Services

At NorthPoint Claims we serve a variety of clients in both commercial and residential property loss. Often our clients are simply too busy with their normal day to day operations to be interrupted with inspections, phone calls, and gathering the data needed to prove their claim. At NorthPoint Claims we will take care of your claim from start to finish.

Too often it is perceived that Public Adjusters only serve to assist in disputed losses. Even more often most insureds are convinced that their contractor can assist in the handling of a loss. Both of these concepts are wrong. It is in fact AGAINST THE LAW for a CONTRACTOR, including a ROOFER to negotiate your claim with an insurance company.

Here is a link to the Texas Department of Insurance dealing with this issue specifically:
https://www.tdi.texas.gov/bulletins/2012/cc16.html

Some clients rely on us simply for our expertise in claim handling. Fire and water damages are often improperly assessed by filed adjusters who may lack the necessary experience to properly assess. At NorthPoint Claims we hold the IICRC certification for both fire and water loss.

One of the biggest issues consumers face while handling a claim arises from not fully understanding their policy and how applicable coverages should apply to the physical damages exhibited from a loss. Most consumers of insurance products, both residential and commercial, are totally unaware that most states have licensed certain adjusters (Public Adjusters!) to help guide insureds through the claim process.

The Public Adjuster statutes vary slightly state by state however in brief, Title 13 Chapter 4102 of the Texas Insurance Code defines a Public Adjuster as follows:

“ a person who, for direct, indirect, or any other compensation: acts on behalf of an insured in negotiating for or effecting the settle of the claim or claim for a loss or damage under any policy of insurance covering real or personal property. “

This means that as a consumer of an insurance product, you have the right to hire a licensed adjuster to work on YOUR behalf.

As a public adjuster we can assist on a variety of insurance claims including property losses arising from Vandalism, Smoke, Water, Fire, Wind, Tornado, Theft, Hurricane, Hail, Flood, Explosion, Earthquake, Civil Unrest, or Building Collapse.

When an issue over the value of a loss arises during a claim too often insureds believe the logical next step is to file a lawsuit. This is a common misconception. The Appraisal provision of standard commercial insurance policies reads as follows:

CP 00 10 0 12:

“If we and you disagree on the value of the property or the amount of loss, either may make written demand for an appraisal of the loss. In the event, each party will select a competent and impartial appraiser. The two appraisers will select and Umpire. If they cannot agree, either may request that selection be made by a Judge of a court having jurisdiction. The appraisers will state separately the value of the property and amount of loss. If they fail to agree, they will submit their differences to the umpire. A decision by any two will be binding.”

How do these issues arise? Often claim adjustments during a catastrophe can be hurried, and many items that affect the value of the loss are missed. Appraisal is a method to resolve these issues without excessive time and wasted energy fighting between parties or litigating.

Once NorthPoint is retained to act as an Appraiser, we will work diligently to obtain a fair and reasonable agreement on the value of the loss. This involves a physical inspection of the loss, estimate preparation, and negotiation.

Invoking the Appraisal provision of the Policy can have legal effects. Therefore, It is important to properly evaluate the claim to ensure there are no coverage issues that may exist, and potentially legal guidance is required.

NorthPoint handles both Appraisal and Umpire Assignments for Commercial and residential Losses.

As an expert witness Northpoint is retained to assist attorneys in the presentation of their lawsuit. We are relied upon to present accurate and honest information to a Judge or Jury. Attorneys representing both insureds and insurers in commercial and residential claims, have called upon NorthPoint to assess damages and provide opinions on a loss. We attribute this to our dedication to fair, honest, and accurate assessments of losses. Whether you are a plaintiff or defense attorney NorthPoint stands ready to assist on any litigation handling that may arise.

We know it may seem unusual that insurers would want to hire a firm that operates as a Public Adjusting Firm. However, our carrier clients know at NorthPoint Claims we strive to be honest, fair, and ethical in each and every claim. We are always honored when a carrier completes a claim negotiation with us working a Public Adjuster on behalf of an insured, and then retains us to work on their behalf for another file. Our existing carrier clients know, no matter what, we will present values for damage in a fair, honest, and ethical manner. This enables insurers to adequately review for coverage application to the loss.

Our expertise in claim handling, estimate preparation, and our additional certifications in roofing, fire, and water loss will enable our team to provide accurate estimates of the loss. Whether a full file assignment, re-inspection, Appraisal, or expert witness, NorthPoint will facilitate your needs.

If you have 1 or even too many properties to count, often it can be cumbersome to handle the normal day to day operations of your company, and still manage to navigate a claim. Our multi-family clients frequently find that it is difficult to get the right internal personnel in place in the various states in which they own assets. As your Public Adjuster, NorthPoint will consult with your in-house staff, local management teams, and your insurance companies to relieve this burden. All our existing clients know that we stand ready to respond to any incident at a moment's notice. We can be on site evaluating the loss, and most importantly assessing your liability risk rapidly ensuring all the needed data and photos are captured. Once the claim is filed on your behalf, we will work the file to conclusion and ensure that you receive any benefits afforded to you under the policy.

We also welcome clients who are not experiencing a loss just yet. Our certified roof inspectors can inspect your property and provide to you a report outlining any conditions that may need to be addressed. This also serves to provide you documentation that you may present to your broker and or underwriter outlining the good condition your property is in. This often-overlooked detail can save countless hours of arguing over whether damages existed prior to a storm. We will also review your policy to ensure you are aware of any coverage exclusions which may lead to denial of an insurance claim.

At NorthPoint we have grown to specialize in large commercial loss files. When a School District, County, or City suffers a loss, the presentation of your insurance claim can be a complicated and time-consuming process. At NorthPoint we have a proven track record and expertise represent you through the entire process. We coordinate all inspections as well as prepare and submit detailed estimates outlining your value of the loss. Once retained, we will work with your local Contractors, Construction Managers, and Architects to ensure that the values presented reflect the actual values needed to complete the work.

Schools and Municipalities are often insured under large plan groups which are themselves bundled together and re-insured. All involved parties will have a need and a right to inspect. As a result, you may find yourself presenting a claim multiple times, to multiple parties and this often leads to damages being overlooked and ultimately denied.

Insurance companies will almost certainly hire a team of individuals to “consult” on the claim. Without a representative with your needs in mind, many coverages or damaged items may be overlooked. Ultimately as a governmental entity, taxpayers are paying the premiums on the insurance policy. If claim items are overlooked the taxpayers may ultimately foot the bill twice as bond funds are raised to make repairs that might have been covered appropriately under an insurance claim. When your school or town is faced with an insurance claim, we encourage you to give NorthPoint a call.