Types of Claims Public Adjusters Handle in Colorado

 

Types of Claims 

Public adjusters in Colorado serve as licensed advocates for policyholders, working exclusively on behalf of property owners to maximize insurance settlements rather than representing insurance companies. These professionals handle a diverse range of property damage claims across both residential and commercial properties throughout the state.

Weather-Related Damage Claims

Colorado's unique geography and climate patterns create numerous opportunities for severe weather damage, making these among the most common claims public adjusters encounter.

Hail Damage Claims represent one of the most frequent types of property damage in Colorado. More than $350 million in claims were made for damaged property after a 2016 hail bomb in Colorado Springs. Public adjusters specialize in identifying hail damage that may not be immediately apparent to property owners, including damage to roofs, siding, windows, and HVAC systems. Our licensed public adjusters specialize in hail damage claims for all types of properties. We take thorough core samples and use thermal imaging when necessary to prove your hail damage.

Wind Damage Claims are particularly common in Colorado due to the state's exposure to Chinook winds and severe storms. A Chinook wind or a Bora wind can whip across the Rockies and hit Denver at over 100mph. These gusts can knock down trees and power lines and rip the roof off your business. Public adjusters document wind damage to roofing systems, structural elements, and exterior building components.

Storm Damage Claims encompass a broad category of weather-related property damage. Public adjusters handle claims from severe thunderstorms, winter storms, and other meteorological events that can cause extensive property damage across multiple building systems.

Water-Related Damage Claims

Water damage represents another major category of claims that public adjusters frequently handle in Colorado.

Flood Damage Claims can result from both natural flooding and infrastructure failures. As seen in the 2013 Colorado floods, heavy rains can lead to catastrophic flooding in Denver today. Denver flooding can cause damage to sewage treatment plants, contamination of oil and gas wells, and damage to commercial buildings and other property. These claims often involve complex coverage issues and require extensive documentation of damages.

Water Damage from Burst Pipes is especially common during Colorado's harsh winters. As the Denver metro area thaws after long winters, frozen pipes may burst and ruin your electrical systems, stain ceilings and walls, and cause mold growth. Public adjusters help property owners navigate the complexities of water damage claims, including secondary damage like mold growth and structural issues.

Plumbing-Related Water Damage encompasses claims from various plumbing failures, including supply line breaks, sewer backups, and appliance malfunctions that cause water damage to properties.

Fire and Smoke Damage Claims

Fire damage claims represent some of the most complex and emotionally challenging cases that public adjusters handle.

Residential Fire Claims require comprehensive documentation of both direct fire damage and secondary smoke damage throughout the property. Losing your home or commercial property to fire can be traumatizing. We understand that you are now focused on taking care of family, customers, and employees and that a complex insurance claim is becoming more of a burden that public adjusters can help manage.

Commercial Fire Claims often involve business interruption coverage in addition to property damage, requiring public adjusters to work with forensic accountants and business valuation experts to properly document losses.

Smoke Damage Claims can be particularly challenging as smoke can penetrate areas far from the actual fire, requiring specialized equipment and expertise to properly assess the full extent of damage.

Roof-Related Claims

The most common type of residential damage claim is typically related to roof damage due to wind or hail. Public adjusters in Colorado handle various types of roof damage claims including:

Roof Collapse Claims can result from heavy snow loads, structural defects, or severe weather events. Your roof or property just collapsed due to harsh weather or unknown structural issues. As you recenter and think about your family or business, do you also have the time to manage the claims process? These claims often require structural engineering assessments and comprehensive damage documentation.

Roof Leak Claims involve damage from water infiltration through compromised roofing systems, which can cause extensive interior damage if not properly addressed.

Age-Related Roof Deterioration Claims involve roofing systems that have failed due to normal wear and tear, though coverage for these claims depends heavily on policy language and maintenance history.

Commercial and Industrial Property Claims

Public adjusters handle specialized commercial claims that require industry-specific expertise.

Industrial Property Claims involve complex machinery and specialized equipment. Our team at Home Safe Claims Colorado Public adjuster is proficient in handling industrial property claims. We're well-versed in these claims' specific challenges, such as evaluating heavy machinery losses or production delays.

Commercial Property Claims encompass office buildings, retail establishments, and other commercial properties. Our team of experts specializes in managing commercial property claims. We understand the complexities involved in assessing damage and loss in commercial properties, from office buildings to retail establishments.

Business Interruption Claims often accompany property damage claims, requiring documentation of lost income and additional expenses incurred during the restoration period.

Specialized Claim Types

Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Claims involve intentional damage to properties and require careful documentation to establish coverage under insurance policies.

Theft and Burglary Claims encompass both stolen property and damage caused during criminal activities, requiring coordination with law enforcement and detailed inventory documentation.

Equipment Breakdown Claims involve mechanical or electrical failures of building systems, HVAC equipment, and other mechanical systems that can cause both direct damage and consequential losses.

Multi-Family and HOA Claims

Public adjusters also serve homeowner associations and multi-family property owners, handling claims that affect multiple units or common areas. These claims often involve complex coverage issues when damage affects both individual units and common property.

Important Considerations for Colorado Claims

A typical fee in Colorado is 10% of the amount recovered from your insurance carrier. Public adjusters work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid when they successfully recover funds for their clients.

The complexity of Colorado's weather patterns and the state's unique geographic challenges make professional representation particularly valuable for property owners filing insurance claims. Public adjusters bring specialized knowledge of local conditions, insurance company practices, and policy interpretation that can significantly impact claim outcomes.

Whether dealing with residential or commercial properties, public adjusters in Colorado provide essential services in documenting damages, interpreting policy language, and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure property owners receive fair compensation for their losses. Their expertise becomes particularly valuable given the technical nature of many claims and the substantial financial stakes involved in property damage settlements.

More information: Colorado Public Adjuster