Timelines vary based on the type and severity of the loss.
A fire loss may take many months to a year due to the complexity of repairs and documentation.
Wind or hail damage may take several months depending on contractor availability and carrier review.
Minor losses may move more quickly.
We contact the policyholder within 24 hours and typically schedule inspections within 48 hours to begin the process promptly.
Once your claim is assigned to Castle Claims Service:
We contact you within 24 hours to introduce your adjuster and verify details.
An inspection is scheduled within 48 hours.
Your adjuster guides you through mitigation steps and answers any questions.
After the inspection, we prepare a detailed report or estimate for your insurance carrier.
Your carrier reviews the documentation and issues payment if applicable.
We provide updates throughout the process until the claim is resolved.
We reach out within 24 hours of receiving a new claim assignment.
Inspections are typically scheduled within 48 hours, depending on policyholder availability and the type of loss.
Yes. We explain what to expect, what documents may be needed, how to prevent further damage, and how the carrier will use our report.
Payment comes directly from your insurance carrier. Some carriers issue payments electronically, while many still send paper checks.
No. Castle Claims Service does not issue settlement checks. We provide the inspection, estimate, and documentation required for the carrier to process payment.
Most insurance carriers include the mortgage company on claim payments over $2,500. Because the mortgagee has a financial interest in your home, they must endorse the check.
If this happens:
Do not endorse the check immediately.
Contact your mortgage company for instructions on where to send the check and what documents they require.
Once they endorse and return the check, you may deposit it.
In most cases, the payment goes to the policyholder and mortgagee (if applicable). You then pay your contractor. Always consult your insurance carrier for specifics.
The policyholder chooses the contractor. Castle Claims Service does not perform repairs—we inspect the damage and prepare the estimate so you can move forward with the contractor you prefer.
When needed, we work with insureds and contractors to secure agreed-price appraisals, helping resolve differences quickly and fairly.
You should first take steps to prevent further damage (mitigation). For major repairs, wait until after the inspection unless safety is an issue. Save all receipts and photos.
Yes. We provide expert handling of:
Casualty claims
Liability claims
Property claims
Appraisal & umpiring services
We serve insurers and self-insured organizations across Western Pennsylvania.
Yes. We handle both residential and commercial property losses.
Yes. When requested, our adjusters work directly with insureds or contractors to secure agreed pricing.
Our adjusters are trained in Xactimate and Symbility, two industry-standard tools for accurate estimating and documentation.
Assignments can be submitted by:
Phone
Fax
Online via our claim submission form
A live operator is available 24/7 for emergency claims.
Typically:
Policyholder contact information
Loss location
Date of loss
Type of damage
Any documents or photos already available
We verify details directly with the policyholder during first contact.
We provide timely updates through our secure file-management system, email, or phone—based on the client’s preference.
We service a large portion of Western Pennsylvania from our offices in Pittsburgh and Erie. View our full county-by-county map on the Service Area page.
Yes. Our service area includes both urban and rural locations throughout Western Pennsylvania.
Erie Office: 14 ½ South Lake St., North East, PA 16428
Pittsburgh Office: 300 Mt. Lebanon Blvd., Suite 205C, Pittsburgh, PA 15234
Pennsylvania does not require independent adjusters to be licensed. However, we maintain high standards—our adjusters complete regular continuing education and professional development.
We use FileTrac® for secure file management, industry-standard estimating software, digital photography, audio recording tools, and secure data retention systems.
Yes. A live operator is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency assignments.
