Although Hurricane Cindy came and went without incident, do not sit back and take a load off just yet! Hurricane season is not over until November and we remind our clients of the importance of being prepared for disasters such as hurricanes that threaten property. The following advice will save policyholders time, money, and hassle in the event of an insurance claim:

Verify your insurance policy: Speak with your agent or call one of our licensed Texas public adjusters at Morgan Elite Specialist Services for a professional second opinion. We will explain your insurance policy and coverage and offer the best recommendations per your needs. 

Take pictures: Pictures are the best line of defense against insurance companies when proving the actuality of damage. Please be aware that insurance companies can, do, and will fight the legitimacy of each account associated with a claim, regardless if other policy holders on the same street experience related damage. Take pictures of the roof, all exterior parts, and the interior such as attic, ceilings, windows, etc. Pictures are very important and the more, the better!

Do not give up! If your claim is denied or underpaid, give us a call! Our business is to ensure policy holders receive fair and adequate compensation according to their policies and we take pride in our ability to positively assist in navigating the troublesome claims process.

Our team of skilled and experienced public adjusters at Morgan Elite Specialist Services is happy to offer advice or assist at any stage of an insurance claim. As always, consultations and inspections are free of charge!

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In 2016, Texas ranked #2 in homeowner lightning claims with Florida coming in at #1. According to Jayleen Heft of Property Casualty 360ﹾ, Texas lightening claims exceeded 9,000 and averaged about $9, 580 per claim, equaling approximately $87.2 million in damage and loss. Below are some recommendations which will help protect your home and possessions against lightning strikes:

• Unplug electronics: Plugged in electrical devices receive electricity even when powered off and are susceptible to surge and lightning related damage. If you are not using it, unplug it!
• Ensure adequate grounding: Employ a professional technician or home inspector to make sure the electricity in your home or business is properly grounded. Improper grounding is like a ticking time bomb!
• Use surge protectors: A reliable surge protector will safeguard electronics by preventing surges of electricity from causing damage or ruin. Invest in a reputable brand that meets your needs and research pricing and customer reviews. Surge protectors are definitely worth every penny!
• Seek a professional opinion: Call Morgan Elite Specialist Services! We are a licensed and professional team of Texas public adjusters that help policy holders be prepared. Our experienced adjusters are policy experts and will protect your interests by ensuring adequate coverage for potential losses, including lightning, and advising policy changes to better suit your needs. 

If you have already realized a loss due to lightning or other emergency, we offer free consultations and inspections and can assist with new, denied, or underpaid claims. Our goal is to provide a fair settlement with your insurance company per policy.

​Sources:
 
Heft, J. R. (2017, June 19). Top 10 states for homeowner lightning claims in 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2017, from http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2017/06/19/top-10-states-for-homeowner-lightning-claims-in-20?page=10
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According to weather.com and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2017 hurricane season is predicted to be more active than the past few years. The forecast includes an estimated 5-9 hurricanes, 2-4 tropical storms, and a total of 11-17 named storms which is two more than last year’s actual total named storms.
 
Regardless of where you live, it is crucial to be prepared in the event of a disaster. Here are a few tips to consider when constructing a storm/emergency preparedness plan:

• Do not underestimate location: Hurricanes have the ability to transform into powerful tropical storms with extremely high winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes that travel on land. Be careful not to assume that you are free from harm simply because you do not live near the coast.

 

• Verify insurance policies:  If you are a business owner, homeowner, or renter, protect yourself and your financial investments from any harm. Make sure to have adequate coverage for the value of your properties and against named storms or other disasters.

 

• Create a personal emergency plan: There are many precautions to take with the possibility of a hurricane or tropical storm because these types of harsh weather can cause significant damage and change life in an instant. Please visit the NOAA website at the link below for assistance in determining risk and preparing an emergency plan.

                        https://www.weather.gov/wrn/2017-determine-your-risk
 
Call Morgan Elite Specialist Services! We are a team of expert and licensed Texas public adjusters who have extensive knowledge of insurance policies and the claims process. We are here to help and offer free home inspections as well as recommendations for ethically operated insurance companies. Don’t wait any longer! 
 
Sources:
 
2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Expect It to Be Busier Than Usual. (2016, January 04). Retrieved June 12, 2017, from https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2017-hurricane-season-forecast-atlantic-colorado-state-the-weather-company-may
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An overabundance of insurance regulations are in effect that consumers may not know or understand. Although we could write a novel, we will begin with a few intriguing facts:
 
            1. Public adjusters can be hired to represent policyholders and their insurance claims: Many people get                                 confused between public adjusters and insurance company adjusters. Public adjusters are hired by the                              insured to protect their interests, negotiate a  settlement, and guarantee fair and adequate compensation                     with their insurance companies according to individual policies.
 
            2. Policyholders are likely to be underinsured: Did your insurance company give you a
                 ‘beyond excellent’ rate that no one else was offering? If so, chances are high that the company has taken the                  ‘meat’ out of the coverage and/or the deductible is very costly. Our advice is to consider the risk in the event                  of a loss and contact the insurance company to make proper policy adjustments according to your                                         satisfaction.
         
​            3. Not all insurance companies are created equal: It’s true! Perhaps you are thinking of
                purchasing a policy from a particular insurance company because you like their catchy
                commercial, they offer seemingly good rates, or you simply want to help a friend;
                whatever the reason, please research company behaviors beforehand or call Morgan
                Elite Specialist Services. We know the best insurance companies to have on your side
                when in need.   
 
            4. Insurance policies can be terminated at any time: In the state of Texas, policy holders
                have the right to cancel their policies whenever necessary without a grace period. On
                the other hand, a grace period is typically granted if the insurance company is dropping
                a policy. Make sure to have proper coverage in place before making any cancellations.
 
Morgan Elite Specialist Services is an esteemed public adjusting agency in Texas. Our team of state licensed public adjusters have a proven success rate in negotiating and settling fair and just claims for policy holders. As always, we offer consultations and inspections without charge. Call today, we can help! 

RELATED LINKS: www.messtx.com ​
​© 2017 MESSTX.com

​Texan’s have experienced quite a variety of weather activity lately including rain, wind, hail, tornadoes, and even flooding in some regions with more severe weather predicted for this week. Due to these weather patterns and the ensuing damage, many people are filing claims with their insurance providers. The claim process is often daunting and complicated so here are a few tips to help ensure a smooth transaction: 

            Take pictures: If possible, take pictures during the storm as well as all resulting damage to help confirm the actuality of the event. Insurance companies are less likely to deny claims with pictures and will not rely solely on the opinions of their adjusters when   inspecting property.   

            Contractors: Be wary of roofers and contractors who state they have an in-house public adjuster or offer to file and negotiate a claim on your behalf.  Public adjusters can only  work for policyholders through contract or be referred by contractors. Any other dynamic is typically illegal. If a contractor's insists that he/she can file or negotiate your claim, they are wrong.

            Please note: Only three parties are legally allowed to negotiate property claims in the state of Texas: the insured, a licensed Texas public insurance adjuster, or a licensed insurance adjuster from the insurance company.

            Insurance Adjusters: Surprisingly, we have encountered a number of insurance adjusters falsely claiming to have Texas licensing. Be very cautious of these claims as it is illegal to operate as an adjuster in the state of Texas without proper licensing.

            Whether an adjuster making a site visit or a ‘desk’ adjuster on the phone, please request their Texas adjusting licensing number! If they refuse, notify the Texas Department of Insurance at 1-800-252-3439. Also contact your insurance company, explain the problem, and request that a new adjuster be assigned to your claim.

Our Texas licensed public adjusters at Morgan Elite Specialist Services are proud of their ability to successfully assist policy holders to navigate the rocky insurance claim process. Our main concern is protecting policy holder interests and ensuring fair and adequate compensation for incurred losses. As always, we offer free consultations and inspections. 

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