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What is a Public Adjuster?
What is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed and bonded expert who works exclusively for you, the policyholder. When your home or business suffers damage, a public adjuster steps in to manage the entire insurance claim process on your behalf. They are an authority on loss adjustments and serve as your dedicated advocate, ensuring your claim is handled fairly and accurately.
Unlike the adjusters sent by your insurance company, a public adjuster has no ties to the insurer. Their sole purpose is to represent your interests, meticulously documenting all damages, preparing a comprehensive claim, and negotiating with your insurance company to achieve the maximum possible settlement. They handle the complex, time-consuming details of your claim so you can focus on getting your life back to normal.
Why Do I Need a Public Adjuster?
Why Do I Need a Public Adjuster?
After experiencing property damage, you're likely feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Dealing with a complex insurance claim can add to that burden. Here's how a public adjuster can make a crucial difference:
Expert Knowledge: A public adjuster understands the intricate details of insurance policies, building codes, and claim procedures. They know exactly what to look for and how to document all damages, including those that might not be immediately obvious.
Time-Saving: The claims process can be incredibly time-consuming, involving extensive paperwork, detailed inventories, and back-and-forth communication with the insurance company. A public adjuster takes on this heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on rebuilding and recovery.
Leveling the Playing Field: The insurance company's adjuster works for them, not for you. They are trained to protect the company's bottom line. A public adjuster levels the playing field, ensuring you're not at a disadvantage and that your claim is given the full attention and consideration it deserves.
Maximizing Your Settlement: The ultimate goal of a public adjuster is to get you the best possible settlement. Their expertise in evaluating damages and negotiating with insurers often results in a significantly higher payout than what you might have received on your own.
Here is a table comparing a company adjuster, an independent adjuster, and a public adjuster.
Here is a table comparing a company adjuster, an independent adjuster, and a public adjuster.
(rotate mobile devices to landscape to view table)
Feature
Company Adjuster
Independent Adjuster
Public Adjuster
Primary Goal
To serve the interests of their employer, the insurance company.
To serve the interests of the insurance company that hired their firm.
To serve the best interests of the policyholder.
Loyalty
Has a direct loyalty to the insurance company.
Has a direct loyalty to the insurance company that hired them for a specific claim.
Has a direct fiduciary responsibility to the policyholder.
Fee Structure
Salaried employee of the insurance company.
Paid by the insurance company on a per-claim basis or through a contract.
Paid by the policyholder, typically a percentage of the final claim settlement.
Who They Represent
The insurance company's interests.
The insurance company's interests.
The policyholder's interests.
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