Not in the strictest sense of the word, however

1. Insurance language is subject to interpretation and often confusing to the average person. 

Many times, depending on how you describe the property loss, could determine if your policy covers it or not  For example, call water damage flood damage, and if your policy doesn’t specifically cover flood damage, your claim may be denied.

2. Without proper guidance, there are plenty of ways for the insured to diminish the chances of a maximum settlement or have their property loss claims denied.

There are many instances when your claim can get denied if you don’t offer the required supporting evidence timely and accurately.  For example, you had a house fire, and the insurance company suspects the cause may have been an intentional action of yours or  negligence, as mandatory safety measures were ignored. This are grounds for your claim to be denied, unless you  satisfactorily prove your innocence.

Another area subject to interpretation and that needs to be paid particular attention to is  the calculation of the losses. An estimate of losses has to be made in order to get paid.  Following a reported property loss, the insurance company will also send a directly employed or under-contract insurance adjuster to inspect your property and assess the damages.

3. The insured and the insurance company are just not playing from an equal standpoint

Rarely is a homeowner or business owner versed in insurance law or has the full support of insurance professionals. The game is definitely not fair, but  You can turn things around and get a better settlement, quicker, by hiring a public claims adjuster.

Unlike the insurance adjuster sent by the insurance company to assess your damages, the public adjuster will be on your side. A public adjuster has the knowledge to interpret your policy, thoroughly document your losses, file the claim paperwork on your behalf and communicate with the insurance company.  Since they have knowledge of the insurance industry, this will not only expedite the payment but the amount collected can also be substantially larger.

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A tremendous weight was lifted off our shoulder knowing we had you preparing and presenting our loss to State Farm. We were able to continue our normal work schedules without all the added pressure. Thank You.

Mosby and Brenda Clark, Saginaw

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In the insurance claim process, the burden of proof falls on the business owner. The documentation he/she submits is used in determining the final settlement.  Thus, comprehensive appraisal of all commercial property losses and of business activity losses, proper claim documentation and timely submission are all important factors that determine how successful and expedient the claim will be.

Based on our long experience with commercial insurance claims, we do not recommend that any business owner does it on their own.  Not just that the stakes are too high to take a chance on, but in the vast majority of cases, even after the percentage the adjuster company gets for their work, the business owner still gets a significantly higher settlement.

Hiring an adjuster company to help with a commercial loss insurance claim does, in the end, pay off, for more than one reason:

• commercial loss appraisers have the knowledge to accurately estimate commercial property losses and substantiate them to the insurance company
• professional adjusters are able to estimate and document the business activity loss accurately
• a review of your insurance policy by someone on your side will assure nothing is overlooked and you are getting everything you are entitled to
• it will free up your time and resources
• adjuster companies (reputable ones, anyway) have established relationships with the insurance companies; insurers know the claims submitted by adjusters are accurate and complete and get challenged and delays a lot less often
• it will expedite your claim process and therefore, your recovery!

DISCLAIMER: not all adjuster companies are created equal. Before hiring someone, please do your due diligence.  Just like in any other business, experience matters, a lot. How do we fare? We’re seriously good at what we do, and have the record to show it…

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Fire restoration is a complex, delicate process, and there are several steps for transforming a house damaged by fire into a smoke and soot free environment.  Once the fire was put out, the first thing you need to do is ensure proper ventilation inside the house. ( Don’t use wet sponges or wash any surfaces, as that may make the damage worse). Of course, you should contact your insurance company and report the fire, as restoration costs may be higher than you think.

By contacting a fire adjuster company like Michigan Fire Claims, first you get your damage assessed by trained, independent appraisers that will accurately estimate cleaning and fire restoration costs.  Having your own experts estimate the fire damage and the fire restoration costs will assure your appraisal is accurate, so you don’t have to rely on estimates from appraisers that are hired by, work for and serve interests of the insurance company.

We’ll be on your side!

Nik Kalaj,
Michigan Fire Claims Inc., Independent Adjusters & Appraisers

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Not usually.   Unless the policy owners purposely set the fire (in which case is classified as arson), the fire loss is covered by the homeowner policy.  That is why you have the policy in the first place, for “accidental” losses.  In the majority of the cases, the cause of the fire is hard to determine, and the policy owners may not have a clue either.

However, as fires cause extensive property damage, from flames, smoke, and the water used to control it, fire restoration costs are particularly high. Therefore, the insurance company may send an “cause and origin” investigator and go to great lengths to determine the actual cause of the fire.  They may ask a lot of questions, ask for a sworn statement, even a lie detector test.

What information should you relate to the fire investigators?  Will what you say affect your chances for a successful fire claim?  Should you make an independent determination of the cause of the fire?  How should you prepare for the examination under oath?

In an ideal world, honesty is the best policy.  In one where companies are trying to save every penny and will assume the worse of you, it may not be.

Having an expert team on your side, to guide and advocate for you through the claim process is the best advice we can give you…

Michigan Fire Claims, Inc.

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Auburn Hills, MI (PRWEB) June 01, 2012

Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. a Michigan public adjuster company based in Auburn Hills and Grand Rapids hires claim specialists and public adjusters Andre Yanish and Gerald Hernandez.

Following a property loss, homeowners and business owners have to work diligently to substantiate their property losses to the insurance company and file timely and accurately. In most circumstances, this is not an easy process, nor is it usually in insureds best interests to rely on estimates provided by an adjuster hired by the insurance company. To get fair representation in the claim process, homeowners and business owners often rely on professional public adjusters to estimate their losses, interpret policy, file the claim and negotiate the settlement on their behalf.

Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. has been offering comprehensive property loss claims representation for home owners and business owners in the Metro Detroit area, Grand Rapids area and across Michigan for almost a decade. With an experienced team of licensed adjusters, professional appraisers, building estimators and support staff, Michigan Fire Claims Inc has the ability to mobilize immediately and the necessary expertise to assure for their clients the best settlement they are entitled to.

With the latest addition to their team – public adjusters Andre Yanish and Gerald Hernandez, Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. expands their services in the Grand Rapids area and Southwest Michigan.

“We are welcoming Andre and Gerald among us. They are incredible people and outstanding professionals with a lot of experience in the public adjuster business. Our company will be stronger and our team better because of them”, declared Nik Kalaj, CEO of Michigan Fire Claims, Inc.

Andre Yanish worked as a homeowner claims adjuster for a Michigan based insurance company for 13 years. As a claim specialist, Andre Yanish handled large, complex losses, most exceeding $50, 000. “ I always felt it was my responsibility to properly compensate the homeowner for their property losses. I learned during my tenure as a claim adjuster and specialist that not all claims are being settled fairly for the homeowner. It is because of this reason that I joined the Michigan Fire Claims team. Insurers are responsible to bring the homeowner back to their pre-loss condition. Michigan Fire Claims, Inc., works tirelessly to reach a fair settlement on behalf of the homeowner.”, also said Andre Yanish, now working with Michigan Fire Claims Inc.

Here’s what Gerald Hernandez had to say: “Losing my home approximately 8 years ago due to a fire, I was represented by a public insurance adjusting company which drastically changed the outcome of my claim. Due to this experience, I chose to become a licensed public insurance adjuster. After obtaining my license, I worked as a public adjuster and claims representative. Previously, I served as President and C.E.O. of A to Z Electrical Contractors where I owned and operated a successful electrical company. I believe my 18+ years in the construction industry will be a great asset to Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. I truly believe in, and am passionate, about what we do. I am proud to join a winning team.”

About Michigan Fire Claims, Inc.:

Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. is a public adjusting company specializing in residential and commercial disaster recovery consulting and property loss adjusting, with hundreds of clients throughout Michigan. Michigan Fire Claims licensed public adjusters, appraisers, building estimators and content estimators represent the homeowners or business owners in the insurance claim process, to expedite the insurance claim process and help their financial recovery after a catastrophic event. Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. handles fire claims, smoke damage claims, and other property loss claims, and is licensed in the State of Michigan.

Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. is a standing member of Michigan Association of Public Insurance Adjusters and a member of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. is the founding member of and is affiliated with the Better Business Bureau in Auburn Hills and Grand Rapids.

Nik Kalaj

Michigan Fire Claims Inc.
1.248.340.1900

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January 18, 2012

Michigan Fire Claims, a leading public adjuster company, announced today the appointment of Ross Poorman and Matt Slotka as partners. Headquartered in Auburn Hills and with a branch office in Grand Rapids, Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. offers expert licensed claims adjusters and insurance claim advocates to businesses and homeowners across Michigan that have suffered a property loss due to fire, flood, natural disasters and storms.

When faced with property loss claims, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to low-ball payouts to levels well below market value, and at times delay payments until it’s too late for business or families to recover financially, or even reject claims altogether. By working with an experienced public adjusting company to represent the insured and advocate for their rights in the claim process, the insureds can significantly increase their chances of a fair and timely settlement. The successful resolution of an adjuster mediated property claim depends mostly on the adjuster’s expertise, support team, industry experience and reputation.

Ross Poorman and Matt Slotka are well known in Michigan’s adjusting business for their experience, professionalism and significant accomplishments in settling fire loss and water damage property claims. As partners at Michigan Fire Claims, Inc., they will benefit from the full support of an top notch adjusting team, with expertise in interpreting insurance policy, evaluating damages at replacement and actual cash value costs, filing the claim timely and accurately, mediating between the insured and the insurance company, and keeping track of all paperwork and communications.

Nik Kalaj, Michigan Fire Claims, Inc.’s president and founder, has personally known and worked with Ross and Matt for most of his career. “I am very excited about the new partnership, as I know the expertise and work ethic Ross and Matt bring to the public adjusting business, will benefit not just Michigan Fire Claims, Inc., but most importantly, our clients. We built this business from ground up, one successful claim at a time. They both were instrumental, so they fully deserve it,” said Nik.

Ross Poorman and Matt Slotka have more then 30 years of combined experience in the claims business. “I would not want to work for any other public adjusting firm in Michigan,” said Ross. “There is no other adjusting company in Michigan with such a reputation and track record, so I’m glad to be part of the best public adjusting firm in Michigan,” Matt added.

About Michigan Fire Claims, Inc.:
Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. is a public adjusting company specializing in residential and commercial disaster recovery consulting and property loss adjusting, with hundreds of clients throughout Michigan. Michigan Fire Claims licensed public adjusters, appraisers, building estimators and content estimators represent the homeowners or business owners in the insurance claim process, to expedite the insurance claim process and help their financial recovery after a catastrophic event. Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. handles fire claims, smoke damage claims, water damage claims, and other property loss claims, and is licensed in the State of Michigan. Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. is a standing member of Michigan Association of Public Insurance Adjusters and a member of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. Michigan Fire Claims, Inc. is the founding member of Leading Public Adjusters and is affiliated with the Better Business Bureau in Auburn Hills and Grand Rapids.

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Auburn Hills, MI (PRWEB) July 22, 2011

Michigan Fire Claims, a leading Michigan public insurance adjuster company, announced today it celebrates its twelve hundredth customer. With offices in Auburn Hills and Grand Rapids, the public adjusters of Michigan Fire Claims help homeowners and businesses with the insurance claim process, to recuperate property losses after disasters such as fires, floods and storms, and bring about fair and timely settlements from their insurance companies.

Property loss insurance claims typically stretch out for long periods of time, leaving the insured mentally exhausted and financially impaired. By hiring the public adjuster team from Michigan Fire Claims Inc., the insureds not only significantly increase their chances of a higher settlement, but they can also get back to rebuilding their lives, knowing the claim process is being attended to with the highest degree of expertise and professionalism. Michigan Fire Claims Inc. public adjusters have the expertise to interpret insurance policy, complete the critical proof of loss statement, help evaluate the damages and rebuilding costs, file the claim timely and accurately, mediate between the insured and the insurance company, and keep track of all paperwork and communications.

Nik Kalaj, the company president and founder, became acquainted with the public adjusting business in 1990. Always valuing public service, he saw it as an opportunity to both serve the public, and also put his entrepreneurial skills to good use. Thus he started Michigan Fire Claim Inc. in 2003. At this time, the company employs a team of more than 10 public adjusters, appraisers, building and content estimators, and has just signed up its twelve hundredth customer. “ Twelve hundred, it is a lot.. a lot of hard work. But, most importantly, so many smiles, and so much relief, when, after tragedy, we delivered some much needed good news. I think the most important factor for our success has been maintaining the highest standards of integrity and customer care, and constantly delivering on our promises. All industries have their black sheep, and many shades in between. We were able to stay at the positive end of the spectrum. We are also lucky to have possibly the best public adjuster team around here.” , Nik said.

Their twelve hundredth customer was Lisa Houston, of Saginaw, Michigan. On June 18th, an early morning fire devastated her home. Luckily, no one was injured. The property losses, however, were significant. Here’s what Lisa had to say: “ We have been devastated since the fire happened, and are thankful to have met and hired Michigan Fire Claims Inc., a company with such experience, and wonderful and knowledgeable staff”.

“Many people are not even aware the kind of services we provide exist. They find us when, after being dissatisfied with the settlements for their claims, they are looking for remediation. Others employ us sometime during the claim process, as they find out dealing with an insurance company and their lawyers is not quite a task for the uninitiated. Either way, we offer complimentary consultations, where we review particular circumstances, insurance policy and chances of a successful claim or reclaim.

“Moreover, we never ask for payment up front. ” Nik said. “ Going forward, I want each one of our prospective clients to know, that we’ll give them the attention and consideration they deserve.” he added.

About Michigan Fire Claims:

Michigan Fire Claims is a public adjusters company specializing in residential and commercial disaster recovery consulting and property loss adjusting. Michigan Fire Claims licensed public adjusters, appraisers, building estimators and content estimators represent the homeowners or business owners to expedite the claim process and help their financial recovery after a catastrophic event. Michigan Fire Claims handles fire claims, smoke damage insurance claims,water damage claims, and other property loss claims , and is licensed in the State of Michigan, a standing member of Michigan Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, of National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, ofLeading Public Adjusters and of the Better Business Bureau in Auburn Hills and Grand Rapids.

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Nik Kalaj

Michigan Fire Claims Inc.
1.248.613.2500
Email Information

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