What is a Public Adjuster?
Independent adjusters and company adjusters work for insurance companies. Therefore, they have the companies' interest in mind, rather than the policyholder's, when working on a claim.
The public adjuster, on the other hand, works in the policyholder's interest. They are hired if the policyholder finds the claim process too stressful and cumbersome or if they have doubts about the adjuster provided by the insurance company.
The public adjuster charges a fee for services, often a percentage of the final settlement amount. The public adjuster becomes your representative in dealing with the insurance company. Therefore, you should provide your insurance company with the public adjuster’s name and contact information, and the public adjuster should notify the insurance company they will be representing you. From that point forward, the insurance company should communicate directly with the public adjuster instead of with you. The insurance company has the right to request a copy of your contract with the public adjuster.
The great part of working with an insurance adjuster is that they do not need an upfront fee. Most public adjusters will work with you on a contingency fee basis and will be paid a part of your settlement once your claim is closed satisfactorily.
Working with both residential and commercial property owners, Resolution Claim Services works for your interests, working to obtain the maximum possible compensation for your property loss. Contact us directly or request a free, no-obligation property inspection today.
Why You Should Consider the Advantages of a Public Adjuster
There’s no specific rule regarding when you should hire a public adjuster, but here are some circumstances that make it worth considering:
- Public adjuster will provide experience and knowledge to put you on equal footing with the insurance company
- You’re filing a large claim for high-value, significant or complex damage to your residential or commercial property, like a fire.
- You aren’t confident with the assessment performed by your insurer’s adjuster.
- You feel your insurer’s adjuster underestimated your claim or that your payout isn’t fair.
- You need assistance with a complex claim or the claims process.
- You are responsible for documenting your claim not the insurance company
If You are Handling Your Insurance Claim Without a Public Adjuster, Be Sure to:
- Document your loss
- Get multiple estimates from contractors or vendors
- Take extensive notes when speaking with insurance company representatives including names and dates
- Ask questions regarding your coverages
- Have a Plan B (call a public adjuster) should your claim be denied or your settlement too low
