By SPJ Adjusting Services | Experts in Insurance Appraisals
Philadelphia Insurance Appraisal: 7 Critical Reasons to Include New Damage
The new damage should be considered in calculating property value to ensure compensation for insurance claims.
The new damage that has been experienced by
There is one thing that policyholders in Philadelphia quickly learn: the Philadelphia Insurance Appraisal is not tied to the insurance offer. Whether it is a blown roof, a storm, a flood, or a leak, new damage is often discovered before the first estimate is complete. If the insurance company is attempting to exclude that new damage in their offer, the homeowner can end up shortchanging themselves.
In particular, we are frequently asked about appraisal and umpiring work nationwide by SPJ Adjusting. Among the important information that we attempt to convey, including within a busy pace such as Philadelphia, is that an appraisal is than just accepting the adjuster’s original number.
Why the First Estimate is Not the Entire Story
The first estimate is made for Adjusters are quick to examine residences, and often damage is missed until it is uncovered through repair work. In Philadelphia, it is likely that complex buildings, layered roofs, stone walls, and hidden waterways are likely to reveal damage months after a storm has passed.
Typical examples are:
- Roof decking damage found during the removal of shingles or membranes
- High water damage concealed behind plaster or brick
- Drying or demolition disclosing structural motion
- Upgrades or code violations identified during repairs
If there is an attachment to an original estimate on appraisal, these justifiable damages may be overlooked, and compensation will be insufficient.
The assessment must reflect the total loss.
In most property damage claims, any party can opt for Philadelphia Insurance Appraisal of the disputed amount of the loss. This is not about calculating damages when the loss occurs; rather, it is about reaching the actual amount of the loss using all the information that is known.
The courts across the country, and examples of these can often be found in Texas laws that are commonly used when arguing points of an appraisal, have shown that damages can still be assessed even when:
- Repairs had already taken place
- “New documentation” appears
- Damage was not included in the estimate
To ignore newly discovered damages would undermine the purpose of having an appraisal, as it would be prejudicial to the interests of the insureds, who could be held liable or required to pay premiums
Philadelphia Perspective: What It Means Here
A typical case in Philadelphia Insurance Appraisal is one that is partially repaired and needs completion before further damage is sustained, for instance, roofs and water damage. The waiting process for an appraisal is not always necessary. Sometimes, the insurance companies argue that appraisal is impossible after the repairs. This is typically because appraisers and umpires rely on the following: - Photos and Videos
a. Estimates and Billing by Contractor
- Engineering reports
- Correspondence and inspection notes
They too carry out credibility checks where work was done prior to the evaluations by SPJ Adjusting. With good document analysis, this is manageable.
New Damage vs. Coverage Disputes
“It is essential to maintain the distinction between valuation and coverage. Assessors and umpires are not judging the value of everything for the insurance company to pay for. They are determining the amount of the damage that is present,” he explained.
Any dispute regarding any aspect of coverage that may arise later can be resolved in a separate action. To be denied the opportunity to present new evidence of damage would be to place the appraisal process out of kilter and to find in favor of the carrier.
That Texas courts understand that an appraisal may be confined to assessing damages without assigning fault should apply to Philadelphia claims as well.
The SPJ Modifying Role
Services Provided by SPJ Adjusting – Pennsylvania
Independent insurance appraisal services – Umpire services for impartial decisions – Roof damage claims assessment
Hail damage claims assessment
Flood damage claims assessment – Interaction between public adjusters, attorneys, and insurers Our appraisal experts are trained and able to discover, document, and assess newly found damages while remaining objective and focusing on fair valuation and not advocacy. In regard to Philadelphia policyholders, it is not uncommon for them to discover new damages.
“The appraisal must reflect current valuations, not last year’s estimate.” Because appraisal boards can maintain their focus if they stay on task, policyholders have an effective basis in an equitable assessment of damages. In circumstances when push-back is substantial on appraisal issues, it may be beneficial to call in seasoned individuals.
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