may engage various professional disciplines to assist with aspects of the claim. The principal function of these people is to control the insurer's financial exposure for the claim.

4) What is the difference between an "Independent" Adjuster and a Public Adjuster?

Adjusters investigate, quantify, formulate, negotiate and settle claims on behalf of a party to a contract of insurance. Investigation includes ascertaining the cause of the loss and whether coverage is afforded under the contract of insurance for the loss. Quantifying a loss involves a physical assessment of the property and determining if the property can be economically repaired or not. Quantification also involves determining the extent of any indirect loss caused as
a consequence of the direct loss to the property. For example the loss of business income. Formulating a claim under a contract of property insurance involves interpreting the insurance policy and applying that interpretation to the amount of the loss in order to arrive at the amount payable for the loss; in other words the amount of the claim under the insurance policy.

When you suffer a loss and report this to your insurer, they will assign an "Independent" or Staff Adjuster to your file. This adjuster, first and foremost, represents the interests of the insurance company; his/her principal function is to protect the insurer's resources. Remember, your insurer is not in the business of helping you understand or satisfy your contractual or statutory obligations under the policy. They will act swiftly, efficiently and cost effectively under the direction of the insurance company. The amount of decision making authority an "Independent" Adjuster has may vary from insurer to insurer. In any event though, the "Independent" Adjuster will represent the insurance company to the best of his/her abilities.

Public Adjusters, like Pythe Navis, represent the interests of and adjust losses on behalf of claimants under a contract of insurance on property. We are dedicated to serving the interests of claimants in the preparation, presentation and settlement of their claims. On your behalf, we will implement a claims management strategy, quantify the loss giving consideration to detail, formulate the claim so as to maximize recovery and meet your objectives, present the insurer with the claim and negotiate a solid and fair settlement consistent with your objectives.

5.) Do I need a Public Adjuster?

The adjuster assigned by the insurer is either an employee of the insurance company or is an "Independent" Adjuster who works on their behalf and is paid by them. Whether you are an individual or a couple that has suffered a serious loss to your home or whether you are a small, medium sized or large commercial entity that has suffered a serious loss, you should take an active role in your claim. If you have the time and expertise to develop a claim's management strategy, to identify and quantify the full extent of your loss and if you have the expertise to interpret your insurance policy and formulate your claim, you likely do not need a Public Adjuster. If one or more of the foregoing elements is either lacking or missing you will likely benefit by engaging a Public Adjuster. Our business at Pythe Navis Adjusters Corporation is to ensure that you are in a position of influence throughout the loss adjustment process.

Contact us for a no obligation consultation.