What is a Public Adjuster and Why You Should Hire One

A Public adjuster is there to advocate for you, the insured, to receive a fair settlement amount on your insurance claim so that you may get your home back to pre-loss condition as seamlessly as possible. Public Adjusters are licensed by the State and versed in local laws and statutes that insurance companies are required to abide by. They are able to speak with your insurance company on your behalf, unlike a general contractor, for example, who works in a separate industry. Your Public Adjuster will generally prepare necessary documents and estimates that are required by your insurance company, as well as be present for any insurance inspections. It’s important to have someone advocating for you who is knowledgeable about the damage so they can be sure to point out any missed areas of damage to the insurance adjuster.

The insurance industry is one of the only industries that have a legal ‘conflict of interest’. The policy holder pays the insurance to look out for their interests in the event that damage might occur. However, when it comes time to file a claim, the insurance now must pay the insured. As with any company, they have a budget, and they do what they can to stick with that budget. A Public Adjuster is paid on contingency, meaning they get paid only if the insurance pays out. This should give you some peace of mind knowing they’re looking out for your best interest.

In an analysis done by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, it was found that Citizens Insurance claims that had a Public Adjuster, received higher payment than those claims without a Public Adjuster. A Public Adjuster will work on your behalf, with your insurance, to ensure that you receive the best settlement outcome to which you are entitled. If you think you may have storm damage or have experienced a loss, it’s in your best interest to speak with a Public Adjuster as soon as possible. The sooner that you get the claims process in motion, the sooner you can get your home back to its pre-loss condition!