How to Assess Damage for Insurance
- 1). Contact an expert in the field to assess the damage that has been done to your property. If you have been involved in an automobile accident, it is important to contact an expert body shop for an accurate estimate of what it will take to restore your car to its former condition. If the damage was done to your home, be sure to have an experienced contractor assess the damage and determine how much it will cost to fully repair your property. These experts will be able to spot hidden damage that the insurance adjuster may have missed.
- 2). Look at the value of similar property and use that as a guide to the value of your own. If you are looking at a total loss to your vehicle, be sure to get a copy of Kelley Bluebook or a similar guide to determine the true market value of the car that has been damaged. Also check with local car lots and obtain quotes on similar vehicles. If you are able to provide firm offers from a local car dealer, that can greatly strengthen your case for more compensation.
- 3). Obtain multiple estimates to substantiate your claim and assess the damage that you have suffered. Check with several body shops if you are dealing with a car insurance claim, or several general contractors if you are dealing with a homeowners claim. Be sure to obtain estimates only from firms that will be able to provide top quality service for your claim. If you are required to get an estimate from a company your insurance company recommends, be sure to submit that estimate along with the ones you got on your own.
- 4). Consider hiring a general public adjuster to help you get the most from your homeowners insurance claim. These professionals are very good at assessing the true extent of the damage and coming up with a realistic estimate of how much repairs will cost. The average homeowner is not generally equipped to determine the monetary damages that result from fires, floods and natural disasters, so hiring a professional can be a very effective way to maximize the value of your insurance claim.