A public adjuster is an independent insurance professional that a policyholder can hire to help resolve an insurance claim on their behalf. If you have problems with your insurance company, or if your personal or professional situation makes it difficult for you to manage all the details, you can hire a professional to assist with claims. In most U. S.
states, you can hire an authorized public adjuster for the payment of “contingent fees” (percentages), who will handle your claim and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. A public adjuster is a claims assistance professional that you can hire to represent you in the documentation and negotiation of your insurance claim. A public appraiser works only for policyholders, not for insurers. A public adjuster is an insurance expert that you can hire to handle your claim for you.
While insurance company adjusters represent the insurer's interests, public insurance adjusters represent you. The job of a public adjuster is to get you every dollar you're entitled to. They can file and negotiate claims for floods, fire, smoke, wind, and hurricanes, as well as for damage caused by other hazards, and even for loss of business revenue if caused by property damage. Not all public appraisers are equally qualified and have the same experience, so it's important to do your research before hiring one. A reputable public adjuster knows the insurance industry, is licensed in your state, and can help you manage the claims process. Some public valuation firms send one appraiser to make an estimate and another to track and thoroughly analyze a claim.
If you already have a demanding full-time job, are busy taking care of your children, or just don't want to deal with the complications, it might be worth hiring a public appraiser. Your insurance company may assign one or more different appraisers to your claim over time. A public appraiser cannot get more money from the insurer than it is entitled to receive under the policy. An experienced public adjuster can help you better understand your coverage and how the claims process works. United Policyholders has helped pass laws that require insurers to submit claims status reports to protect consumers from frustration, delays, and confusion due to appraiser turnover. If you file a claim and receive a proposed insurance settlement that seems unfair to you, you may be thinking of hiring an attorney who can help you contest an insurance claim.
Depending on the seriousness and complication of the claim, the policyholder may want to look for a more experienced public adjuster. It is also possible for an insurance company to refuse to negotiate with a public adjuster or to refuse to pay the desired settlement. Generally, a public appraiser processes the entirety of a claim on behalf of its customers, including communicating with the insurer, but some policyholders may prefer a certain degree of participation. Public insurance adjusters must be licensed in each state in which they practice their profession and, like other professionals, are required to participate in continuing education courses to maintain their license. Policyholders need to be sure that they are claiming the right amount, and hiring a public adjuster is the best way to do that. You may also want a public appraiser to help you negotiate if you're unhappy with your insurance company's initial settlement offer.
