Question 1

Why did you build Justin?

Accepted Answer

We built the technology behind Justin for our own use, helping clients with complex and high-value insurance claims. But we knew how valuable it could be for policyholders, HOAs, contractors, and others involved in using insurance. Few people have fully read and understood an insurance policy. We've spent years watching legitimate claims get underpaid or denied, and not because coverage wasn't there, but because the policyholder didn't know how to use the protections they had. Asset protection and risk reduction depend on knowing one's policy.

Question 2

Is Justin actually free? What's the catch?

Accepted Answer

There is no catch. Justin is completely free to use, with no obligation to hire JustClaims or anyone else. We're a licensed public adjusting firm, and sure, if you ever need a professional advocate, we'd love to be your first call. But using Justin doesn't create any expectation that we will work together. Just upload your policy and get your analysis.

Question 3

Is my document secure?

Accepted Answer

Documents are processed for analysis and never shared. We have blocked our AI providers from using uploaded documents as training data. We do not share your policy data. If you are handling a sensitive commercial policy, you can redact identifying information (property addresses, named insured) before uploading; Justin will still read the coverage language accurately.

Question 4

How is Justin different from just asking ChatGPT or Claude about my policy?

Accepted Answer

General AI assistants can explain what a coinsurance clause is in the abstract, but they have not read your policy. Justin is purpose-built to ingest your actual uploaded policy document page by page and surface the specific language, endorsements, sub-limits, and exclusions that apply to your coverage. It does not reason from generic templates or averages; it reads what is on your pages and reports what is there. That is a fundamentally different task from a general Q&A assistant.

Question 5

Justin flagged a gap in my coverage. What do I do with that?

Accepted Answer

A gap Justin surfaces (an exclusion, a sub-limit, a missing endorsement) is information, not a verdict. If you have not had a loss yet, it is a conversation to have with your broker at renewal. If you are in the middle of a claim and Justin identified coverage language that appears relevant, that finding is worth reviewing carefully with a professional. JustClaims experts can also review active claims.

Question 6

My insurer's estimate is half what my contractor is bidding. Can Justin help me figure out why?

Accepted Answer

Justin can help you get started. Upload your policy, and Justin will identify the valuation method your carrier is required to use, whether replacement cost value (RCV), actual cash value (ACV), or a functional replacement cost endorsement, and explain how each one affects the settlement calculation. Truly understanding a gap in estimates, and what to do about it, will require engaging the right expertise. Your contractor can help, and so can we.

Question 7

My carrier says my roof damage is cosmetic only and not covered. What does my policy actually say about that?

Accepted Answer

Cosmetic damage exclusions vary significantly by policy form and endorsement. Some carriers add a cosmetic damage exclusion via endorsement (look for language like CP 10 40 or a manuscript endorsement); others rely on the base form's definition of "direct physical loss." Justin reads your specific policy language, not a generic form, and flags whether a cosmetic exclusion exists, what it covers, and whether any exceptions apply, such as functional impairment carve-outs. Understanding what your policy actually says gives you a clearer picture of the coverage position your carrier is taking.

Question 8

I have a coinsurance clause in my policy. What happens to my claim if I'm underinsured?

Accepted Answer

A coinsurance clause reduces your payout at claim time if your insured value falls below a required percentage of the property's actual replacement cost - typically 80%, 90%, or 100%. When that threshold is not met, the carrier applies a coinsurance penalty that reduces the payment proportionally, even on partial losses. Justin will locate your coinsurance percentage, explain the penalty formula, and flag whether your Statement of Values creates exposure under that formula.

Question 9

My carrier keeps citing an endorsement I've never heard of — like "CP 04 11." What is it, and does it affect my coverage?

Accepted Answer

ISO endorsement codes like CP 04 11 (Protective Safeguards) modify the base policy form in ways that are not obvious from the code alone. Justin reads the full endorsement text attached to your policy, not just the code number, and explains in plain English what it adds, removes, or conditions. Justin surfaces all endorsements page by page and flags any that affect coverage for your type of loss.

Question 10

I submitted a Statement of Values at renewal. Could that create a problem when I file a claim?

Accepted Answer

Potentially, yes. Your Statement of Values is your declared replacement cost at the time you bound coverage. If a loss occurs and the actual replacement cost is higher than what you declared, whether due to construction inflation, building improvements, or an outdated appraisal, you may be exposed to a coinsurance penalty or a valuation dispute. Justin will analyze your policy's coinsurance clause and valuation methodology to show what your declared values would mean under a claim scenario.

Question 11

My carrier is disputing whether my building was insured to its full replacement value. What does my policy say about how that's determined?

Accepted Answer

This is an Insurance to Value (ITV) dispute - one of the most common leverage points carriers raise in commercial claims. Your policy's coinsurance clause and valuation provisions define how replacement value is calculated and what happens when there is a gap between declared value and actual replacement cost. Justin reads those provisions, identifies the ITV methodology your policy uses, and flags whether debris removal limits and other cost categories are factored into the ITV calculation, all of which affect your final settlement exposure.

Question 12

My HOA has a claim and our carrier says the damage falls under the unit owner's policy, not the master policy. How do we know who's right?

Accepted Answer

The answer depends entirely on how your master policy defines "building property" versus "unit". Most HOA master policies use either an "all-in" or "bare walls-in" structure, and the definition section determines where the master policy ends and the unit owner's HO-6 begins. Justin reads your master policy's definitions, coverage grants, and exclusions to map that boundary. Upload both the master policy and the unit owner's policy and Justin will analyze each.

Question 13

My claim was denied. Can I upload the denial letter?

Accepted Answer

If your claim has been denied, we are happy to look at both the policy and denial letter. An expert will take the lead, utilizing technology as s/he sees fit. If you have an active claim, JustClaims can help — free claim review (https://justclaims.ai/insurance-claim-help-services/).

Question 14

I own multiple commercial properties under different policies. Can Justin analyze multiple policies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upload each policy and Justin will analyze each policy independently, surfacing its coverage structure, exclusions, sub-limits, endorsements, and coinsurance provisions. For portfolio managers, this is useful for identifying coverage inconsistencies across carriers or gaps on specific properties before a loss occurs.

Question 15

I'm listed as an additional insured on a client's policy. What does that actually protect me from — and what doesn't it cover?

Accepted Answer

Being named as an additional insured extends some of the named insured's coverage to you for claims arising from the named insured's operations, but the scope depends entirely on how the additional insured endorsement is written. Some endorsements are broad; many are narrow and exclude ongoing operations, completed operations, or your own negligence. Justin reads the specific additional insured endorsement on the policy, not a generic form, and explains what is included, what is excluded, and whether the endorsement has been modified from the standard ISO language. A certificate of insurance does not tell the full story; the actual endorsement language controls.

Question 16

My client's carrier denied their claim and is pointing at the contractor work as the cause. Can Justin help us understand the policy?

Accepted Answer

If your claim has been denied, we are happy to look at both the policy and denial letter. An expert will take the lead, utilizing technology as s/he sees fit.

Question 17

What's the practical difference between being a named insured and an additional insured — and why does it matter on a job site?

Accepted Answer

A named insured has full rights under the policy: the ability to make changes, cancel coverage, and file first-party claims. An additional insured has narrower rights, typically limited to third-party liability claims arising from the named insured's operations. If something goes wrong on a job site and you are only an additional insured, you cannot file a first-party property claim under that policy; coverage is limited to defense if someone sues you for something the named insured caused. Justin reads the endorsement that establishes your additional insured status and explains exactly what rights it grants under your specific policy.

Question 18

I'm about to sign a contract that requires me to carry specific coverage. Can Justin help me understand if I'm compliant?

Accepted Answer

Upload your policy to Justin and it will read your policy's limits, endorsements, and coverage structure and identify what is present. Justin does not make a legal determination of whether your policy satisfies a contract's requirements (which is a question for your broker or attorney), but it gives you the plain-English breakdown of what your policy actually contains so you can have an informed conversation before you sign.

Question 19

My claim has been open for months and the carrier isn't moving. Can Justin help me figure out what the policy says about claim timelines?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upload your policy and Justin will identify the carrier's obligations under your policy's claims handling provisions, including any timelines for acknowledgment, investigation, and payment that are written into the policy or that apply under your state's prompt payment statutes. A stuck claim is not always a coverage dispute. Sometimes it is a handling failure. Justin can surface what your policy says the carrier is required to do and when, which gives you a clearer basis for escalating or invoking dispute resolution options like appraisal.

Question 20

A pipe burst in my house and caused major water damage. The carrier's adjuster says part of it isn't covered. Can Justin help me understand what my policy says?

Accepted Answer

Upload your policy and Justin will read your water damage coverage provisions in full, including the sudden and accidental damage grant, the gradual damage exclusion, and any endorsements that modify either. Pipe burst claims are frequently disputed on the line between sudden loss (typically covered) and gradual damage (typically excluded), and the specific facts and policy language determine which applies. Justin identifies the exact language your carrier is relying on and explains what your policy says about that boundary.

Question 21

The carrier's adjuster says my water damage isn't covered because it's "gradual". What does my policy actually say about that?

Accepted Answer

Most homeowners policies exclude water damage resulting from continuous or repeated seepage over time, but the definition of "gradual" varies by policy, and some forms distinguish between hidden decay, which may be covered, and visible neglect, which typically is not. Justin reads your specific policy's water damage exclusion, the definitions section, and any endorsements that modify it, and explains the exact threshold your policy uses. Understanding the language gives you a clearer picture of whether the adjuster's characterization is consistent with your policy's actual terms.

Question 22

I got a settlement offer after a storm. How do I know if it's actually covering everything my policy allows?

Accepted Answer

Upload your policy and Justin will identify coverage for the type of loss you had (dwelling, other structures, contents, additional living expense) along with any sub-limits, deductibles, and depreciation methodology that would affect the payout. Justin does not evaluate whether an offer is adequate; that requires a scope review by a claims expert. Justin identifies what your policy says about how each category of loss should be valued and what limits apply.

Question 23

My insurer is paying actual cash value but I thought I had replacement cost coverage. What's going on?

Accepted Answer

Many replacement cost policies include a "withholding" provision: the carrier pays ACV first, then releases the depreciation holdback once repairs or replacements are completed and receipts are submitted. If repairs have not been made yet, the ACV payment may be all that has been released so far. Justin reads your policy's loss settlement provisions and explains exactly how your policy handles depreciation, holdback, and the steps required to recover the full replacement cost value.

Question 24

My claim was denied. What are my options?

Accepted Answer

Start by understanding what the denial says and whether it is consistent with your policy language. We are happy to look at both the policy and denial letter. An expert will take the lead, utilizing technology as s/he sees fit. From there, options that may be available depending on your policy and state include a written appeal, invoking the appraisal clause if your policy contains one and the dispute involves the amount of loss, or filing a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance.

Question 25

What's the difference between ACV and RCV — and which one does my policy use?

Accepted Answer

Actual Cash Value (ACV) is replacement cost minus depreciation. An older roof or aging HVAC system pays out less than current replacement cost. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays what it actually costs to repair or rebuild with comparable materials, without deducting depreciation. Which method applies, and to which items, depends on your specific loss settlement provision and any endorsements attached. Justin will locate those provisions in your policy and explain how your insurer is required to value your loss.

Question 26

Does my policy cover the detached garage, fence, and shed, or just the main house?

Accepted Answer

Most standard homeowners policies cover "other structures" at a separate sub-limit, commonly 10% of dwelling coverage, but that limit applies across all other structures combined. Some structures may be excluded entirely; a structure used for business purposes is a common exclusion. Justin reads your policy's other structures coverage, its sub-limit, and any applicable exclusions so you know what is covered and at what amount before filing.

Question 27

I live in a high-risk area, with wildfires, hurricanes, or floods somewhat more common occurrences. How do I know what my policy actually covers versus what I assume it covers?

Accepted Answer

Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage entirely; flood coverage requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy. Wind and wildfire are typically covered under a standard policy, but high-risk states often carry exclusions, sub-limits, or separate deductibles; a hurricane deductible, for example, is frequently a percentage of dwelling value rather than a flat dollar amount. Justin reads your policy's named perils or open perils coverage grant, exclusions section, and all applicable deductibles and explains clearly which events are and are not covered under your specific form.

Question 28

My policy has a "matching" requirement for repairs. What does that mean?

Accepted Answer

Some policies, and some state regulations, require the carrier to replace or repair damaged materials with those that reasonably match the undamaged portions in color, texture, and quality. Whether your policy contains a matching provision, and how broadly it applies, depends on your specific form and state. Justin reads your policy's repair and replacement language and flags any matching provisions. This is most relevant in partial roof replacements or siding damage where mixing old and new materials creates visible inconsistency.

Question 29

My carrier flagged my policy as "extra difficult to use" or put conditions on my coverage that I didn't know about. Can Justin tell me what those are?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Justin reads every endorsement, condition, and exclusion in your policy and surfaces anything that could make the policy harder to trigger: protective safeguards requirements, vacancy clauses, maintenance obligations, cooperation requirements, or conditions that void coverage if not met. These provisions are rarely explained at the time of sale, but they can be the deciding factor in a claim. Justin flags exactly what your policy requires of you as a condition of coverage so you know what to watch for.

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