My name is Mark Lozier; I’m an advocate for you, the policyholder, in evaluating and negotiating an insurance claim. Aside from attorneys, the first party claims practitioner, licensed by the state department of insurance. I’m the only type of claims adjusters that can legally represent your interest during the insurance claims process. I bring to you 38 years of property claims knowledge and expe
rience to be your voice of success. The clear distinction between an insurance claims adjuster and a first party claim practitioner is that the claims adjuster works for the behalf of the insurance company where the first party claim practitioner represents you, the policyholder. Typically, a policyholder hires a first party claim practitioner to document and expedite their claims, obtain a more satisfactory recovery, and completely restore the residence or business operation. This insulates themselves from the stress of engaging in an adversarial role with a large insurance company. It’s not always clear what, you, the policyholder, may benefit from hiring a first party claims practitioner. The most benefit is likely to be recognized if the first party claims practitioner is engaged immediately in the claims process. Shortly after an insurance company receives notice of a loss, an adjuster representative and the insurance company have already visited the policyholder to gather facts about the loss that occurred. The magnitude of loss and the possibility of incorrect, incompetent or inadequately expressed answers to the adjuster’s questions may reduce the amount that they can claim. A first party practitioner that is engaged early in the process, before the fact-finding stage, will have more opportunities to help you, the policyholder, receive a fair settlement for all claims legitimately covered under the insurance policy. However, any time during negotiations with the insurance company and even after a settlement has been received by an insured, a first party claims practitioner may be able to negotiate for a higher amount. The policyholder does not understand the meanings of terms like collapse; partial collapse and extent of physical damage may be entirely different from their legal interpretation, requiring the adjuster to clarify such terms for the policyholder. So, it is important for the policyholder to be represented by a first party claim practitioner who understands the property law including the division of legal responsibility between the insurance companies and the policyholder. Most claim practitioner’s charge a percentage of the settlement for their fee. Primarily they appraise the damages, prepare estimates, and other claim documentation and the most important part, they understand the policy of insurance to determine that all coverages and additional money is negotiated with the insurance company on the behalf of the insured. If you would like to discuss your loss in more detail, or find out more about what a claims practitioner can do for you, please contact me at 317-429-0068 during normal business hours.
