A property loss consultant can be a huge help in figuring out what to do after a fire, theft, or other loss. From filing insurance claims to helping you make decisions about the structure of your home, these professionals have seen it all and are there to help you through the hardest time of your life. Let’s explore some important tips for finding a suitable property loss consultant!
Do Research
Gather information about your insurance company’s preferred consultants. A lot of times, your insurer will already have a list of individuals or agencies that they prefer you to use when it comes time for filing claims. If there is a top-rated consultant nearby, go there. The consultants at Avner Gat offer help when it comes to these cases and having someone licensed and reputable is a bonus. These are more than likely the best people to work with on getting your life back in order after an unfortunate setting. Be sure to ask which consultants they recommend and why!
Ask around
You may not even know what a property loss consultant does, but someone you know might! Those who’ve had the misfortune of losing something through theft or fire more than likely had some sort of local help during this difficult time. Try asking some friends and family members if they had any experience with hiring these sorts of professionals and if they can recommend anyone. Chances are, at least one person will be able to give you a local referral!
Look For Reviews And Testimonials
As with anything else in life, word of mouth is the best way to find something great! See if you can find any websites that feature reviews and testimonials about various property loss consultants in your area. You don’t have to hire someone just because you saw them on Yelp or Google+ Local, but it never hurts to see what people say who’ve used these services before. If there’s nothing available online, check with your insurance company and see if they have any resources for finding an expert!
Be Comfortable And Communicate Clearly
You may be coming out of a tough time when you’re dealing with a property loss consultant. It’s crucial that you feel comfortable in their presence and know that they are well-versed in the situation you find yourself in. The more clarity there is, the better it is for everyone involved! Don’t be afraid to ask questions or express concerns before signing any contracts, but also make sure your potential consultants know what they need to do on their end of things too. You need to be on the same page!
Different consultants will have different methods of working and communicating, but it’s important that you feel like your voice is being heard and that you’re getting all of the information you need. If one person isn’t communicating with the insurance company as well as they should be, or if something is getting lost in translation, it could end up hurting both parties impacted by the loss.
Make Sure They Are Licensed And Insured
This may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many times people forget about it! A licensing and insurance policy means that this person has undergone special training and will be held accountable if anything goes wrong during the process of assessment, restoration services, etc. These professionals are supposed to help you, not do more harm!
A good consultant will be there for you through the entire process of filing insurance claims and getting your home put back together. They’ll help with securing the property from the scene, making decisions about what is salvageable, speed up the restoration process by working closely with contractors, and more!
Things To Avoid
While there are plenty of great property loss consultants out there, you’ll also find some that aren’t quite as good. Before giving anyone your business, make sure they have these qualities:
- Is not employed by or affiliated with any insurance company
- Offers services for free or at a reduced cost to anyone who is affected by a loss
- Promises guaranteed results within limited time frames
If you notice any red flags like these, be wary! These could very well be scammers looking to cash in on people during their lowest points. Make sure that the property loss consultant you are dealing with is trustworthy before signing anything!
Try asking friends and family if they’ve had any experience with hiring such a person before and if so can recommend someone! Seek out reviews and testimonials online about different consultants in your area too, and make sure that whomever you choose is licensed and insured under liability insurance policies to ensure accountability. A property loss consultant can be a great resource for getting your life back on track after such a traumatic event as losing your home to fire or theft. Make sure you consider the above tips before making any hiring decisions.
