Frequently Asked Questions

A Public Adjuster, also known as a Public Insurance Adjuster, helps homeowners and businesses recover from disasters or damage to their property or business. Public Adjusters are experts in preparing, managing, and negotiating insurance claims, giving policyholders and their representatives the resources they need to be in the best possible position for recovery.

Public Adjusters manage the process and negotiate with the insurance company to obtain a fair outcome for their client. A good Public Adjuster works to provide a fair and assurate assessment of damage and how it should be handled given insurance policy provisions, providing expertise and peace of mind for their clients. 

Most states have enacted licensing for Public Adjusters to provide representation on behalf of consumers. Though the nomenclature is confusing, both "independent adjusters" and company adjusters are representatives of insurance companies. Only licensed Public Adjusters may work on policyholders' behalf, and not for insurance companies.

Anyone who holds a property insurance policy, or a policyholder's representative, can hire a Public Adjuster. Homeowners, co-op and condo assocations, property managers, businesses, brokers and attorneys all hire Public Adjusters as a cost-effective way to manage the insurance recovery process.

Working with a Public Adjuster gives a policyholder the upper hand in negotiations. We will conduct a rigorous investigation of your damages, identify the pertinent coverages available to respond to those damages, and address all the details of your claim with your insurance company as we work to ensure you get the settlement you deserve for your loss. We can also review your policy before a disaster and assist you with making changes to the policy to make sure you are protected in the event of a crisis.

Public Adjusters, also known as public insurance adjusters or public claims adjusters, are independent insurance professionals that property owners hire to represent their interests in filing a claim with their insurance company. They specialize in evaluating and negotiating insurance claims on behalf of the policyholder, helping to ensure a fair and full restoration after loss or damage.

An insurance company adjuster works on behalf of the insurance company. These employees work to protect the insurance company's interests and often have access to a large pool of resources. Insurance company adjusters must follow the policies and procedures set by the insurer. "Independent Adjuster" is a term that applies to a third type of adjuster. Independent adjusters are licensed and hired to represent insurance carriers, NOT policyholders. Only Public Adjusters are licensed to work on behalf of policyholders.

When it comes to filing a personal property claim or business income claim, it is important to consider all of your options. Hiring a Public Adjuster can ensure you receive the best possible outcome. Public adjusters can help you understand all aspects of your claim and guide you through the process. This can be invaluable when facing significant damage or loss, especially if circumstances are complicated.

In a nutshell, Public Adjusters tackle the insurance claims process, so you don’t have to. Many businesses and homeowners have insurance policies, but they are not aware of what the policies require or provide, and they're not experts in the insurance or building practices. If you need to file a claim, Public Adjusters help make sure you are fairly compensated for your loss.

By using a Public Adjuster, a homeowner, business owner, property manager or policyholder's representative can ensure they have an insurance expert guiding them through the recovery process. 

It's best to negotiate claims settlements with an understanding of insurance policies, building practices, and the claims process. Carriers have mechanisms and procedures put in place to save them money throughout the claims process, often at the expense of policyholders. Most states have recognized this problem and in response have licensed insurance experts known as Public Adjusters solely for the purposes of protecting and assisting policyholders when losses occur. 

Co-op/condominium  boards and property owners are often under-resourced and ill prepared for large disasters. Losses in these types of properties can lead to frustration between parties and result in disputes that can otherwise be avoided with the help of professional Public Adjuster. When a significant property damage occurs in a cooperative or condominium building, public adjusters help by: 

    Identifying Liabilities: Public adjusters thoroughly assess the circumstances surrounding property damage to identify potential liabilities. They analyze insurance policies, contracts, and relevant documentation to determine liability factors and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

    Managing All Affected Parties: Public adjusters act as central points of contact for all parties involved in the claims process, including insurance carriers, inspectors, contractors, lawyers, and others. They coordinate communication, facilitate interactions, and ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal of resolving the claim efficiently and effectively.

    Providing Professional Resources and Referrals: Public adjusters have extensive networks of professional resources, including contractors, engineers, attorneys, and other specialists. They leverage these connections to provide clients with access to high level expertise and services needed to address specific aspects of the claim, such as damage assessment, legal representation, or property restoration.

    Reducing Legal Costs: By effectively managing the claims process and advocating for their clients' interests, public adjusters help minimize the need for costly legal interventions. They work to resolve issues through negotiation and mediation whenever possible, reducing legal expenses and saving time.

    Avoiding Disputes with Insurance Carriers, Owners, and Residents: Public adjusters strive to maintain open lines of communication and foster positive relationships with all parties involved in the claims process. By addressing concerns proactively, providing transparent information, and seeking mutually beneficial solutions, they help prevent disputes from escalating and ensure a smoother claims experience for everyone involved.

    Ensuring the Recovery and Value of Assets: Public adjusters work diligently to ensure that condo or co-op boards and property owners receive fair compensation for their losses. They meticulously document property damage, assess the value of assets, and advocate for appropriate reimbursement to cover repairs, replacements, and other expenses.

    Understanding Claims Processes: Public adjusters possess in-depth knowledge of insurance claims processes, regulations, and industry standards. They guide clients through each step of the claims process, explaining procedures, requirements, and potential outcomes to ensure that they have a clear understanding of what to expect.

    Advocating for Clients: Public adjusters serve as strong advocates for condo or co-op boards and property owners, representing their interests and fighting for fair treatment from insurance carriers and other parties involved in the claims process. They use their expertise, negotiation skills, and industry experience to secure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

    Improving Relationships: By providing professional support, facilitating communication, and achieving favorable outcomes, public adjusters help strengthen relationships between condo or co-op boards, property owners, and other stakeholders involved in the claims process. Their proactive approach fosters trust, cooperation, and mutual respect, leading to enhanced relationships and smoother interactions in the future.

Co-operative/condominium  boards and property owners are often under-resourced and ill prepared for large disasters. Losses in these types of properties can lead to frustration between parties and result in disputes that can otherwise be avoided with the help of professional public adjuster. When a significant property damage occurs in a cooperative or condominium building, public adjusters help by: 

    Identifying Liabilities: Public adjusters thoroughly assess the circumstances surrounding property damage to identify potential liabilities. They analyze insurance policies, contracts, and relevant documentation to determine liability factors and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

    Managing All Affected Parties: Public adjusters act as central points of contact for all parties involved in the claims process, including insurance carriers, inspectors, contractors, lawyers, and others. They coordinate communication, facilitate interactions, and ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal of resolving the claim efficiently and effectively.

    Providing Professional Resources and Referrals: Public adjusters have extensive networks of professional resources, including contractors, engineers, attorneys, and other specialists. They leverage these connections to provide clients with access to high level expertise and services needed to address specific aspects of the claim, such as damage assessment, legal representation, or property restoration.

    Reducing Legal Costs: By effectively managing the claims process and advocating for their clients' interests, public adjusters help minimize the need for costly legal interventions. They work to resolve issues through negotiation and mediation whenever possible, reducing legal expenses and saving time.

    Avoiding Disputes with Insurance Carriers, Owners, and Residents: Public adjusters strive to maintain open lines of communication and foster positive relationships with all parties involved in the claims process. By addressing concerns proactively, providing transparent information, and seeking mutually beneficial solutions, they help prevent disputes from escalating and ensure a smoother claims experience for everyone involved.

    Ensuring the Recovery and Value of Assets: Public adjusters work diligently to ensure that condo or co-op boards and property owners receive fair compensation for their losses. They meticulously document property damage, assess the value of assets, and advocate for appropriate reimbursement to cover repairs, replacements, and other expenses.

    Understanding Claims Processes: Public adjusters possess in-depth knowledge of insurance claims processes, regulations, and industry standards. They guide clients through each step of the claims process, explaining procedures, requirements, and potential outcomes to ensure that they have a clear understanding of what to expect.

    Advocating for Clients: Public adjusters serve as strong advocates for condo or co-op boards and property owners, representing their interests and fighting for fair treatment from insurance carriers and other parties involved in the claims process. They use their expertise, negotiation skills, and industry experience to secure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

    Improving Relationships: By providing professional support, facilitating communication, and achieving favorable outcomes, public adjusters help strengthen relationships between condo or co-op boards, property owners, and other stakeholders involved in the claims process. Their proactive approach fosters trust, cooperation, and mutual respect, leading to enhanced relationships and smoother interactions in the future.

A Public Adjuster, also known as a Public Insurance Adjuster, helps homeowners and businesses recover from disasters or damage to their property or business. Public Adjusters are experts in preparing, managing, and negotiating insurance claims, giving policyholders and their representatives the resources they need to be in the best possible position for recovery.

The property claim process begins when the policyholder files a claim with their insurance carrier. The carrier conducts an investigation of the damages and claims made, and will deny coverage or make an initial offer for settlement.

If coverage is provided, the claim proceeds from assessing and quantifying damages (structural, loss of use, personal property, etc.), leading into a negotiation with the insurer and their representatives to come to an agreement of the fair value of those losses. This process involves evidence such as estimates, appraisals, or other documentation to make their case for compensation. 

Securing a fair outcome from a claim requires the ability to fully understand and quantify damage and to effectively and accurately present that damage at each step of the process. This includes determining the value of the lost items or loss of use, assessing and presenting the cost of repairs and replacement, and factoring policy provisions, such as applicable deductibles.

When a claim is not settled through this process, parties may proceed to alternative dispute resolution, either through arbitration or, in the worst case, in a law suit. A policyholder's case is often reliant on file preparation and testimony of a Public Adjuster.

No matter what happens during the property claim negotiation process, all parties involved must work together and act in good faith to reach an equitable and fair agreement for everyone involved. With the help of a good Public Adjuster, policyholders can be sure that their interests are being represented, that claims are made accurately and with the necessary documentation, and that they have access to all the information they need for a favorable settlement. Having a Public Adjuster involved from the beginning can often avoid a lengthier process--a good Public Adjuster will present a fair and fully-documented claim initially.

Insurance companies offer to pay the amount due as they see it. They and their representatives use assessment tools that they approve, often without regard to the details and circumstances of a particular case.

Public Adjusters are the exclusive representatives of policyholders. With their experience and knowledge, they can better obtain the right assessments and services needed for a favorable adjustment for the insured. The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) is a national organization that can provide background information and references for public adjusters.

A public adjuster can help you to understand your coverage, your requirements, and the obligations of your insurance carrier, including the requirements of reporting your claim. A good Public Adjuster will ensure that the policyholder meets requirements for emergency mitigation set by their policy, and will take the steps necessary to document and prepare a claim.

When filing a claim on your own, be sure to keep a record of all insurance company phone calls, emails, and other correspondence, in case this documentation is needed should a dispute arise. A policyholder should report a loss in a timely manner if they believe they may need to make a claim immediately or in the future, and should not speculate about causes of losses or the extent of damage without expert consultation or evidence.

The best first step is to consult with a Public Adjuster to understand coverage, requirements, and the obligations of your insurance carrier, including the requirements of reporting your claim.

A good Public Adjuster will ensure that emergency mitigation is completed and documented as required, and that you understand and coverage under your policy. As they prepare your claim, they can help find the resources you need to ensure a full recovery. They act on your behalf to negotiate with the insurance carrier, working to ensure a fair settlement. 

Property insurance claims can be difficult to negotiate. When your business or home has suffered damage and losses due to unforeseen circumstances, you will likely rely on your insurance policy to compensate for those losses and get you on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, insurance companies and the policies they provide can be extremely complicated and can require a great deal of detailed documentation and negotiation in order to get a fair settlement.

This depends upon the type and amount of insurance you carry, but it also depends on the assessment of the insurance company's representatives and how your claim is processed. A qualified Public Adjuster working for you can determine everything you are entitled to and will know how to present and process the claim to your best advantage.

Filing an insurance claim yourself after damage has occurred can be challenging, time consuming, and tedious. Common missteps can result in a rejected or underpaid claim. Here are some of the most common issues that can be avoided with the help of a Public Adjuster:

• Damage to property is misrepresented. A good Public Adjuster knows how to describe your situation so that it is represented accurately but also in a way that complies with the requirements of your carrier and the specifics of your policy.
• Damage may not be covered by a policy. The expertise of a Pubic Adjuster can be crucial when trying to identify coverage. Many causes of loss, such as fire, lightning, or wind damage are often covered in standard policies, but each policy is unique and must be carefully examined to understand coverages and liability.
• Exclusions and neglect may be relevant. Both the insurance carrier and the policyholder have requirements under an insurance policy contract.  For example, insurance policies won’t generally cover damage that is due to wear and tear or neglect. Understanding and communicating the  requirements and rights afforded by an insurance policy is the expertise of a Public Adjuster. 

As in any type of damage or loss, if you suffer damage from a major storm consultting a Public Adjuster is the best first step. A good public adjuster will ensure that emergency mitigation is completed and documented as required, and that you understand and are in compliance with coverage under your policy. As they prepare your claim, they can help find the resources you need to ensure a full recovery. They act on your behalf to negotiate with the insurance carrier, working to ensure a fair settlement. 

The short answer is "No." Legally, only licensed Public Adjusters can provide adjusting services. Using a contractor who is acting as an adjuster is considered unlicensed practice and can cause serious problems with your claim. 

Public Adjusters, like insurance carriers, can recommend restoration contractors or other professionals to the insured, but it is always up to the insured to choose who they would like to work with.

When hiring a Public Adjuster, the sooner you can do so the better. A good Public Adjuster will ensure that the policyholder meets requirements for emergency mitigation set by their policy, and takes the steps necessary to document and prepare their claim. Having a Public Adjuster involved from the beginning can often avoid a lengthier process or missteps in the claim.