What is a public adjuster?

An expert authority on claims adjustment who you can hire to assist you (the general public only) in preparing, filing, and settling: fire, hurricane, water and allied claims.

Will I receive a more prompt and satisfactory settlement through a Public Adjuster?

Yes, because they quickly obtain and evaluate all the facts to prepare your claim. Their vigilant and prompt service often preserve evidence that may otherwise be destroyed. The more thorough and complete the claim is the faster the accredited Public Adjuster can get it settled.

Who normally retains a Public Adjuster?

Lawyers, banks, accountants and business people as well as the general public frequently retain Public Adjusters. Once an insured has witnessed the skill and knowledge of a Public Adjuster, he or she rarely will attempt to settle an insurance claim without a Public Adjuster’s specialized assistance.

Why Can’t I prepare my own claim just as well by myself?

No. It stands to reason that the Public Insurance Adjusters who make this their life’s work, can work more competently and expeditionaly to prepare a claim than an average insured, who may have only one loss in a lifetime. A Public Adjuster’s training and experience enables him or her to prepare and file the necessary claims and forms expertly in order to gain the greatest advantage for you, the policyholder.

Will my agent or broker act as an Adjuster on my behalf?

Your insurance agent or broker serves you only in connection with your insurance coverage. He or she does not have the expertise or the experience necessary to give the same highly specialized service that a Public Adjuster offers you.

Why should I hire a Public Adjuster to obtain what is rightfully due to me?

Insurance companies are prepared to pay you what is due as they see it. The company’s adjuster is not supposed to be prejudiced and is usually fair to the policyholder. Obviously his or her first duty is to the insurance company he or she represents. A Public Adjuster’s first duty is to you and as your exclusive representative, they use their experience and knowledge to bring about the most favorable settlement.

How much do Public Adjusters charge for their services?

A Public Insurance Adjuster charges a small percentage of what they obtain on your behalf from the insurance settlement. Usually, their services will save you the cost of their fee, at the very least. Additionally, no up front fees are ever charged to your. The Public Adjuster supplies expert estimates, inventories and even engineer’s reports if necessary, and only collects a fee after you receive your settlement.

General Statement

• Do not deal with anyone who asks you to sign any type of "authorization" at the scene for them to: review your policy; board up your house; speak to your insurance agent, etc. If you look closely you will notice so-called authorizations are really contracts in disguise.

• Don't be fooled by company names such as "Allstate Adjusters" or adjusters who appear at the scene announcing: Your agent sent me. Legitimate public adjusters have no connection with insurance companies.

• It probably pays to avoid adjusters affiliated with the building industry because of the potential conflict of interest. It is considered unethical and improper for an adjuster to be involved in any way with reconstruction. It is believed public adjusters should not even recommend a builder if asked by the insured.

• Never deal with anyone whose address is a post office box.