Very simply a public adjuster is a professional, private insurance claims representative. They can be independent or work for a public adjusting firm. Licensed public adjusters act as the middleman between you and your insurance company. Thus, helping settle property damage claims on your behalf while representing you in all aspects of your claim.
This includes making sure your insurance company covers the damage to your home or business, filing any necessary paperwork on your behalf, as well as working with contractors to help you determine how much money rebuilding your property will actually cost. We have compiled together frequently asked questions when considering hiring a public adjuster.
What is a Public Adjuster
A public adjuster is a state-licensed professional that helps manage every aspect of an insurance claim on behalf of the policyholder. Unlike the adjusters who are assigned by your insurance company, a public adjuster represents you. They fight for you to ensure that your claim is fully and correctly investigated, and paid fairly.
What Do They Do?
An adjuster makes sure that all aspects of the claims process are handled accurately as well as in a timely manner. This includes:
- Making sure your insurance company covers the full extent of the damages to your home or business.
- Assisting with paperwork and filing of paperwork on your behalf.
- Communicating with you and the insurance adjusters representing the insurance company to help understand the details of your loss. Assisting and hiring contractors to evaluate damage, repair estimates, and overseeing all repairs made on your property.
- Communicating with other public adjusters, insurance companies, and contractors to help negotiate the best resolution for your claim.
- A they fight on your behalf if you are being undervalued by the insurance company. Also if there is a disagreement that cannot be resolved between you and your insurance company the public adjuster is there to help.
Will My Insurance Company Cancel My Claim if I Hire a Public Adjuster?
The answer is no. If your insurance company tries to cancel your claim or deny you it is a serious violation. If you feel that your claim is being denied by your insurance company, contact the Florida Department of Financial Services. The Florid Department of Financial Services provides assistance with all situations in which an insurance company violates public policy.
How Much Do They Charge?
A public adjuster charges a percentage of the final reimbursement of your claim. This number is usually around 5% to 20% of the final settlement. However, insurance companies and public adjusters pay out different amounts to clients depending on their policy.
Also, public adjusters can negotiate fees with your insurance company before they even make an offer. This way there is no surprise if your public adjuster asks for a percentage of the total claim amount.
Difference between a Public Adjuster and an Insurance Adjuster
The public adjuster works and fights exclusively for the policyholder’s best interest in an insurance claim. On the contrary, the insurance adjuster works as a consultant on behalf of your insurance company. They will work to ensure that you are fully and correctly compensated for the damages incurred from your loss. However, the insurance adjuster and insurance company tend to try their best to deny or offer the lowest number possible for compensation.
Faster Claims Process with a Public Adjuster?
Experienced adjusters know the ins and outs of the claims process which is why the process goes quickly when you hire a public adjuster. Insurance companies know public adjusters will usually ask for everything they can possibly receive in a timely manner. Therefore, offering a larger settlement than if the claimant worked with their insurance company’s own team of adjusters. Also, public adjusters have established relationships with contractors and other public adjusters. This will allow them to move the claim along faster than if you worked with your insurance company directly.
Ready to Hire a Public Adjuster
If you are in South Florida or the Woodlands, Texas area give Exodus Public Adjuster a call. Your Exodus Adjuster will support you through the entire claims process to ensure your property is properly assessed, documented, investigated, and paid fairly.