How to Make the Most of an Underinsured Loss

Therefore, a little creativity can help when underinsured. If you look at things a little differently, you may be able to create a strong argument to increase your recovery. Adjusting Today Basis for Institutes CE Courses The Institutes, the leader in providing knowledge solutions for risk management and the property/casualty insurance industry, offers continuing education courses based on technical information compiled from issues of Adjusting Today. The courses — “Valuing a Property Insurance Claim” and “Natural Disasters: Coverage Issues”— include seven modules each and are approved for credit by insurance departments in most states. They are offered to property insurance producers, adjusters or both, depending on the state, for up to three continuing education credit hours per course. More information is available at CEU.com. Ethan Gross, J.D. Adjusters International CORPORATE OFFICE 126 Business Park Drive Utica, New York 13502 800.382.2468 Outside U.S. (315) 797.3035 FAX: (315) 272.2054 Editor@AdjustingToday.com Copyright © 2006 Adjusters International, Inc. Adjusters International ® and the AI logo are registered trademarks of Adjusters International, Inc. Follow Adjusting Today on Facebook & Twitter: Facebook.com/AdjustersInternational Twitter.com/AdjustingToday ADJUSTING TODAY is published as a public service by Adjusters International, Inc. It is provided for general information and is not intended to replace professional insurance, legal or financial advice for specific cases. ADJUSTINGTODAY Adjust ingToday. com View our entire catalog of back issues, download PDF versions, subscribe and contact the editor. WEB ADDRESSES AdjustersInternational.com AdjustingToday.com PUBLISHER Ronald A. Cuccaro, SPPA EDITOR Sheila E. Salvatore AT15 3028-1R ____________________ 1 The Fire Casualty & Surety Bulletin (FC&S Bulletin) is a widely respected insurance industry publication. It is published by the National Underwriter Company. This publication includes explanatory sections and a questionand-answer database where the editors respond to coverage questions. The database has a user-friendly search engine, which makes finding information on your topic simple.While the FC&S Bulletins do not have the binding effect of published court opinions, they tend to be very persuasive. Additionally, when dealing with questions of additional coverage, the amounts tend to be smaller and, therefore, rarely litigated. Thus, published opinions on questions concerning additional coverages are limited. For more information, visit www.nuco.com. filed within the applicable statute of limitations and evidence must be preserved in order to maintain actions against negligent third parties or, in some instances, errors and omissions claims in the event the agent or broker was negligent. While the other methods outlined in this article may get policyholders close enough to being whole, the insured should consult with an attorney shortly after the loss to make sure they do not inadvertently lose any of their rights. Conclusion While it is best to head off an underinsurance situation through proper analysis of coverage needs ahead of time, after a loss occurs there are still many avenues available to policyholders to maximize their financial recovery and minimize their underinsured losses. Experience and creativity are key to developing the best possible strategy for presenting an underinsured claim. Insureds should not be afraid to call in the expertise needed to get the best possible recovery.

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