Frequently AskedQuestions

Your insurance company's adjuster is employed by the carrier and has a professional obligation to their employer. Their role is to evaluate your claim within the carrier's guidelines, which often results in conservative valuations. Tristar's adjusters are retained by you and work exclusively in your interest. We conduct our own independent inspection, prepare our own scope of loss, and negotiate with the carrier to ensure your settlement reflects the true cost of restoring your property. The difference in outcomes can be substantial.

Tristar works on a contingency-only basis. Our fee is 15% of the gross settlement amount. There are no retainers, no hourly charges, and no upfront costs of any kind. If we don't recover a settlement for you, you owe us nothing. This model aligns our interests directly with yours — we're motivated to recover every dollar your policy provides because our compensation depends on your result.

Tristar handles claims of $250,000 and above. We maintain this threshold because complex commercial and high-value residential losses require dedicated expertise, thorough documentation, and sustained negotiation effort. By focusing on substantial claims, we ensure that every client receives our full attention and resources throughout the entire claims process. If your loss is below this threshold, we recommend contacting your state's Department of Commerce & Insurance for adjuster referrals.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the loss, the responsiveness of the insurance carrier, and whether any disputes arise during the process. Straightforward claims may be resolved in a few weeks to a couple of months. Complex commercial losses with multiple coverage issues, engineering assessments, or carrier disputes can take several months or longer. Throughout the process, Tristar keeps you informed of progress and works to move your claim forward as efficiently as possible.

Tristar handles all types of property damage covered by insurance policies, including storm damage (hail, wind, tornado, ice), fire and smoke damage, water and flood damage, and structural damage. We represent both commercial and residential property owners. Our team has experience with every major category of property loss and engages specialized engineers, contractors, and forensic accountants as needed for complex claims.

In many cases, yes. If you believe your claim was undervalued or if additional damage has been discovered after settlement, Tristar can review your situation and determine whether there are grounds to reopen the claim or file a supplemental claim. Insurance policies typically have provisions for supplemental claims when additional covered damage is identified. We'll give you an honest assessment of whether reopening your claim is likely to result in a meaningful additional recovery.

Tristar is licensed and operates throughout the state of Tennessee, from Memphis to Knoxville and everywhere in between. We also serve property owners in Kentucky and Mississippi. Our team is based in Franklin, Tennessee, just south of Nashville, and we travel to your property wherever it's located within our coverage area.