Hail Claim in Chicago $15K Increase in Award

Increase in $15,609.20 achieved within 61 days of Appraisal Assignment.

The insured found themselves in a challenging situation, facing a significant impasse with the insurance carrier regarding the settlement amount for their claim. This disagreement stemmed from a fundamental lack of understanding and expertise on the part of the adjuster assigned to their case. The adjuster, despite being tasked with evaluating the claim, possessed very limited knowledge about the intricacies involved in assessing property damage, particularly in relation to the specific issues presented by the insured’s case. As a result, the adjuster was unable to adequately indemnify the insured, leaving them feeling frustrated and undercompensated for their losses.

During the appraisal process, I took on the responsibility of advocating for the insured’s interests. I worked diligently alongside the Opposing Appraiser, who brought their own expertise to the table. Through careful negotiation and thorough discussion of the damages, we were able to come to a consensus that resulted in an additional settlement amount of $16,000 over the initial offer made by the insurance carrier. This increase was a significant improvement and reflected a more accurate assessment of the damages sustained.

The insured’s roof had numerous areas that had been severely damaged by hail, yet these were mistakenly categorized by the carrier as mere wear and tear. This misclassification was crucial, as it directly impacted the settlement offer. Furthermore, the roof was over ten years old, which complicated matters further due to the limited options available for repair. The age of the roof meant that many repair possibilities were not viable, and replacement was becoming increasingly necessary. Fortunately, the Opposing Appraiser, who has extensive experience and expertise in roofing and property damage assessment, was able to quickly identify and understand the complexities of the situation. Their knowledge allowed for a more informed evaluation of the damages, leading to a swift and fair settlement that accurately reflected the true extent of the insured’s losses.