Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in our industry, but please feel free to call or email us at any time during regular business hours, or at any time following a catastrophic loss, we are here to help and welcome your questions by phone.

• What is a public adjuster?
• What steps should I take in the event of a loss?
• What is the difference between an insurance staff adjuster, an independent adjuster, and a public adjuster?
• Why do I need a public adjuster like Taff Claim Services?
• When should I call Taff Claim Services?
• Why can’t my insurance agent handle the claim?
• Won’t my insurance company pay me all I am due?
• Should I allow the insurance company to salvage materials from my damaged property?
• What is Taff Claim Services' fee?
• Is Taff Claim Services affiliated with any insurance companies?
• How does Taff Claim Services determine the actual loss?
• How do I verify your qualifications as a qualified public adjuster?

What is a public adjuster?

The field of public insurance adjusting was born out of the necessity to provide protection and fair representation to you, the policyholder, during the process of filing a claim. Public insurance adjusters such as Taff Claim Services are experts on the preparation, presentation, and adjustment of real property, business interruption, and extra expense insurance claims on behalf of policyholders. Unlike staff or independent adjusters who are sent and employed by the insurance company, the public adjuster is dedicated to serving only the interests of the insured public. Public adjusters are also known as insurance advocates, personal adjusters and private adjusters.

What steps should I take in the event of a loss?

First, know that you are responsible for protecting your damaged and undamaged property from further loss. Do not dispose of anything. Do not let anyone remove anything from your property until you have contacted Taff Claim Services to evaluate the loss. Contact Taff Claim Services to conduct an initial consultation.

What is the difference between an insurance staff adjuster, an independent adjuster, and a public adjuster?

• A staff adjuster (often referred to as simply the "insurance adjuster") works for the insurance company and serves the interests of his or her employer.
• An independent adjuster is self-employed or works for an independent adjusting firm that is retained by several insurance companies on a loss-by-loss basis; he or she also works for the insurance company, not for the policyholder.
• A public adjuster represents the only category of adjuster that works exclusively for policyholders and never for insurance companies. This means there is no inherent conflict of interest when it comes to advocating on your behalf to the insurance company.

Why do I need a public adjuster like Taff Claim Services?

You need Taff Claim Services to do the following:

• Protect your financial interest in an insurance claim. A licensed public insurance adjuster will level the playing field to ensure you get the maximum insurance settlement allowed by your policy.
• Monitor the insurance company’s vendors, since their fees are paid from the policyholder’s limits.
• Take the burden off you so that you can get back to your normal routine and keep your peace of mind.
• Save you the hassle of taking inventory of lost items and researching the cost of replace or repair.
• Save you time by negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
• Convert insurance lingo in your policy into everyday language to help you make important decisions.

When should I call Taff Claim Services?

You should call us as soon as possible after a loss. The sooner we get involved, the more we can protect you and your financial investment.

Why can’t my insurance agent handle the claim?

On rare occasions, such as small claims, some agents can simply write you a check. Your agent’s primary responsibility is to sell insurance. They typically are not trained or licensed to handle insurance claims.

Won’t my insurance company pay me all I am due?

Your insurance company will pay the minimum amount due from the perspective of the staff adjuster, unless you prove to them that you are owed more. Your policy clearly states that you must provide documented proof that you are owed more money than the staff adjuster identifies.

Should I allow the insurance company to salvage materials from my damaged property?

Do not allow anything to be thrown away. Taff Claim Services, Inc. will help evaluate what can and should be salvaged. The insurance company may send a salvor, cleaning company or demolition crew. You should have Taff Claim Services, Inc. on site because those expenses reduce the money you’ll have left to replace your destroyed belongings or inventory.

What is Taff Claim Services' fee?

Taff Claim Services' fee is a small percentage of the loss settlement. We require no money up front and get paid only when you receive your insurance check. The percentage can only be determined after an inspection. At that time, we will evaluate your situation to determine if it would be in your best interest to hire a public adjuster. Our clients find that our fee is more than offset by the higher insurance settlement they receive by retaining us.

Is Taff Claim Services affiliated with any insurance companies?

Absolutely not. We are licensed by the Insurance Commissioner to represent the consumer, homeowner or business owner only.

How does Taff Claim Services determine the actual loss?

Taff Claim Services compiles a detailed estimate of repair and replacement costs in a format the insurance company will accept. We evaluate every component of your structure to determine reparability. We also inventory all items involved in the loss and research the current prices of the items that are not salvageable.

How do I verify your qualifications as a qualified public adjuster?

The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (www.napia.com) (NAPIA) is the industry’s trade group. All members, including Taff Claim Services, must meet certain qualifications to be considered for membership, including continuing education and compliance with licensing regulations.

All NAPIA members, including Taff Claim Services, must adhere to the industry code of conduct as outlined in the organization's Rules of Professional Conduct and Ethics.

It is recommended that when selecting a professional public adjuster, you consider the experience of the firm as well as its references. Taff Claim Services, Inc. works very hard to make sure that we have a good rapport with our clients. It is important to ensure that you are comfortable with our relationship, as our goal is to help you to regain your major assets or your livelihood.