When you need results, our firm is your solution.
We are your best choice for representing your commercial property claim.
When you need results, our firm is your solution.
We are your best choice for representing your commercial property claim.
We are your best choice for representing your commercial property claim.
We are your best choice for representing your commercial property claim.
A public insurance adjuster is a licensed claims professional dedicated to representing and advocating for policyholders in the evaluation and negotiation of insurance claims. In the state of Illinois, aside from attorneys and the broker of record, public adjusters are the only professionals legally permitted to represent the rights of an insured party during the insurance claim process. Typically, public adjusters charge a percentage of the amount the insurance company pays out.
The primary responsibilities of a public adjuster include:
• Reviewing insurance policies to determine coverage.
• Assessing damage and preparing detailed estimates.
• Completing all necessary claim documentation.
• Negotiating with the insurance company's claims adjuster on behalf of the policyholder.
Public adjusters are exclusively dedicated to representing the interests of policyholders, providing expert advice, management, and submission of claims to the insurance company. In contrast, insurance companies are represented by their own staff adjusters or independent adjusters hired to protect the company's interests.
Only a public adjuster represents the interests of the policyholder.
Insurance is designed to provide financial protection in case of loss, typically recognized as visible property damage following events like fires or floods. Remarkably, 90% of our clients were unaware that their insurance might cover the cost of repairing or replacing property damage.
Roof-related damages, such as those caused by ice, wind, and hail, are among the most common due to weather exposure. These types of claims are particularly prevalent in the Midwest. Roof damage can extend beyond water leaks inside a building; for instance, years of unnoticed hail damage can lead to severe roof deterioration, making it more challenging to successfully pursue a claim.
This is why it is crucial to have a professional public adjuster inspect your roof after any significant wind or hailstorms, even if no damage is immediately apparent.
Inspections are free.
To qualify, simply obtain a complete copy of your property's insurance policy and have your property inspected.
We will promptly inform you if we believe you have an insurable loss. In the Midwest, the most common claims are for ice and hail damage. Many property owners are unaware that they may be entitled to a settlement.
If you qualify, you will only be responsible for your policy deductible, and we will facilitate the replacement of your commercial roofs and other damaged property. For claims with partial coverage, we ensure policyholders fully understand their financial risk, available options, and possible future policy upgrades.
Throughout the policy evaluation process, clear communication is essential. We help clients understand basic policy language, approximate timelines, and all possible scenarios.
We are committed to supporting you through the entire claims process.
We don’t get paid unless you do.
Insurance policies, particularly those for commercial and industrial properties, are often complex and written in legal jargon. These policies include multiple layers of coverage, exclusions, and addendums, all of which must be carefully analyzed to fully understand the scope of coverage.
Having a team of experienced policy underwriters, former insurance adjusters, and insurance attorneys is invaluable. It requires days of meetings, thorough reviews, and diligent assessments by the entire team to accurately evaluate a complex policy. Upon completion of this process, we aim to understand the best approach for achieving a successful settlement.
An insurance policy is a contract between the insurer and the insured, and every contract must eventually be fulfilled. Most policies provide options for policyholders to uphold their rights through appraisal, arbitration, and the right to contest the insurer's decision.
It is important not to rely solely on an insurance adjuster's opinion, as their primary duty is to protect the interests of the insurance company.
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The claims process begins with an initial property inspection and policy evaluation. Following this, we arrange a meeting with the insurance company representative at the loss location to review the detailed scope of repairs covered under the policy. Often, the insurer's initial resolution will be a low and quick settlement or no payment at all.
To counter this, we provide the insured with comprehensive policy research, engineers' case studies, and material manufacturers' recommended methods of repair and installation, significantly increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. If this approach does not yield the desired results, we utilize the valuable options available in your policy, such as arbitration or the appraisal process. We have employed these methods frequently and with excellent results.
In some cases, claims that offer the highest benefits to the policyholder may ultimately be resolved in court. Regardless of the numerous steps, meetings, and re-inspections involved, we are committed to pursuing a successful settlement for the policyholder.
Over the years, we have learned a crucial lesson: "Never give up." Every "no" only brings us one step closer to achieving a settlement on our terms.
Our settlement ratio continues to improve each year, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to our clients' success.
All the promises made in an insurance policy must be honored eventually. Whether it takes a month or a year, we ensure our clients receive the protection and coverage they are entitled to.
Our persistence has been honed through consistent practice on shorter-term projects, gradually
tackling larger jobs until persistence became second nature in everything we do.
The Claim Settlement Ratio reflects how many insurance claims Lake Shore Public Adjusters Group successfully settles in a financial year. It is calculated by comparing the total number of claims received to the total number of claims settled. Of the last 100 claims we handled, we successfully settled 98.
Evaluation of the Claim or Potential Claim:
Thoroughly assessing the validity and extent of the claim.
Reporting the Claim:
Accurately and promptly notifying the insurance company of the
claim.
Coverage Assessment:
Analyzing the insurance policy to determine the scope and limits
of coverage.
Claim Advocacy:
Representing and advocating for the policyholder throughout the entire claims process.
Experience the satisfaction of increasing your building's value by hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
We proudly serve Chicago, IL, Rockford, IL, Madison, WI, and all areas in between.
Today | By Appointment |
Our work requires us to spend significant time outside the office, actively collaborating with clients and partners, and conducting field-related activities. Therefore, all office consultations are by appointment only.
Obtaining factory certification from a roofing manufacturer or a maker of other building components requires certified roofing contractors to demonstrate superior product knowledge, financial stability, a proven commitment to staff training and education, and a high level of customer service. This process can be time-consuming and expensive, but it is well worth the effort. Here’s why: most product manufacturers will only provide a warranty for their products, regardless of who installed them. Only a "Certified Installer" at the highest level can offer a workmanship warranty through the manufacturer.
We strive to offer this type of workmanship warranty. Currently, less than one percent of installers in the United States can offer this warranty from multiple manufacturers. We hold the following certifications:
• Illinois Unlimited Roofing License
• IICRC Certified – Water Damage Restoration
• GAF Certified Contractor
• Haag Certified Inspector – Commercial Roofs
• Licensed Public Adjuster in the State of Illinois
• Licensed Public Adjuster in the State of Florida
• Licensed Public Adjuster in the State of Wisconsin
When you work with Lake Shore Public Adjusters Group, LLC on your claim, you gain access to the finest engineers and tradesmen, providing comprehensive construction, design, and management solutions for both commercial and industrial properties. We are renowned for our professionalism, integrity, and reliability—a reputation built on the dedication and expertise of our employees.
Our commitment to continuous education ensures exceptional results. Key elements of our professional development program include:
• Tailoring learning to meet the specific needs of each employee.
• Consistent monitoring and assessment of progress.
• Regular evaluation and adjustment of training programs as needed.
• Individualized training for project managers to enhance their skills.
• Sustained support through implementation, including coaching and follow-ups.
Lake Shore Public Adjusters Group's team comprises first-class professionals dedicated to excellence in every project.
"Do not file a claim for roof damage unless you can see the damage."
An inspection by a roofer is often insufficient, as most roofers are not trained to identify hail damage. While a roofer's primary obligation is to install roofs, a public adjuster's obligation is to help the policyholder. It is always recommended to have a professional roof inspection rather than assume there is no damage.
"Hail damage to the roof is warranted."
This myth is common among property owners who have recently replaced their roofs or whose roofs are still under warranty. Unfortunately, hail damage is often excluded from warranties offered by contractors, builders, and manufacturers.
"If I file a claim, my rates will increase."
While it is possible that your rates may increase after filing a claim, this can be due to factors beyond your control. Do not let this myth deter you from filing a claim, as it may be the only way to obtain the compensation needed to repair your property damage.
"There is a one-year time limit for filing an insurance claim."
The time limit for filing claims is stated in your policy. It is always better to double-check your policy rather than assume the time frame the insurance company allows for filing a claim.
"The insurance company denied the claim, so I cannot obtain compensation."
A denied claim does not necessarily mean you are out of luck. Insurance companies sometimes deny legitimate claims. If this happens, consider hiring a public adjuster to represent your best interests, as the insurer may have acted in bad faith.
"Insurers don't have to replace the roof."
Often, insurance companies will only pay to repair the damaged sections of the roof rather than replacing it entirely. However, depending on your policy terms, the insurer may be offering to pay for only a section because it costs them less.
"The insurance company does not have to pay if the roof was improperly maintained."
While this may be true in some cases, do not take the insurance company's word for it. The primary goal of every insurance company is to minimize their expenses on policyholders’ claims. They may use various tactics to deny or devalue your claim.
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