What is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents policyholders in the insurance claims process. Unlike insurance company adjusters, who work on behalf of the insurance company, public adjusters advocate solely for the policyholder, ensuring that they receive the maximum compensation for their residential or commercial insurance claim. Public adjusters are experts in interpreting insurance policies, assessing damages, and negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair settlements.
How is a Public Adjuster Different from an Attorney or a Company Adjuster?
- Public Adjusters vs. Attorneys: While attorneys can handle insurance disputes, public adjusters are specifically trained and licensed to evaluate damages and work directly with insurance companies. Attorneys generally step in when there is a legal dispute or bad faith claim that requires litigation.
Public adjusters, however, focus on settling claims without litigation and work efficiently to negotiate the highest possible settlement based on your policy. In fact, an attorney will often hire a public adjuster to perform the damage assessment portion for them.
- Public Adjusters vs. Company Adjusters: Company adjusters are employees of the insurance company and are tasked with protecting the company's financial interests. Their goal is often to minimize payouts on claims. On the other hand, public adjusters work solely for you, the policyholder, to ensure that your claim is valued fairly and that you are adequately compensated for your losses.
What Do Public Adjusters Do?
Public adjusters handle the entire claims process on your behalf, including:
- Policy Review: We thoroughly review your insurance policy to understand your coverage and determine the extent of what you're entitled to.
- Damage Assessment: We assess and document the damage to your home or business, ensuring no aspect is overlooked.
- Claim Preparation: We gather the necessary documentation, evidence, and estimates to build a strong case for your claim.
- Negotiation: We communicate directly with the insurance company, negotiating to ensure that you receive the full compensation you are owed.
- Settlement: Once a fair settlement is reached, we ensure all paperwork is completed and that you receive your payout as quickly as possible.
How Do Public Adjusters Get Paid?
Public adjusters work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid when you do. We typically charge a percentage of the settlement amount, which is agreed upon before we begin working on your claim. This fee is usually a small percentage of the total settlement, and there are no upfront costs. If we don’t win your claim, you owe us nothing.
When Do Public Adjusters Get Paid?
Public adjusters are paid once your claim is settled and you have received compensation from your insurance company. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement amount, so we are highly motivated to get you the best possible result.
Frequently Asked Questions & Misconceptions
Q: Can public adjusters handle both residential and commercial claims?
A: Yes! Public adjusters can handle claims for both residential and commercial properties. Whether it’s damage to your home or business, we’re equipped to navigate the complexities of both types of insurance policies and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Q: Won’t the insurance company’s adjuster give me a fair settlement?
A: Company adjusters work for the insurance company, and their goal is often to minimize claim payouts. While they may not outright deny a claim, they will almost always undervalue damages. A public adjuster works for you to ensure that every aspect of your loss is accounted for, and that you receive a fair settlement.
Q: Do public adjusters only help with large claims?
A: No. Public adjusters handle claims of all sizes, from minor damage to catastrophic losses. Regardless of the size of your claim, our goal is to ensure you’re treated fairly and receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Q: Are public adjusters licensed?
A: Yes. Public adjusters must be licensed in the state where they practice, ensuring that they have the knowledge and expertise required to handle your claim effectively.
Q: Can a public adjuster help if my claim has been denied?
A: Absolutely. If your claim has been denied or underpaid, a public adjuster can review the decision, gather additional evidence, and work to get the denial overturned or the settlement amount increased.
Let Best Adjusters Fight for You
Navigating an insurance claim after property damage can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Best Adjusters, we specialize in fighting for policyholders and securing the compensation they deserve, whether for residential or commercial claims. Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you—let us handle the heavy lifting and get you the settlement you’re entitled to.
Contact Best Adjusters today and let us fight for you!