UNITED STATES PUBLIC ADJUSTERS
GLOSSARY
[ A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V | W | Z ]
A (Back to previous page)
Acid Smoke
Fire residues that have high levels of acidity.
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
The amount of money it takes to restore the dwelling to its condition before the damage / loss. ACV is determined by the cost of materials and labor at the time of the loss, less depreciation.
Addendum
A written or graphic change added to a contract.
Additional Living Expense
Expenses that are above the normal living expense you incurred before the loss. ALE is typically 20% of the insured dwelling amount. The expenses you incurred immediately following the catastrophe apply, such as hotel, meals, replacement of medications, etc. Temporary housing and temporary furnishings are also covered.
Adjuster
A person or organization licensed to evaluate the amount of damage to your property & negotiates insurance losses.
Adjustment
The determination of the amount of loss, the cause of the loss and the final settlement in cash value after all factors has been considered.
Agent
A person or organization licensed by the State of Florida to sell insurance by or on behalf of an insurance company
Alligatoring
The splitting or cracking of paint film in a pattern resembling the rectangles of an alligator skin.
Allowance
Funds paid as reimbursement
Anti-Microbial
Destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms
Appraisal
The resolution of a dispute as to the amount of a claimant’s loss by two disinterested parties (the appraisers), with both sides being bound by the appraisers’ decision.
Arbitration
The resolution of a dispute by a person chosen by the opposing parties, who have agreed in advance to abide by the decision of the third party.
Attorney in Fact
One who is authorized to perform certain acts for another under a power of attorney. The power of attorney may be general or limited to a specific act or acts.
Average
A term used in settlement of claims. It may have originally come from the French word avarie, meaning loss or damage. There are both general and particular average clauses. Average clauses are the precursor of co-insurance clauses. They refer to any partial loss or damage due to insured perils. It requires the insured to maintain coverage equal to a stated percentage of the actual cash value of the subject of the subject of the insurance; otherwise the insured must pay a part of the loss.
Average clauses
Clauses in a property policy that determine the amount of particular average loss recovery. Average clauses are seldom found in modern property or inland marine policies but are often found in marine polices.
B (Back to previous page)
Bad Faith
A tort created by judicial decision that allows an insured to recover tort damages (bodily injury, emotional distress, loss of use, trouble and inconvenience, and punitive damages) if an insurer intentionally, or in willful disregard of the rights of the insured, does something that deprives the insured of the right to recover the benefits of the policy.
Bearing
That portion of a beam, truss, or other structural member, which rest on the supports
Bearing Wall
A wall capable of supporting an imposed structural load.
Betterment
Exceeds the requirements of like, kind and quality.
Biohazard
A biological agent or condition that creates a hazard to humans or the
environment.
Bleeding
The penetrating of a pigment or residue from a substance through a top layer of
paint
Blistering
Small Bubbles in a finish coat of plaster or paint
Board Up
The temporary installation of barriers to secure roofs, windows, or doors against
vandals or the weather.
Bottom Plates
A horizontal timber, which serves as a base for the studs in a stud wall or
partition.
Brace
A metal or wood member, which is used to stiffen or support a structure.
Bric-a-Brac
A miscellaneous collection of small articles of ornamental or sentimental value.
Broker
A person or organization licensed by the Sate of Florida, retained by you, to obtain insurance for you.
Building Code
Rules and regulations adopted by local or state authorities, overseeing the design
and construction of buildings, their repair, use, and occupancy.
Built-Ins
Finish components installed as a complete part of a structure such as cabinetry,
shelves, or furniture.
C (Back to previous page)
Cancellation
The termination of your insurance coverage during the period in which your policy is in effect
Claim
Notice which you give to your insurance company when you suffer a loss which may be covered by the terms of your insurance policy.
Claimant
Any person who asserts the right to recover losses under a policy.
Co-insurance or Average Clauses
A provision in an insurance policy where the insured promises to purchase insurance equal to the value, or a stated percentage of the value of the property, the risk of loss of which is insured, or face a penalty equal to a percentage of the loss that is the same as the amount he or she failed to insure.
Company Adjuster
An employee of an insurance company who negotiates and settles claims against the insurer.
Concealment
The failure to advise an insurer of facts known by the insured to be material to the decision of the insurer to insure or not insure.
D (Back to previous page)
Declarations Page
Usually the first page of a policy or any page that sets out the name of the insured, the name of the insurer, the effective dates of the policy, the policy limits, the premium charged, and the property or liability the risk of loss of which is insured. It identifies the forms or policy working applicable to the insurance coverage. Often it includes material representations made by the insured regarding the risk.
Deed
The written instrument which, when properly executed and delivered, conveys title to real property.
Deed of Trust
An instrument which is evidence of a pledge of real property as security for a debt, where the title to the real property is held by a third party in trust, while the debtor repays the debt to the lender. The debtor is known as the trustor, the lender is known as the beneficiary, the third party is known as the trustee.
Demurrer
A pleading filed in response to a complaint or lawsuit. The demurrer assumes that everything alleged in the complaint is true and contends that even if the plaintiff proves everything he claims true, he will still lose the suit. Although demurrers are often sustained the court will usually allow the plaintiff the opportunity to amend the complaint to make it better.
Denial
The insurance company’s refusal of the insured’s claim.
Deductible
The amount of loss for which the insured is responsible before the benefits from the insurance company are payable.
Depreciation
The decrease in the value of your property due to age or wear and tear.
Dwelling
A dwelling is a building occupied principally by people as a home. A dwelling policy will sometimes restrict the number of families allowed coverage (usually one to four families).
E (Back to previous page)
Endorsement
An amendment to the policy which adds or deletes coverage under the terms of the policy.
E.U.O.
Examination Under Oath
Exclusion
Certain damage or causes of damage identified in the policy, for which there is no insurance coverage.
F (Back to previous page)
Fascia
A flat board used at the outer face of a cornice, called a gutter board.
Flashing
A thin, solid building material used to prevent water entering at roof edges,
joints, windows, and doors.
Flooding
A general and temporary condition of 1) partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of inland or tidal water or rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
Forecast
A statement of expected future occurrences. Weather forecasting includes the use of objective models based on certain atmospheric parameters, along with the skill and experience of a meteorologist. Also called a prediction.
Freeze-Dry
To dry in a frozen state for purposes of protection
Fungi
A class of organism that lives by decomposing and absorbing organic materials
G (Back to previous page)
Grace Period
A period after the premium due date, during which an overdue premium may be paid without penalty. During this time, there is no lapse in coverage and the policy is still in force.
Green Board
A water-resistant drywall used as a backer for ceramic tile in moist enivronments.
H (Back to previous page)
Heat Line
The visible division between areas affected by heat and those that were not.
Hepa Filter
High efficiency particulate arresting filer, capable of entrapping at least 99.8% of
airborne particles 0.3 microns in diameter or larger.
Hidden Damage
Damage not visible on the surface
Homeowners Insurance
Coverage for the risk of owning a home, including losses due to fire, burglary, vandalism, earthquake or other perils.
HVAC
Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.
Hygrometer
An instrument for measuring the humidity of the surrounding air.
I (Back to previous page)
Independent Adjuster
An insurance adjuster who handles/workes for a variety of insurance companies on a fee basis.
Insurance Adjuster
A person who, for any consideration whatsoever, engages in business or accepts employment to furnish, or agrees to make, or makes, any investigation for the purpose of obtaining, information in the course of adjusting or otherwise participating in the disposal of, any claim under or in connection with a proof of loss or engages in soliciting insurance adjustment business.
Insurance Agent
A person authorized, by and on behalf of an insurer, to transact insurance.
Insurance Broker
A person who, for compensation and on behalf of another person, transacts insurance other than life with, but not on behalf of, an insurer.
Insured
The policyholder. The person(s) or entity protected in case of a loss.
Insurer
The insurance company.
Inventory
An item-by-item listing of a group of articles.
J (Back to previous page)
Jet Stream
Relatively strong winds concentrated within a narrow current in the atmosphere.
K (Back to previous page)
Knot
A unit for the measurement of speed in the nautical system. It is the nautical miles per hour.
L (Back to previous page)
Lien
A legal claim which one person has upon property of another, often as security
for a debt.
Line Item
Work shown as an individual entry in a work estimate.
Like, kind and quality
Similar in type, function, and value, but not identical.
Licensed Tradesman
Plumber, electrician, etc.
Litigation
The act of contesting the law.
M (Back to previous page)
Masking
A protection for surfaces nearby paintwork, often involving paper and tape.
Mediation
To arbitrate or settle through an intervening party.
Mortgage Company
The lender from whom the mortgage is obtained.
Mortgage Clause
A requirement in building insurance to include the mortgagee or lender as a
payee on any check issued under the policy.
Mortgagee
The mortgage company.
Mortgager
The insured.
N (Back to previous page)
Non-Waiver Agreements
When an insurer investigates a loss, it must be careful not to indicate by any of its actions, especially by its adjusters, that the company is admitting liability. A Non-waiver agreement is a legal statement by which both parties have agreed that the investigation of the loss shall in no way be construed as an admission of an admission of liability on the part of the insurer.
O (Back to previous page)
Occluded Front
The front formed by a cold front overtaking a warm or stationary front and lifting the warm air above the earth's surface.
On-Location
Performed on site as opposed to the restorer’s warehouse.
Open Item
An item listed in an estimate, which the cost cannot be determined without
further examination
Overhead & Profit
A combined allowance covering overhead expense and operating profit.
Oxidize
A chemical reaction in which an element reacts with oxygen to form a different
substance.
Ozone
A variation of oxygen which contains an extra oxygen atom, rendering the
molecule unstable. Ozone is used as a deodorant.
P (Back to previous page)
Pack Out In
The packing and transpiration of all personal property to a restoration
warehouse for cleaning and storage.
Paint Grade
Moldings that contain finger joints, making them inappropriate for clear finishes
Peril
The cause of a loss.
Plastic Fires
A fire involving polymers as a primary fuel, resulting in highly acid fire residue.
Plenum
A main air duct serving one or more distribution ducts.
Pre-loss Conditions
The appearance and state of repair which existed prior to the loss.
Policy
The actual written insurance contract.
Policy Limit:
The maximum amount which the insurance company is obligated to pay under the terms of an insurance policy. The limit can be either for the entire policy or for a specific coverage.
Premium
The amount of money which the insurance company charges to provide insurance coverage.
Pre-existing Damages
Damage present before a loss.
Proof of Claim
Written proof, such as claims forms, medical bills or any material and relevant documentation in the claimant’s possession that supports the magnitude or the amount of the claimed loss.
Proof of Loss
The sworn statement of the insured, as required by the conditions of a policy of insurance, setting forth the insured’s knowledge and belief as to the date, time and cause of loss; the encumbrances on the property; the persons with interest in the property; the value of the property; the amount of loss; and the amount of claim.
Protein Fire
The slow burning of meat, fish, or fowl, which generates a highly obnoxious and
relentless odor, carried by a clear and often invisible residue.
Punch List
Near the end of a project, a list of work to be performed by the contractor.
Public Insurance Adjuster
A public insurance adjuster is an an advocate for the policy holder in negotiating an insurance claim. Public Insurance Adjusters exist because of the inherent conflict of interest that exists when one person or entity attempts to represent two sides of a financial transaction. Public insurance adjusters are the only type of claims adjuster that can legally represent the rights of an insured during an insurance claim settlement.
R (Back to previous page)
R & R
Remove and Replace
Remove and Reset
To take apart a building component and reinstall it after other repairs.
Replacement Cost
The amount of money it takes to restore the dwelling to it’s pre-loss condition without depreciation
Replacement Value
The actual cost to repair or replace damaged property.
Rider
An amendment or endorsement to the insurance policy which adds or deletes coverage
Rough In
The initial piping and electrical wiring which are installed within walls.
S (Back to previous page)
Scheduled Property
Personal Property individually listed on an insurance policy, often accompanied
by a description and appraisal.
Scope of Loss
An agreement between the insured and the insurer as to the extent of loss.
Secondary Damages
Damage, which arises out of primary damage, such as mildew, corrosion or fire
odor.
Short-Term Lodging
Short lease on an apartment or house.
Single Family Dwelling
A house, not a duplex or an apartment.
Soffit
A enclosure which hides framing members, lighting fixtures, and unfinished space.
Soot
Fine black particles made up of carbon, produced by the incomplete combustion of fuel.
Square
A measure of roofing materials, equal to 100 sq. ft.
Statute of Limitations
The period of time between the date of loss and the deadline for you to file a lawsuit for a claim.
Storm
An individual low-pressure disturbance, complete with winds, clouds, and precipitation. Examples include thunderstorms, tornadoes, or even tropical cyclones. The name is associated with destructive or unpleasant weather
Subrogation
A standard policy term giving the insurer whom paid a claim the right to act in
the name of the insured in recovering the funds from another party.
Supplemental Estimates
Alist of charges for additional work not covered in the original estimate.
T (Back to previous page)
Temporary Lodging
Hotel or motel lodging.
Temporary Repairs
Emergency work performed immediately after damage has occurred.
Thermal Fogging
Circulating odor counteractants by igniting a combustible material in which they
are dissolved.
Time and Material
A method of calculating charges by recording the hours worked, labor rates,
materials cost and subcontractors charges.
Tornado
A violently rotating column of air in contact with and extending between a convective cloud and the surface of the earth. It is the most destructive of all storm-scale atmospheric phenomena. They can occur anywhere in the world given the right conditions, especially after the landfall of hurricanes.
Total Loss
An object or structure damages that are too severe to repair, or not cost
effective to repair.
U (Back to previous page)
Umpire
A neutral third party selected by the two opposing appraisers for a property appraisal who resolves any differences between the two appraisers.
V (Back to previous page)
Vault
A secure enclosed area for the storage of personal property.
Vortex
Any circular or rotary flow in the atmosphere that possesses vorticity.
W (Back to previous page)
Wainscoat
A decorative facing, such as wood paneling, applied on the lower portion of an
interior wall.
Warning
An announcement that is issued when severe weather: 1) has developed; 2) is already occurring and reported; or 3) is detected on radar. Warnings state a particular hazard or imminent danger, such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash and river floods, hurricanes, etc
Water Mark
A water stain.
Water Migration
The movement of water within a material by capillary action.
Wet Smoke
Airborne combustion products containing a high liquid component in the form of
aerosols, usually generated by smoldering, oxygen-starved fires.
Work Authorization
A document signed by a property owner requesting the contractor to perform
damage repairs.
Work Specification
A comprehensive listing of work to be performed, including quantities, material
specifications, and performing.
Z (Back to previous page)
ZULU Time (Z)
One of several names for the twenty-four hour time that is used throughout the scientific and military communities. Other names for this time measurement are Universal Time Coordinate (UTC) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). See Greenwich Mean Time for more information.
