Our intention here is simply hitting a few key points “at a glance” that may be helpful for architects and design professionals when assisting with a client’s loss assessment.
Architects best understand building systems as a whole and any further detail as needed with his team. Insurance adjusters and/or their consultants on the other hand usually look at a loss focused on their area of expertise. For that reason, an architect’s overview on any large loss is best.
Years ago, we had designed and built several projects in Florida. After multiple hurricanes, several of our previous clients had a difficult time with their property insurance recovery and requested our assistance. “Property Loss and Insurance Recovery” is another whole world. Never assume anything.
Some basic guiding principles regarding Property Loss
The Insurance Policy is simply a Contract between the Insurer and the Policyholder stipulating specific conditions, endorsements and exclusions and what the insurer will Pay for a Loss in exchange for a Premium (payment).
As clearly stated in the Policy:
After a Loss, Submit a “Notice of Loss” to the Insurance Company or Insurance Agent.
The Insured will receive a “Claim Number” for any future reference.
It is the “Duty of the Insured” to “Submit the Loss.”
“Do not” rely on the insurance adjuster to assess your loss.
Insurance companies rely on experts to protect their interests, it’s essential the insured do the same.
Insureds are entitled to use Industry Professionals (i.e. Architects, Engineers) as required. Public Adjusters are licensed by each state to settle Insurance Claims and regulated by the State’s Banking and Insurance Divisions. This is where architects can get further involved.
Architects can play a key role in the Recovery Process. Understanding the coverages and policy provisions are both critical. The design and building industries use various estimating and cost programs. The Insurance Industry will typically their own estimating software, Xactimate being the most common. Although the Xactimate format is quite different than that used in the building industry, costs can easily be compared line item by line item.
We will make ourselves available to discuss further and answer any questions.
D. Bradford Anderson, AIA
561-385-0290 | dba@andrexus.com