Frequently Asked Questions
What is the claims process like?
The claims process typically involves the following steps:
- Reporting the Claim: The policyholder reports the incident to the insurance company, providing details about what happened.
- Claim Assignment: The insurance company assigns a claims adjuster, such as one from Duhamel & Duhamel, to investigate and manage the claim.
- Investigation: The adjuster gathers information by reviewing the policy, inspecting damages, and interviewing involved parties.
- Evaluation: The adjuster estimates the costs of repairs, replacements, or liability.
- Settlement: The adjuster negotiates and settles the claim by paying out benefits according to the policy terms.
- Closure: Once all payments are made and disputes resolved, the claim is closed.
Duhamel & Duhamel ensures every step of the process is handled professionally and efficiently to deliver a fair outcome for all parties.
Will Duhamel & Duhamel send the check?
No. Duhamel & Duhamel does not issue the check. Please contact your representative at the insurance company directly to confirm payment details and disbursement status.
Will Duhamel & Duhamel handle rental car?
No. Duhamel & Duhamel does not handle rental car arrangements. Please contact your representative at the insurance company for assistance.
Can I have a copy of estimate when vehicle is a total loss?
No. The total loss estimate must be obtained from your insurance company representative.
What are Supplements in the claims process?
Supplements refer to additional costs discovered after the initial estimate is provided. For example:
- During a repair, a mechanic might find hidden damages that weren’t visible during the initial inspection.
- The repair facility submits a supplement request to the insurance company for approval before proceeding with the additional work.
- Adjusters at Duhamel & Duhamel review supplement requests to verify their necessity and ensure they align with policy terms, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
What are Total Losses (TLs)?
A vehicle or property is considered a total loss (TL) when the cost of repairs exceeds its current market value. For vehicles, this determination is usually made by comparing the repair costs to a percentage of the vehicle’s Actual Cash Value (ACV), as defined by the insurance policy or state regulations.
- Once declared a TL, the insurer pays the policyholder the ACV minus any deductible, and the damaged property or vehicle becomes the insurer’s responsibility.
- Duhamel & Duhamel provides thorough total loss evaluations to ensure policyholders receive fair compensation.
What is Diminished Value?
Diminished value refers to the reduction in a vehicle’s market value after it has been involved in an accident and subsequently repaired. Buyers often perceive repaired vehicles as less valuable than similar vehicles without an accident history.
There are three types of diminished value:
- Immediate Diminished Value: The loss of value immediately after the accident, before repairs.
- Inherent Diminished Value: The loss of value due to the stigma of the vehicle’s accident history.
- Repair-Related Diminished Value: The loss of value caused by substandard repairs or remaining damages.
Duhamel & Duhamel helps determine accurate diminished value claims to ensure fair resolutions.
What is the Insurance Appraisal Clause?
The insurance appraisal clause is a provision in many policies that provides a method to resolve disputes over the value of a claim. If the policyholder and the insurance company cannot agree on the amount of loss:
- Each party selects an independent appraiser.
- The two appraisers jointly select an umpire.
- The appraisers independently assess the loss and submit their findings to the umpire if they cannot agree.
- The umpire reviews the findings and makes a final decision, which is binding on both parties.
Duhamel & Duhamel offers experienced adjusters who assist in resolving appraisal clause disputes quickly and professionally, ensuring policyholders and insurers reach equitable outcomes.