Frequently
Asked Questions
About Fortitude Public Adjusters
Fortitude Public Adjusters is the premier public adjusting firm in Wisconsin. We understand the internal workings of the claims process because we have the best knowledge of fire damage, water damage, storm damage, and restoration. We know the pitfalls that can prevent a fair claim settlement. Our knowledge of insurance policies and pre-loss strategies, as well as claims investigation and handling, is why we are constantly being called upon to assist with property claims or financial loss issues. Our firm has grown based on referrals from our previous and current clients.
What is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a personal insurance claim expert who represents your best interests when you are dealing with your insurance company. They offer you peace of mind during one of the most stressful events in your life and make sure you get a fair settlement to get your life back to normal.
Why should I hire a Public Adjuster?
The insurance company is not interested in giving you everything you need to return your life to normal. They are interested in paying you as little as possible for your claim. Your public adjuster works on your behalf to ensure your fair settlement and your fair treatment during the process of filing a claim.
The insurance company sends their expert out to lowball you on every item in your home. They put you up in the cheapest place possible while your home is restored. They hire restoration companies that have their best interests in mind, not yours. A public adjuster fights for you from the moment you file your claim until you get the settlement you deserve.
Does a Public Adjuster handle everything? Will I still have to deal with my insurance company?
Once you hire a public adjuster, the process for you is almost completely hands-off. You still may be required to provide some information and make yourself available to talk with estimators, but the public adjuster will still be with you during these parts of the process.
The insurance company sends their expert out to lowball you on every item in your home. They put you up in the cheapest place possible while your home is restored. They hire restoration companies that have their best interests in mind, not yours. A public adjuster fights for you from the moment you file your claim until you get the settlement you deserve.
Is a Public Adjuster an attorney in Wisconsin?
In the state of Wisconsin, Public Adjusters do not need to be practicing attorneys or carry a license. It is much more important in Wisconsin to do your research and work with an adjuster that you trust and know has the experience needed to maximize your claim.
Should I work with a Public Adjuster or an attorney?
The difference between public adjusters and insurance attorneys comes down to them when they become involved, and how much they charge. Public adjusters can become involved in your claim before you even get your first settlement offer. Lawyers won’t get involved until you have received an offer that came in “bad faith”. Lawyers will also charge by the hour and charge legal fees. Public adjusters won’t charge you by the hour and are generally less expensive to work with in the long run.
How does Fortitude get paid?
We only get paid when you do. It is in our best interest (and yours) to get you the largest claim we can. That means you get a much larger settlement check even after we take our 10% fees. Our customers typically get a settlement that is 30% larger than if they handle the claim themselves.
What quality of housing should my insurance company provide during a house insurance claim?
The insurance company is required to give you the same quality of living situation that you had before your loss. Instead, they try to put you in the cheapest option for them. When you hire us, we fight for your rights and make sure your life isn’t unnecessarily interrupted more than it already has been.
My property insurance claim was denied, now what?
If your property insurance claim was denied, you shouldn’t give up. It could have been a simple error that caused your claim to be denied that could be easily fixed. Contacting a professional is the right next step to see if they can help you with your claim.
How long will it take for my property insurance to settle?
This depends on the type of claim that you are filing, its value, and your insurance company. Some companies are notorious for taking much longer to pay out settlements, while others are easy to work with. In addition, the larger the amount of money your settlement would be for, the longer it typically takes as the insurance company doesn’t want to pay out that much money. Overall, you can expect the process to be much shorter than if you would have gone it alone.
What damage should my property insurance cover?
One mistake that many homeowners make is not knowing what types of damage their insurance actually covers. Your insurance should cover damages for most natural disasters and acts of nature (Floods, Hail, Wind, etc.) and also many forms of damage such as fire, smoke, and water that can be caused by many different things. It is important to review your insurance documents and be aware of any blind spots you might have, or unclear language that may leave you in danger of not getting a settlement. If you have questions, talk to a professional (not your insurance company) to see what they could uncover.
What red flags should I look for when working with an insurance company?
There are a few big things to look for when dealing with your insurance company. The first red flag is if they try to rush you into accepting a settlement. If the process seems rushed, there is probably a reason for that! Also, when you get an offer from your insurance company and it seems low, it probably is. Trust your gut and understand that you do not need to accept the first settlement offer from your insurance company.
Is it better to contact a Public Adjuster before filing a property insurance claim?
It is always better to contact a public adjuster BEFORE filing your claim. This ensures that you don’t waste time and get your payment sooner. If you have already filed your claim, don’t panic! A public adjuster can jump into the process at any time!
How does Fortitude determine the value of lost possessions?
This can be one of the hardest steps in filing your claim. We help you go item by item in your house to determine how much it will cost you to replace your lost possessions. Some things, like family photos or heirlooms, are sadly irreplaceable. We do our best to get you a fair price for everything you’ve lost and leave you feeling like you are back in your home when we are done dealing with the insurance company for you.
What are the different property insurance claims a Public Adjuster can help with?
Public adjusters can help you with pretty much any property insurance claim that you can think of. From storm and water to fire and smoke, at Fortitude, we can help you with it all! Look through all the claims to see if we can help!
If I can't handle this myself and I need to hire professional help, where do I find the right help?
If you feel overwhelmed and need help with your insurance claim, you’re in the right place! Whether you have already received your settlement or are about to file a claim, contact Fortitude Public Adjusters and we will get to work for you!
What should I do immediately after a fire?
Safety is first and foremost, so make sure that everyone involved is safe. Then contact your insurance company right away and follow a few steps to start a claim. Contact a public adjuster right away if you need help with the claims process.
Can a Public Adjuster help with partial fire damage?
Yes, a public adjuster can assist in documenting and claiming all damages, even if the fire damage is partial or contained to a specific area of your property.
How does smoke damage impact my claim?
Smoke damage can affect your property and belongings, and a public adjuster can help ensure that these damages are fully documented and included in your claim.
What types of water damage are typically covered by insurance?
Insurance usually covers sudden and accidental water damage, such as from burst pipes, but not gradual issues like leaks from poor maintenance.
How can a Public Adjuster help with water damage?
Here at Fortitude we will thoroughly document the extent of the water damage, including hidden damages like mold, and negotiate with the insurance company to maximize your settlement!
Does my insurance cover all types of storm damage?
Most policies cover damage from wind, hail, and lightning, but coverage may vary, so it’s important to review your policy or consult a public adjuster. Additionally, you may want to look into tornado damage for your insurance policy if you live in areas where tornadoes are common.
Can a Public Adjuster help if I think my storm damage settlement is too low?
Yes, a Public Adjuster can re-evaluate the storm damage claim, provide additional documentation, and negotiate with your insurer to seek a higher settlement.
What types of snow and ice damage are covered by insurance?
Insurance typically covers damage from the weight of snow and ice, such as roof collapse or water infiltration from ice dams.
How can a public adjuster assist with snow and ice damage claims?
A public adjuster can document the extent of the damage, including structural and water-related issues, and ensure these are properly accounted for in your claim.
What if snow or ice causes my roof to collapse?
At Fortitude Public Adjusters can help navigate the complexities of a collapse claim, ensuring all structural and related damages are included in your insurance settlement.
What qualifies as a collapse under my insurance policy?
A collapse is usually defined as a sudden and unexpected falling down or caving in of a structure or part of a structure, but definitions can vary by policy.
Are all collapses covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on the cause of the collapse; sudden events like structural failure due to heavy snow may be covered, while issues from poor maintenance might not be.
