Empathy Claims Resolves Commercial Property Claim with Boots on the Ground Inspection, Detailed Reviews, and Effective Communication
Overview Of Claim
A volunteer fire department in Illinois providing volunteer fire rescue services for a small municipality in Illinois and surrounding farming communities reported an electrical fire to their specialty insurance carrier who provides property and casualty insurance to emergency service organizations throughout the United States. It was reported that the fire originated in the fire engine bay of the insured’s firehouse and devastated the entire firehouse, stored vehicles, response trailers, business personal property (BPP), and personal property of others. The fire caused over one million dollars’ worth of catastrophic damage to the firehouse. The specialty insurance carrier immediately chose to contact Empathy Claims and enlist our multi-line insurance adjusting services to evaluate the damages to the structure, the damages to the automobiles and trailers within the facility, the business personal property, and the personal property of others.
Independent Commercial Property Adjusters
The Empathy Claims team proceeded with coordinating one of our nearby local adjusters to provide a swift response to the scene to complete a thorough inspection, documenting and completing a scope of all damages. The Empathy Claims team worked diligently to accurately assess the extent of the various types of property losses. The highly qualified property adjusters and appraisers at Empathy Claims also worked with mitigation contractors, automotive shops, and building contractors to secure an agreed cost of repairs to provide the insurance company with estimates needed to make real time decisions in resolving the claim and indemnifying the policyholder. Throughout the course of work, the Empathy Claims team paid close attention to the claim file, effectively communicated with all involved parties, and provided consistent and timely updates to the insurance carrier and their policyholder.
Claim Investigation Results
After assessing all damages first-hand during inspection, the Empathy Claims team worked from the ground up, assessing the mitigation costs. We persevered as a contractor chose to bill the insured an unreasonable “bulk-bid” for mitigation. Through our handling and detailed review of documents gathered, we identified discrepancies in the contract with the mitigation company favoring the insured. By gathering all supporting documentation and completing an audit of all contractor invoices we fairly saved the insurance carrier tens of thousands of dollars while also professionally negotiating with each contractor to reach an agreed cost of repairs to resolve the claim fairly and amicably. Empathy Claims continued the momentum by working with a building consultant for the insured and provided prompt updates to the insurance carrier and policyholder as the rebuilding process began.
Less than two years from the date of loss, the insured firehouse was fully rebuilt with like-kind-quality materials, the vehicles and BPP were replaced indemnifying the insured and third parties for damages to their personal property. The Empathy Claims team ensured to provide the insurance carrier detailed reporting accompanied by a running summary estimate for payments made correlating with signed proof of loss documents to track the claim progress. The Empathy Claims team won the policyholder’s trust and gratitude for our assistance and willingness to answer questions at a moment’s notice, furthering the lasting relationship between the insurance carrier and their policyholder.
Experienced Commercial Property Claims Adjusters
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This case study exemplifies our team’s ability to assess a large commercial loss from the beginning stages to its completion even when roadblocks present themselves. The Empathy Claims team worked diligently while building a relationship of trust with the policyholder. Since 1994, Empathy Claims has been committed to helping our insurance company and self-funded entity clients with all of their claims adjusting and investigation needs. Contact us today to learn more about how Empathy Claims can be a strong advocate out in the field for your company’s claim operations.