INSIDE LOOK: Coastal Claims Services

Q: When did you move to your new location?

A: Our national headquarters is proudly located at 419 Canal Street in downtown New Smyrna Beach, directly across from Peterson Law Group. We also have satellite offices located throughout the state of Florida and the southeast United States as well.

Q: What services do you offer?

A: Coastal Claims Services is a fully licensed and bonded public insurance adjusting firm with 30+ employees. We represent property owners with damage to their insurance claims as related to their policy.

Everything from a typical homeowner’s insurance policy:

Fire and smoke
Lightning strikes
Windstorms and hail
Explosions
Vandalism and malicious mischief
Damage from an aircraft, car or vehicle
Theft
Falling objects
Weight of ice, snow or sleet
Water damage

Q: What exactly is a public adjuster?

A: A public adjuster is a licensed individual who files an insurance claim for an insured or third-party claimant. We advocate on your behalf negotiating with your insurance company by trying to maximize your settlement for the claims of loss within the terms of your policy.

Q: Do you represent residential or commercial properties?

A: Our highly experienced adjusters can represent commercial and residential property owners, along with homeowner’s associations and condominiums.

Q: What do most people not realize about insurance claims?

A: Most people do not even realize they have something that could be claimed under their insurance policy and they normally find out when it’s too late and too much time has passed. What most also don’t realize is that you have the option to hire a public adjuster, that’s on your side, acting on your behalf when dealing with an insurance company on an insurance claim and that we only receive a percentage of what we recover for you.

Q: When is the best time to involve your company? Before or after a claim is made?

A: We feel it is best to involve us at the beginning however, if you filed a claim and have been previously denied or feel you weren’t compensated fairly, we could happily assist with a supplement.

Q: How long do you have after damage is discovered to file a claim?

A: This can vary from state to state and year to year but it’s best to file as soon as you are aware there is an issue.

Q: What is the best way to prepare for hurricane season?

A: We recommend all of our clients follow state and local guidelines. Don’t ever wait until it’s too late to plan for hurricane season.

Q: Is it a good idea to contact Coastal Claims before a storm?

A: Yes, we can come to your property and document the condition of it before a storm or storm season at no cost to you. This will help prove the damages are related to a recent event.

Q: What should homeowners be cautious of when it comes to their home?

A: It is common for contractors to attempt to offer their assistance with an insurance claim when they see there is damage to your property. However, be aware that they may be illegally acting as a public adjuster and do not have the proper license with the Department of Financial Services. An unlicensed adjuster may discuss or explain the construction needed for the repair but may not act in any manner where they are negotiating a settlement with an insurance company, resulting in them receiving compensation for acting on behalf of the insured. We see this often and feel more property owners need to be aware of this.