Client Story: Water Damage from Appliance Failure in Westfield, New Jersey

A client in Westfield reached out to JF Public Adjusters for urgent assistance. The dishwasher failed and a large volume of water escaped, damaging the cupboards, floors, and a carpet in an open plan living / dining / kitchen.

The JFPA NJ Team promptly arranged for emergency mitigation services to come in and ensure the area is dried out. We reported a claim the next day and then managed the claim to settlement.

The claim settled for nearly 3 times the insurer’s initial offer. The client was satisfied and has since completed the rebuild.

A standard home insurance policy covers sudden and accidental damage from appliance failure. The important keywords here are sudden and unexpected. It won’t cover damage resulting from lack of maintenance, for example water damage caused by the slow drip under your kitchen sink.

In the case of a sudden and unexpected appliance failure, your policy will cover the resulting damage, but will not cover the cost to repair or replace the appliance.

Public adjusters are insurance claim specialists. Day in and day out we work on claims. We understand how the claim process works. We have staff that will follow up your claim for you. We have estimators that will create damage estimates that reflect the true cost of repair or replacement.

A study has shown than insurers paid, on average, 574% more on claims where a public adjuster was involved, versus claims where there was no public adjuster involved.

Another study revealed that insurers make offers of settlement that can be as low as 30% the actual cost to repair or replace.

This is where the value of having a public adjuster comes in. By hiring a public adjuster, you have someone who ensures that your claim is properly documented and substantiated with photographs and estimates. You have someone on your side to defend the estimate and rebut any objections raised by the insurer. Your public adjuster will take all the necessary steps to ensure you receive the best possible settlement from your insurance provider.

On your own, there is a significant risk that you suffer financial loss and bear a big portion of the cost of repairs or replacement. For large losses, that can easily translate to losses in the tens or hundreds of thousands.

Public adjusters exist to level the playing field with your insurer. Take the help and let your public adjuster advocate for you.