The Services of Vaughan & Associates
LOSS ADJUSTMENT
Helping insured estimate and adjust a loss
Vaughan & Associates helps insureds estimate and adjust a loss caused by a catastrophe or some other unanticipated event.
We measure and document all damages that apply within the scope of an insured’s policy. This documentation includes analyzing our client’s individual needs as they relate to the loss, and focusing on special policy provisions which address areas such as: loss of use, business interruption, extra expense, additional living expenses, etc.
Our primary focus, however, on a property loss claim is structural and personal property adjustment.
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE
Estimating the Loss
We first begin by discussing the loss with the insured. We will obtain an affidavit if necessary, and photograph and videotape the loss.
If the loss warrants it, we will engage the services of our structural & geotechnical engineers, architects, designers, and bring in the necessary specialists needed to test hazardous materials like asbestos, lead paint, mold, etc..
We estimate the loss by preparing drawings of both the interior floor plan and exterior elevations, and use construction software to estimate the damage incurred to the property.
This estimate of damages is submitted to the assigned insurance company representative alongside a proof of loss. We then meet the representative for the insurance company and his/her experts out at the property on behalf of the insured. After the insurance company has had the opportunity to assess the damage incurred, we negotiate a settlement that is in the insured’s best interest.
PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE
Personal property needs to be repaired or replaced
In the midst of a structural loss, a great deal of an insured’s personal property can be damaged, and needed to be repaired or replaced.
We have a team of designers and contents specialists who assist our insureds in creating a detailed personal property estimate based off of supporting documentation.
This replacement/repair cost estimate is submitted along with the insured’s structural estimate to the insurance company.
FEES
Contingency fee basis
Vaughan & Associates operates on a contingency fee basis for loss adjustment.
We are paid by the insured as his/her insurance company makes claim payments based on the agreed settlement.
Vaughan & Associates does not charge any up front fees, and there is no out of pocket expenses for the insured. A fee percentage is agreed to prior to signing any contract. A contract is then prepared by Vaughan & Associates and signed by both parties.
THE RIGHT OF APPRAISAL
Vaughan & Associates representing the insured, not the insurance company
An insurance policy provides for the right of appraisal should an insured fail to agree with his/her insurance company representative’s valuation of the loss. Appraisal is a form of mediation that allows the insured to avoid litigation. It’s intention is to provide a prompt and relatively inexpensive resolution to a claim that has not been able to be negotiated and settled through normal adjustment. Both the insured and the insurance company assign a competent and disinterested property loss appraiser to represent their side of the claim. Both sides then mutually agree on an individual who will serve as an umpire in the process. Both appraisers present their position to the umpire, and the umpire makes a just decision based on these opposing positions. The entire claim is appraised in such a manner. The insured has the right to agree with this appraisal decision, or go on to litigation.
APPRAISER SERVICES
Appraiser for the insured in over 500 losses
Michael A. Vaughan, P.A., President of Vaughan & Associates, and his colleagues, have been named as appraiser for the insured in over 500 losses throughout the United States.
Because we are a Public Adjusting company, we are only chosen by insureds who find themselves at a crossroads with their insurance company.
We are not chosen by insurance companies to represent them against insureds seeking appraisal. This allows us to stay clearly focused on the insured’s interests.
UMPIRE SERVICES
Umpires for the appraisal process
Michael A. Vaughan, P.A., President of Vaughan & Associates, and his colleagues are also often named as umpires for the appraisal process.
It is because of the integrity and fairness we have in our business practices that many insurance companies agree to nominate Vaughan & Associates as umpires for their appraisals.
FEES
Paid on an hourly basis
Appraiser and umpire services are paid on an hourly basis.
If an insured chooses a representative of Vaughan & Associates to act as his/her appraiser, then insured is billed on an hourly basis for this service.
If a representative of Vaughan & Associates is nominated and accepted to be an umpire, then the insured is responsible to pay 50% of the umpire’s fees. The insurance company will pay the other 50%
RISK MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
Risk Evaluation
Vaughan & Associates is often hired as a risk management consultant.
Risk management consulting assists an insured in the review of his/her policy, and evaluates the level of potential risk for a particular property in order to make sure the asset is covered in the event of a loss.
POLICY REVIEW
Review conditions and exclusions
A representative from Vaughan & Associates will review the conditions and exclusions of an insured’s policy along with its limits, riders and endorsements.
PROPERTY EVALUATION
On Site Property Evaluation for Potentially High Risk Areas
In the midst of a structural loss, a great deal of an insured’s personal property can be damaged, and will need to be repaired or replaced.
We have a team of designers and contents specialists who assist our insureds in creating a detailed personal property estimate based off of supporting documentation.
This replacement/repair cost estimate is submitted along with the insured’s structural estimate to the insurance company.
FEES
Paid on an hourly basis
Risk management consulting is paid on an hourly basis. Costs vary per property and situation.