Author: Angela Andrews

Missed deadlines

Suit Limitation Clauses in Insurance Policies: The Deadline That Quietly Ends Claims

Suit limitation clauses in insurance policies impose strict contractual deadlines for filing lawsuits that are often much shorter than state statutes of limitations. Many policyholders and contractors mistakenly believe that ongoing claim negotiations, appraisal, partial payments, or the absence of a formal denial will pause or extend these deadlines. In reality, courts frequently enforce suit limitation provisions as written, and missing the deadline can permanently bar recovery—even when damage and underpayment are undisputed. Understanding and tracking these time limits from the date of loss is critical to preserving a policyholder’s ability to challenge claim decisions and protect their rights.

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Married couple reading letter from insurance company requesting Proof of Loss form

Proof of Loss Form Submissions: One Letter That Can Decide the Fate of an Insurance Claim

A Proof of Loss submission is a critical contractual requirement that can significantly impact the outcome of an insurance claim. When a policyholder fails to submit the form—whether sworn or unsworn—within the timeframes required by the policy or state administrative rules, insurers may deny, reduce, or limit coverage regardless of the legitimacy of the underlying damage. Many policyholders mistakenly rely on contractors or assume that estimates and invoices satisfy the requirement, but courts often enforce Proof of Loss deadlines strictly once the insurer has provided written notice. Missing or improperly executing this submission can eliminate negotiating leverage, impair appraisal or litigation rights, and, in some cases, permanently bar recovery. #Proof of Loss #POL #SPOL #Deadline

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Insurance Claim Deadlines That Are Frequently Missed

Insurance Claim Deadlines That Are Frequently Missed — and Why They Matter

Insurance policies impose strict deadlines that can significantly affect a property owner’s ability to recover full claim benefits after a loss. Commonly missed requirements include timely notice of loss, sworn proof of loss submissions, deadlines to complete repairs in order to recover depreciation, and suit limitation clauses that restrict how long a policyholder has to pursue legal action. These deadlines often continue running even while a claim is being adjusted or negotiated, and missing them can reduce or permanently bar recovery. Understanding and tracking these contractual time limits is critical to protecting coverage rights and avoiding preventable claim denials. #POL #SPOL #Suit Limitation #Proof of Loss

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The Dangers of Aggressive Contractors in Home Insurance Claims

Aggressive contractor tactics following storms and major weather events have drawn increasing scrutiny as some companies pressure homeowners into premature agreements or attempt to influence the insurance claims process. States are responding through stricter enforcement of public adjuster licensing laws, consumer-protection measures, and regulations targeting high-pressure solicitation. In Ohio, existing laws governing public adjusters, prohibitions on unauthorized claim handling, and home-solicitation protections form the foundation of these efforts, with additional proposals aimed at reducing post-loss contractor influence. These initiatives seek to protect policyholders, preserve the integrity of the claims process, and clarify the legal boundaries between contractors, adjusters, and insurers.

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Public Adjuster Overcoming Fee Concerns and Building Strong Customer Relationships

Overcoming Fee Concerns To Build Strong Client Relationships

Many homeowners initially hesitate to hire a public adjuster because they worry that paying a fee will reduce their ability to complete repairs. These concerns often arise from fear, confusion about the insurance process, and the mistaken belief that the carrier’s adjuster represents their interests. Public adjusters can overcome these concerns by reframing the conversation around outcomes, not costs—showing how professional documentation, code analysis, and negotiation typically increase the overall recovery well beyond the fee. Sharing real examples, acknowledging emotional stress, clearly outlining the adjuster’s role, and offering simple explanations help build trust and clarity.

Effective client relationships begin with transparency, mutual understanding, and clear expectations about how the partnership works. Public adjusters must also take special care when working with elderly, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable policyholders, ensuring compliance with consumer-protection laws and providing extra clarity and sensitivity. When handled thoughtfully, fee concerns become an opportunity to educate, reassure, and form stronger, more collaborative client relationships.

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A Lighthearted Guide to Surviving Thanksgiving Weekend

Holiday Travel, Fried Turkeys & Black Friday Chaos

Holiday travel often brings a mix of excitement and chaos, from crowded airports and traffic jams to the stress of coordinating family visits. Thanksgiving also introduces seasonal hazards such as improperly fried turkeys, kitchen mishaps, and the frenzy of Black Friday shopping, where early-morning crowds and frantic bargain-hunting can create unexpected risks. At the same time, families enjoy the tradition of repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers into creative meals that carry the celebration through the weekend. Amid these lighthearted challenges, the focus remains on staying safe, enjoying time with loved ones, and embracing the humor and warmth that define the holiday season.

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When the Insurer Isn’t Who It Seems: The Hidden Challenge of “Group” Policies and review of effect of group risk insurance carrier coverages

When the Insurer Isn’t Who It Seems: The Hidden Challenge of “Group” Policies

A local Ohio hotel’s storm claim exposed a complex issue in insurance litigation — discovering that the insurer, was actually a group of about 20 underwriting companies. The discovery reveals that each entity might need to be named as a defendant, creating a costly and difficult case to manage. This article examines whether public adjusters have a duty to research an insurer’s business structure, or if that responsibility lies with the Policyholder/Agent. It also explores the practical implications of continuing litigation when recovery is limited and costs are high. The takeaway: understanding who truly stands behind the policy is essential before a claim ever reaches court.

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Understanding Public Adjuster Fees

“Will This Cost Me Anything?” The Hidden Cost of Going Without a Public Adjuster

Many policyholders approach a public adjuster with the expectation that services should be free or that fees will reduce their ability to complete repairs, but these concerns often stem from fear, misunderstanding of the claims process, and financial stress after a loss. Homeowners frequently assume the insurance company’s adjuster is working on their behalf, leading them to question why they should pay for their own advocate. This mindset can create difficult client relationships, especially when individuals are unwilling to recognize the value a public adjuster brings in identifying overlooked damages, negotiating supplements, and securing a more accurate recovery.

The discussion also raises the question of whether fee-averse clients are a good fit for representation. While some simply need education and reassurance, others exhibit signs of distrust, unrealistic expectations, or resistance to professional guidance—factors that can undermine the entire claims process. Public adjusters must balance compassion with clear boundaries and remain attentive to state consumer-protection rules, especially when working with elderly or vulnerable policyholders.

Understanding a prospective client’s concerns early on helps public adjusters determine whether the relationship is workable and sets the stage for a smoother, more successful claim experience for both parties.

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When a Claim Fails Before It Begins: What Leonard v. State Farm Teaches About the Value of a Public Adjuster

The outcome of Leonard v. State Farm illustrates how insurance claims can fail when they are not properly documented, framed, or supported. The homeowner’s attorney attempted to argue for full roof replacement based on building code requirements, but the argument was misapplied and unsupported by the factual record. Critical evidence—such as detailed repairability analysis, code-based justification, and even the insurance policy itself—was missing from the case. As a result, the court found no basis to compel appraisal, no factual dispute over the scope of damage, and no grounds for breach of contract or bad faith.

The case highlights the important role a public adjuster can play in developing a strong claim foundation. A public adjuster would have documented repair feasibility, created a code-compliant narrative, established causation, and ensured the policy and supporting materials were properly presented. With the correct framing and a well-developed record, the homeowner’s position could have been significantly stronger.

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Satellite office in KY

Green Public

Insurance Adjusting

Is now in Kentucky serving clients affected by the tornados. Stop by our satellite location at 3205 US Highway 641 N in Benton, KY. We’re just down the road from the Kentucky Opry.