Public Adjusters | Norcia Insurance Consultants

Ask Your Public Adjuster: Common Insurance Claims Questions in Winter

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

As the trusted public adjuster for WI, we continue to assist area policyholders with property insurance claims after winter accidents and severe weather events. Here in Wisconsin, we can see our fair share of both and area home or business owners are often left with many questions after such an event. Roof collapses, water damage and even wind damage will be common occurrences that have many unknowns attached. That’s why, we’ve put together some of the most common questions that follow such events in order to help homeowners and businesses recover. And, if you have a claim, don’t go it alone; contact the public adjusters at Norcia Insurance Consultants and we can walk you through the entire process step by step.

How can I avoid an accident at my home or business property?

It is important to keep pathways around your home or complex clear of snow, ice and debris. This is a great way to cut down on accidents. It is important to concentrate on walking paths and drives. Either one could be the cause of a big accident. Don’t risk injury or property damage for your residents or complex. It’s a good idea to keep extra people on staff in case of hazardous precipitation.

If my property is damaged but I’m snowed in what should I do?

Do everything you can to mitigate and prevent further damage. Take lots of photos and don’t discard anything. Then, contact your insurance company and the public adjusters at Norcia. We can take inventory of the damage and provide an estimate of the value of your assets. Next, we can figure out how many of your assets are covered by your insurance policy and how much you should receive for those assets.

I had previous damage and filed a claim. If I get more damage, can I still make a claim?

Yes, each incident should be treated as a separate damage event. But you may need to show when and what was repaired from the old damage. Be sure not to give the insurance company an excuse to deny the claim.

Will my insurance pay for a hotel and living expenses if my home is uninhabitable?

Many insurance companies will cover this under a standard policy provision called Additional Living Expenses. We can help you determine if you have this coverage and get you the assistance you need.

Whatever happens, it is important to remember that it’s your claim and your property. If you have a claim, consider enlisting a public adjuster claim expert to make sure your claim is properly handled.

Are you in need of a public adjuster in the WI area? Give Norcia Insurance Consultants a call today at 866-512-LOSS (5677) or request a free consultation online.

Holiday Home Safety Tips

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

The holidays are just around the corner! With all that the next few weeks will bring, the experts here at Norcia would like to discuss some of the most important safety tips to keep in mind this season. With cooking at home, indoor activities, vacations and decorations there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind to help you, your family and your home stay safe. And, in the event something does happen at your home, be sure to enlist the help of a trusted Wisconsin public adjuster to help with all of your insurance needs. But first, be sure to take these essential holiday precautions:

Tree Safety

For one, it is important to place your Christmas tree away from fireplaces and heaters, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Live trees are highly flammable, especially a dried-out tree. Check the water level every other day to ensure proper hydration. Starting with a green tree is one way to keep it from drying out so quickly.

Lights

When stringing lights and decorations above your normal reach, make sure you use a proper ladder with someone supporting the base.
Replace any lights with frayed wires, broken sockets and loose connections.
Don’t mount lights in a way that might damage the cords, and avoid using nails or tacks. Use hooks or insulated staples instead. And, don’t plug in too many lights to the same electrical outlet.
Turn off all lights before you go to bed and before leaving the house to avoid a short that could start an electrical fire.

Heating

A major aspect of the annual maintenance of your home heating system is to check the safety limits and burners for proper operation.

Chimney Inspection

Another area of the home that requires inspection are your wood-burning fireplace chimneys. They should be checked and cleaned of soot buildup to ensure proper air flow.

Home Security

Unfortunately, this is a common time of year for break-ins. Take the time to prepare for winter security and avoid the mess of a break-in, especially if you plan to go on vacation. If you do have a break-in, it is important to contact the authorities right away. Our public adjusters can help with the next steps.

Are you interested in learning more about how our public adjuster serving Wisconsin can help you in the event of a fire or other damages? Call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677) or Schedule a Free Consultation.

Home Safety Tips for Summer

Posted on June 29, 2018 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

With the 4th of July being next week, the experts here at Norcia would like to discuss some of the most important safety tips for the holiday and for summer as a whole. With fun summer festivities, outdoor activities and family vacations, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind to help you, your family and your home stay safe. And, in the event something does happen at your home, our Twin Cities public adjusters are here to help with all of of your insurance needs. But first, be sure to take these essential summer precautions:

public adjusters

Home Security

In warmer months, there tends to be a spike in property crimes. Take the time to prepare for summer security and avoid the mess of a break-in, especially if you plan to go on vacation this summer. If you do have a break in, it is important to contact the authorities right away. Our public adjusters can help with the next steps.

Firework Safety

If you do decide to use fireworks this 4th of July, first make sure they are legal. And remember, even legal fireworks can cause injury if they are not used properly. Here are some important safety tips from the American Pyrotechnic Association:

Only use fireworks outdoors away from buildings on a flat, level, hard, fireproof surface that is free from debris.
Don’t aim fireworks at another person or yourself.
Always have a sober adult in charge and never give fireworks to young children, even sparklers.
Light only one firework at a time and never approach or re-ignite a firework that doesn’t light the first time.
Always wear safety glasses.
Have a working garden hose or bucket of water handy.

Grill Safety

Careless grilling can cause burns or fires. Before you start cooking outside this summer, consider these tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Never step away from the grill while it’s on
Check your gas grill for hose leaks, blockages and holes
If using a charcoal grill, wait for the coals to cool completely before disposing it

If a fire does occur and cause damage to your home or property, be sure to contact the fire department right away. And, when you need help filing your insurance claim, seek assistance from our experienced public adjusters.

And, these are just some of the most important safety tips to follow this summer. Are you interested in learning more about how our public adjusters in the Twin Cities can help you in the event of a fire or other damages this summer? Call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677) or Schedule a Free Consultation.

Common Summer Hazards: Public Adjusters Provide the Assist

Posted on August 28, 2017 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

The summer is not yet over and there are still many hazards around the home that could pose a threat to you and your family. Your home is supposed to be a place to feel safe and secure. However, there are a few seasonal dangers that can catch you off guard and cause damage to your home. As a public adjuster for the Twin Cities, we are all too familiar with these types of hazards and would like to provide a rundown of what they are and help offer awareness. But, in the unfortunate event that something does occur, call a public adjuster for assistance. We can help take away a lot of the stress you are experiencing. If one of these events were to befall your home, and you need to make a claim with your insurance company, we can help you deal with the legwork associated with filing such a claim. Take a look at these hazards below and try to avoid letting them become a problem in your home.

public adjuster

Overworked Electrical Systems

This time of year a lot more appliances are plugged in at a time. During the dog days of summer, additional strain from AC units can potentially cause outages, blackouts and even shorts. More appliances combined with soaring temperatures increases the chance for a short circuit, thus creating the danger of a house fire.

Outdated Air Conditioners

We all use air conditioners in the summer. However, many units are either dirty or not up to date. This can not only cause poor air quality but high energy costs and fire hazards as well. Make sure your AC is cleaned or serviced at least once a year and that your filters are replaced often.

Relaxed Home Security

When you’re spending more time outdoors, windows and doors can be left open. When you open your home to the fresh air you also need to make sure you’re not opening it up to unwanted guests. Property crimes increase during the summer months so make sure you are keeping your household secure.

Flooding

This time of year, summer rains can flood basements and homes and even damage appliances. Floods can cause a lot of damage so keep your eye on the weather and make sure your home, including the roof and basement is prepared for heavy rains.

Don’t allow any of these summer hazards to put a damper on your plans. And, if you do find yourself in the undesirable position of having to deal with your insurance company alone, hire our public adjuster in the Twin Cities area. Call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677), or you can contact us to set up your Free Consultation.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Insurance Claims

Posted on May 4, 2017 by Norcia Insurance Consultants

When faced with a crisis, many have questions about the next steps to take. Your first impulse may be to talk to family and friends, make a variety of phone calls, and seek out the answers. At Norcia Insurance Consultants we are here to help give you peace of mind as well as the answers you need, so you can return to your regular routine as soon as possible. To do that, we have prepared a list of insurance claims questions. Green Bay residents can use these answers to help prepare as much as possible for when the worst happens. And, if you are still unsure of what to do, call the insurance claims experts at Norcia.

insurance claims questions

Q: How do I file my claim?
A: When you incur damage to your property, you’ll want someone on your side that can help you file and manage your claim, as well as communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. That’s where a public adjuster comes in. Though, most insurance claims can be filed by visiting your insurance company’s office, over the phone or online, it can be helpful to receive expert advice before even filing the claim. Call Norcia first and we can answer all of your insurance claims questions and even file your claim for you.

Q: What should I do before anything else?
A: The first thing to do is make sure everyone is safe. After a natural disaster or other similar event, it is important to take care of yourself and your loved ones. If anyone requires medical attention, that is definitely a priority. And, once basic needs are met, you can begin to assess the damage and take detailed photos and notes. This is also a great time to give the experts at Norcia a call.

Q: Will my insurance premium increase if I file a claim?
A: This will depend on the circumstances and your insurance company.

Q: How long will my insurance claim take?
A: This also varies claim-by-claim but an a professional insurance claim expert can help streamline the process. Each claim is different, and the amount of resolution time varies based on the assorted factors of the claim. To help the process go as quickly as possible, be sure to provide your insurance company with all the necessary details and documentation in a timely manner.

The most important thing to remember is that filing an insurance claim doesn’t have to be a scary, long and drawn-out process. We are here to help you through each and every step and to answer any insurance claims questions you might have. Talk to the adjusters at Norcia today and learn how we can help.

Have additional insurance claims questions for your Green Bay household? Call Norcia Insurance Consultants at 866-512-LOSS (5677) or Schedule a Free Consultation.