But what do some independent adjusters think about it? James F. Lakes, president/CEO, MWD Catastrophe Services, Inc., is quick to mention that most insurers don't require proof-of-loss statements anyway. Lakes also pointed out that policyholders already have several options when disputing insurer settlement amounts, including contacting the insurance commission or opting for the appraisal process.

Kevin Hromas, an executive general adjuster from Houston, Texas, relays the concern that the blanket approach afforded by the software may not be the right option for everyone, depending on policy coverage limits. Both Hromas and Lakes mentioned the significant margin for human error, as homeowners would be inputting materials and measurements instead of a certified professional.

There is a fee associated with the service. However, MySmartClaims.com guarantees that users will recover more than the cost of its service or the fee is refunded. Even though the fee for the service is said to be less than the cost of contracting a public adjuster, insureds may not readily see the value in absorbing the cost, said Doug Jackson, president, Southwest Claims Service, Inc.

“Sure, insureds might consider the software, but I doubt that most would spend the money, especially after just suffering a loss,” Jackson said. “Although I could see a public adjuster or plaintiff's attorney trying to use something like this to bolster a case that the insured was being underpaid. It would be a hard sell, given the complexities and unique character of each claim.

“Just like estimating programs, software applications are simply a tool to be used to develop a fair adjustment and should not to be considered the absolute last word as to the amount of the loss,” he concluded.