Chicago-Area Home Explosions Prompt Concerns Over Public Adjuster Scams


 

What is a public adjuster

On Friday, January 2, the Chicago suburb of Mundelein saw a significant explosion that left many homes damaged. And in the days following the blast, it’s important for these homeowners to be wary of door-to-door scammers touting public adjuster services and for them to take the right actions to repair the damage done to their homes.

According to the Chicago Daily Herald, a similar explosion that took place in Long Grove last April saw dozens of homeowners file claims with their insurance providers — but some of these homeowners enlisted the help of door-to-door scammers posing as public adjusters who

To avoid becoming the victim of public adjuster services scams, it’s recommended that Mundelein homeowners independently seek out an expert on structural damage to survey the effects of the explosion on their homes, the Daily Herald reports.

For a public adjuster to successfully adjust a homeowner’s insurance policy, there must be proof that the damage to the home was a direct result of the explosion — which is where a structural damage expert’s help comes in handy.

If a homeowner hires a public adjuster who turns out to be a scammer, on the other hand, it could become even more difficult to get the insurance provider to honor an insurance claim.

Because of this, it’s essential to never accept the services of a door-to-door public adjuster. These people will more than likely be trying to scam you out of your money and could compromise your chances of successfully filing an insurance claim.

According to the Daily Herald, Mundelein homeowners have one year to file an insurance claim before the Illinois legal system’s statute of limitations expires.

What are some other ways homeowners can stay safe from scammers going door-to-door with public adjuster services? Have any other questions for us on fire damage claims or flood damage claims? Ask us anything and share your thoughts with us in the comments below.