What is a Public Adjuster?

There is an old saying, “you don’t know what you don’t know” and this is especially true when it comes to handling an insurance claim after a disaster strikes your home or business.

While almost everyone has property insurance, a majority of people do not understand their insurance policies or the claims process that is required after experiencing such a loss! In fact, most people believe the insurance claims process is as easy as calling your insurance company and reporting the claim. However, this could not be further from the truth!

Anyone considering filing a property insurance claim should also think about hiring a public adjuster. Public adjusters are insurance professionals who are licensed by their state to work exclusively on behalf of policyholders to ensure each receives the type of settlement that they are entitled to from their policy. Licensed public adjusters are experts in one thing, the insurance claim process and all the different parts, obligations and requirements the insurance policy and claims process require of the policyholder. They help evaluate damage and rebuilding costs, track the flow of insurance payments and amounts due, and work with insurance companies to expedite their client’s insurance claims.

As a policyholder, you have little to lose: Many public adjustment firms offer to visit a property loss free of charge to help a policyholder determine the severity of damage and whether they should file an insurance claim.

Even if a policyholder is confident in the dollar value of their property loss, it is good practice to get a second opinion. Remember, an insurance company will never voluntarily pay more than an amount claimed. Policyholders need to be conscious they are claiming the correct amount and hiring a public adjuster can help ensure that.