Baltimore & Westminster Disaster Restoration

"Reasonable and customary costs" refer to the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged property that are considered reasonable and customary within the geographic area where the property is located. This means that the insurance company will only cover the costs of the restoration work that are typical and customary for the area, and not necessarily the full cost of the work. The insurance company will use industry-standard pricing data to determine what is considered reasonable and customary for the work being performed. It is important for homeowners to understand what is and is not covered by their insurance policy, including any limitations on coverage or exclusions, so they can make informed decisions about the restoration work they need to have done.

IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. It is a non-profit organization that sets industry standards and provides training and certification programs for professionals in the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.

The IICRC develops and publishes standards and guidelines for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration of various types of buildings and materials. These standards are based on research and best practices in the industry and are recognized as the industry standard in many countries around the world.

In addition to developing and publishing standards, the IICRC offers training and certification programs for professionals in the industry. These programs cover a range of topics, including water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold remediation, carpet cleaning, and more.

By setting industry standards and providing training and certification programs, the IICRC helps to ensure that professionals in the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries are properly trained and equipped to provide high-quality services to customers. This helps to protect the health and safety of individuals and communities and promotes the restoration and preservation of buildings and other materials.

OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is a United States federal agency established in 1971 under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. OSHA is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees in the United States by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

OSHA sets and enforces safety and health standards for workplaces to help prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses. Employers are required to comply with these standards and provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.

OSHA also provides training, outreach, education, and assistance to employers and employees to help them understand and comply with safety and health standards. This includes providing training on specific safety hazards, offering technical assistance to employers to help them develop safety programs, and conducting outreach to raise awareness of safety and health issues.

In addition to setting and enforcing safety and health standards, OSHA has the authority to inspect workplaces to ensure compliance with safety and health regulations. Employers who fail to comply with OSHA standards can face penalties, fines, and other enforcement actions.

When it comes to selecting a mitigation company for water damage, it is important to consider several factors beyond just the cost. While a cheaper company may seem like a more appealing option at first, it is important to evaluate the quality of their work, their level of expertise, and their reputation in the industry.

Choosing a reputable and experienced mitigation company may cost more upfront, but it can ultimately save you time, money, and stress in the long run. A reputable company will have the necessary equipment and expertise to effectively mitigate water damage, reducing the risk of further damage and the need for additional repairs in the future. They will also be able to work with your insurance company to ensure that you receive the coverage you are entitled to.

Furthermore, a reputable company will prioritize the safety of you and your family throughout the mitigation process. They will follow industry best practices and safety protocols to minimize the risk of exposure to hazardous materials and ensure that the mitigation process is done in a safe and effective manner.

Ultimately, the decision of which mitigation company to choose should not be based solely on cost, but should take into consideration the company's experience, expertise, reputation, and commitment to safety and quality work.

The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) is a state agency responsible for regulating Maryland's insurance industry. Its mission is to protect consumers by ensuring that insurance companies and insurance producers (agents and brokers) follow Maryland insurance laws and regulations, and that they provide high-quality insurance products and services. The MIA provides assistance to consumers with insurance-related complaints and inquiries, offers education and outreach programs to help consumers understand insurance, and monitors the financial stability of insurance companies operating in Maryland.

Maryland Insurance Administration

PA Insurance Department

United Policy Holders Website – Maryland specific

United Policy Holders Website – Pennsylvania specific

Yes, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) against your insurance company regarding your claim. The MIA is responsible for regulating insurance companies in Maryland and ensuring that they comply with state laws and regulations.

If you believe that your insurance company has acted unfairly or violated your rights as a policyholder, you can file a complaint with the MIA. You can do this online through their website, by mail, or by phone. The MIA will investigate your complaint and work with you and your insurance company to resolve the issue.

Before filing a complaint with the MIA, it is recommended that you try to resolve the issue directly with your insurance company. You can also seek the assistance of a lawyer or a consumer advocacy group to help you with your claim.

You can file a complaint with the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) by completing and submitting a complaint form online or by mail. The MIA provides an online complaint form that can be filled out and submitted directly on their website. Alternatively, you can print a complaint form from the MIA website and mail it to their office. The form requires information about the policyholder, the insurance company, and the nature of the complaint. The MIA will investigate the complaint and work to resolve the issue.

A private adjuster, also known as a public adjuster, is a licensed insurance professional who is hired by a policyholder to assist with the claims process and negotiate on their behalf with the insurance company. Unlike insurance company adjusters, who work for the insurer, private adjusters work solely for the policyholder. Their primary role is to ensure that the policyholder receives a fair settlement for their claim and that the terms of the policy are fully upheld. Private adjusters are typically paid a percentage of the settlement amount, usually between 10-20%.

Hiring a private adjuster for your claim can be helpful, but it's not always necessary or the best option for everyone. Private adjusters can provide expertise in assessing damages, negotiating with the insurance company, and maximizing your settlement. However, they typically charge a fee, which is a percentage of the settlement, and that can be a significant expense.

If you feel comfortable and confident in handling your claim yourself, or if your insurance company is being cooperative and providing a fair settlement, hiring a private adjuster may not be necessary. On the other hand, if you have a complex claim, significant damages, or your insurance company is not cooperating, hiring a private adjuster may be a good option to help you navigate the process and get a fair settlement.

It's important to do your research and choose a reputable and experienced private adjuster if you decide to go that route. You can ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your attorney, and check their credentials and track record with the Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters.

Whether or not you need an attorney for your insurance claim depends on the specific circumstances of your case. In some cases, such as small claims, you may be able to handle the claim on your own. However, if your claim is complex, involves large sums of money, or if your insurance company is disputing or denying your claim, you may want to consider hiring an attorney with experience in insurance law.

An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary. They can also help you navigate the insurance policy language, which can be complex and difficult to understand.

It's important to note that hiring an attorney can be expensive, and they will typically charge you either an hourly rate or a contingency fee, which is a percentage of your settlement or award. You should weigh the potential benefits against the costs before deciding to hire an attorney for your insurance claim.

The responsibilities of your assigned insurance adjuster can vary depending on the type of claim you have filed and the specific policies and procedures of your insurance company. However, in general, the following are some common responsibilities of an insurance adjuster:

1. Investigating the claim: The adjuster will investigate the circumstances surrounding your claim to determine its validity and assess the extent of the damage.
2. Evaluating the damages: The adjuster will evaluate the damage to your property and estimate the cost of repairs or replacement.
3. Interacting with contractors: The adjuster may work with contractors, vendors, and other professionals to get quotes, assess damages, and plan for repairs.
4. Negotiating with you: The adjuster may negotiate with you to reach a settlement for the claim.
5. Authorizing payments: The adjuster is responsible for authorizing payments for the damages covered under your policy.
6. Providing documentation: The adjuster will provide you with documentation of their evaluation and findings, including any settlement offers.

It's important to note that the adjuster works for the insurance company and has the responsibility to protect their interests as well. Therefore, if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your claim or the adjuster's handling of it, you may want to consider seeking advice from an attorney or public adjuster.

Yes, insurance companies are for-profit businesses that aim to generate profits for their shareholders. This means that they have a financial incentive to minimize the amount of money they pay out in claims.

In some cases, this may result in an insurance company offering a settlement that is lower than what the policyholder believes they are entitled to, or denying a claim altogether. This is why it is important for policyholders to carefully review their policy and understand their rights and obligations under it, as well as to document their losses thoroughly and present a strong case for their claim.

It is also important to note that insurance companies are subject to regulations and laws governing their operations, including rules that require them to act in good faith and fairly investigate and process claims. Policyholders who believe that their insurance company has acted unfairly or in bad faith may have legal recourse, such as filing a complaint with their state insurance department or consulting with an attorney.

In the context of insurance claims, acting in "good faith" means that the insurance company is acting honestly and fairly with their policyholders. This means that they are not trying to intentionally deceive or mislead their policyholders, and they are fulfilling their obligations under the insurance policy.

On the other hand, acting in "bad faith" means that the insurance company is acting unfairly or dishonestly towards their policyholders. This can include denying claims that should be covered under the policy, delaying payment or settlement of a claim without reason, or failing to properly investigate a claim.

When an insurance company acts in bad faith, it can result in a policyholder filing a lawsuit against the insurance company. In these cases, the policyholder may be able to recover damages for any losses or damages that resulted from the insurance company's bad faith actions.

No, you do not have to accept the insurance company's first offer. It is important to carefully review the offer and consider if it is a fair and reasonable settlement for your claim. If you believe the offer is too low or inadequate, you have the right to negotiate and request a higher settlement. You can provide additional documentation or evidence to support your claim and demonstrate the true extent of the damages or losses. It may also be helpful to consult with a public adjuster or attorney to assist with the negotiation process. Ultimately, the goal is to reach a settlement that fully and fairly compensates you for your damages and losses.