The best type of adjuster to use in a claim is one who is knowledgeable about the insurance data required to be gathered. In a claim, the adjuster will need to know the policy limits, the dollar limits for uninsured losses and the dollar limits for certain kinds of losses. The adjuster will also need to know the limits for specific coverage, like property, boat, life, etc.
Because claims are settled through arbitration, it is imperative that the adjuster is knowledgeable about the basic structure of arbitration and arbitration law. Knowledge of arbitration law will help the adjuster to gather the necessary insurance data to complete the claim. This is not as difficult as it sounds; in fact, it is quite simple to learn the basic structure of arbitration. For example, arbitration consists of a claim by the insurance company against the policyholder. In most states, the insurer has the burden of proving that the policyholder should have been aware of the policy coverage limits. The claim is resolved by an arbitrator who is a private attorney appointed by the state Supreme Court.
If the claim is for a policy that has one or more riders, it will be necessary to have the claimant properly aware of these riders prior to any claim. In most states, the insurer must prove that the policyholder knew of the rider. In some states, the insurer only needs to prove that the policyholder should have known of the rider, which is usually the case in cases of death or disability. Generally, the burden of proof is on the insurer to prove that the policyholder should have known of the rider, although there are some states that allow the policyholder to prove that he or she should have known of the rider, but did not.
It will be necessary to purchase policy language that addresses the issues surrounding death and disability. For example, in the event the insured does not have liability insurance, or has only limited liability, then the insurance company will typically not pay against a claim for death or disability. In such cases, the policyholder will be responsible for the payment. The type of language that the adjuster needs to acquire will depend on the kind of policy that is involved. Generally speaking, a rider will be necessary if the insured is a business, a tenant or the owner has no liability.
Even if the claim is for death or disability, the adjuster must make sure to verify that the rider is in compliance with the law. For example, if the rider does not comply with the laws governing liability, then the claim will not be paid. It is important that the adjuster acquire the policy rider correctly. The adjuster must make sure to read the rider and ensure that it contains the information required by law.