During my time as an independent insurance adjuster, I became certified to work claims for the NFIP. I had my first claim just 28 days later. The insured basement flooded from water that overflowed a drainage basin (the reason that they had to purchase the coverage). I estimated damages using reasonable and customary charges for the area. The rep from the program contacted me and told me that my estimate was too high. I asked for clarification as he had the pictures, diagram, materials, labor, and all other cost factors. His clarification was “I don’t want to pay that much!” He did not have any specific criticism as my numbers were in line. I refused to change my estimate. He was furious with me and I never worked for NFIP again. He told the insured that they would not get paid until a “competent” adjuster worked the claim. The insured contacted the state insurance department and attorney general’s office. His claim was paid per my estimate. This is anecdotal evidence only. From my simplistic view, nothing appears to have improved. I am no fan of government fun insurance programs.
Wow Crain, quite an experience. The worst words an insured can hear is – Hello, I am from the government and here to help you! They are not very good at what they do. It seems that every big claim is not handled well, especially Sandy which has so many claims still pending. Another one was Katrina which had so much fraud involved. The BP oil spill was also very badly handled and still going on.
During my time as an independent insurance adjuster, I became certified to work claims for the NFIP. I had my first claim just 28 days later. The insured basement flooded from water that overflowed a drainage basin (the reason that they had to purchase the coverage). I estimated damages using reasonable and customary charges for the area. The rep from the program contacted me and told me that my estimate was too high. I asked for clarification as he had the pictures, diagram, materials, labor, and all other cost factors. His clarification was “I don’t want to pay that much!” He did not have any specific criticism as my numbers were in line. I refused to change my estimate. He was furious with me and I never worked for NFIP again. He told the insured that they would not get paid until a “competent” adjuster worked the claim. The insured contacted the state insurance department and attorney general’s office. His claim was paid per my estimate. This is anecdotal evidence only. From my simplistic view, nothing appears to have improved. I am no fan of government fun insurance programs.
Wow Crain, quite an experience. The worst words an insured can hear is – Hello, I am from the government and here to help you! They are not very good at what they do. It seems that every big claim is not handled well, especially Sandy which has so many claims still pending. Another one was Katrina which had so much fraud involved. The BP oil spill was also very badly handled and still going on.