Public adjuster is an independent insurance claims professional who works on behalf of policyholders (homeowners, business owners, etc.) to help them file, negotiate, and settle insurance claims. Unlike insurance adjusters who work for the insurance company, public adjusters advocate for you, aiming to maximize your payout and ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to under your policy.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of a Public Adjuster

When you hire a public adjuster, they can handle various aspects of the insurance claims process, including:

1. Assessing Damage:

   • Public adjusters thoroughly inspect and document property damage after incidents like fires, floods, hurricanes, or theft. They create a detailed inventory of losses and estimate the cost of repairs or replacements.

2. Reviewing Your Insurance Policy:

   • They review the fine print in your insurance policy to determine what is covered, what exclusions may apply, and how to maximize your claim.

3. Filing the Insurance Claim:

   • The adjuster will prepare and submit your claim to the insurance company, ensuring that all required documentation is included to avoid delays or denials.

4. Negotiating with the Insurance Company:

   • Public adjusters negotiate directly with the insurance company’s adjusters to get you the best possible settlement. Their goal is to challenge any lowball offers and advocate for a fair payout.

5. Resolving Disputes:

   • If there are disputes about the claim’s value, the public adjuster can provide additional evidence or request a reinspection to resolve disagreements.

When Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?

You may want to hire a public adjuster if:

1. Your Claim Was Denied or Underpaid:

   • If your initial claim was denied or underpaid, a public adjuster can help you challenge the decision and negotiate a higher settlement.

2. You’re Facing a Large or Complex Claim:

   • For large claims (e.g., after a fire, hurricane, or flood) or complex claims involving multiple types of damage, a public adjuster can handle the details and reduce your stress.

3. You Don’t Have Time to Handle the Claim:

   • Filing an insurance claim can be time-consuming and overwhelming. A public adjuster can take over the process, allowing you to focus on other priorities.

4. You Suspect the Insurance Company’s Offer Is Too Low:

   • If you feel the insurance company’s settlement offer doesn’t reflect the true cost of repairs or replacements, a public adjuster can conduct an independent assessment and negotiate for a higher payout.

Benefits of Hiring a Public Adjuster

• Maximize Your Settlement:
  Public adjusters are skilled negotiators who know how to challenge low offers and ensure that all damages are properly accounted for.

• Save Time and Reduce Stress:
  They handle the entire claims process, including paperwork, inspections, and negotiations, so you don’t have to.

• Expert Knowledge of Insurance Policies:
  Public adjusters understand the complexities of insurance policies and can interpret policy language to your advantage.

• Level the Playing Field:
  Insurance companies have their own adjusters to protect their financial interests. A public adjuster can level the playing field by advocating for your best interests.

How Public Adjusters Get Paid

Public adjusters typically charge a contingency fee, which means they only get paid if you receive a settlement. Their fee is usually a percentage of the final settlement amount (typically between 5% and 15%, depending on the size and complexity of the claim).

For large disasters declared by the government (e.g., hurricanes), some states may cap public adjuster fees to protect policyholders.