What Do Home Insurance Adjusters Look For?

Home insurance adjusters evaluate damage and losses after a claim is filed. Their objective is to investigate the incident, determine its cause and extent, and verify policy coverage. Adjusters serve as impartial evaluators, collecting information to help the insurance company decide on appropriate compensation. They ensure policyholders receive fair compensation for covered losses.

Physical Damage Assessment

During an on-site visit, a home insurance adjuster conducts a thorough physical damage assessment. They identify the direct cause of damage, whether from wind, hail, fire, water, or impact, by looking for specific indicators. For instance, wind damage might show missing shingles, while water damage presents stains or warping. This inspection also evaluates the scope and severity of damage to the home’s structure and contents.

Adjusters distinguish new damage from pre-existing issues like wear and tear or maintenance problems. They look for signs like fresh water stains versus rust, or new cracks versus old ones, as this distinction is important for coverage. Identifying immediate safety hazards, including unstable structures or exposed electrical wiring, is also part of their assessment.

For roof damage, adjusters examine missing shingles or impact marks. For water damage, they trace the source and identify secondary damage. Fire assessments focus on charring, smoke residue, and structural integrity.

Policy Coverage Review

Adjusters evaluate a claim by reviewing the homeowner’s insurance policy to determine its applicability. They ascertain if the damage’s cause (peril) is covered under policy terms. They also identify any exclusions, which are specific events or types of damage not covered, such as floods or neglect.

The policy review verifies applicable policy limits for categories of loss, including dwelling repair, personal property, or additional living expenses. Adjusters confirm the deductible amount, which is the portion the homeowner pays before coverage begins. Endorsements or riders, additional coverages or limitations, are also considered to ensure all relevant policy provisions are applied.

Adjusters determine the valuation method for damaged property, whether actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV). ACV accounts for depreciation, while RCV covers the cost to replace an item with a new one. Finally, adjusters verify the claim was reported within the policy’s specified timeframe, as timely notification is a common requirement.

Supporting Documentation and Information

Adjusters gather supporting documents and information to corroborate their physical assessment and policy review. Homeowners are often requested to provide evidence such as photographs or videos of the damage, ideally taken before and after the incident. Receipts for damaged items or repair estimates also serve as important documentation.

Adjusters utilize third-party reports for a comprehensive understanding of the incident. These can include police reports for theft, fire department reports, or official weather reports. Contractor invoices for previous repairs might also be reviewed to assess prior conditions.

Interviews and statements are another source of information, where adjusters may speak with the homeowner, witnesses, or contractors. Finally, adjusters may review the property’s past claim history to understand any patterns of loss or previous repairs relevant to the current claim.