Public adjusters are professionals who help you deal with your insurance company when filing a claim. If your property has been damaged or you have lost it and need to file a claim, this article will give you everything you need to know about public adjusters.
What is the role of a public adjuster?
A public adjuster is an insurance industry professional who represents you in the claim dispute process on your behalf. They are not your insurer or their employees but they act as advocates for you to get all that you deserve from your claim. They can help you with every step that you need to take, from arranging a property inspection, to liaising with your insurer during the claims process.
Are public adjusters legit?
Yes! Public adjuster agencies are licensed, bonded and insured. They are part of the claims process that works within the insurance industry to ensure people are not taken advantage of and that they get fair compensation for their losses.
What qualities should I look for in a public adjuster?
A public adjuster should have the following qualities and qualifications:
Licensed — A public adjuster should be a licensed professional who has good moral character and has passed a background check to maintain their credentials. They should have a solid work history and should be able to show proof of this on their resume, along with associated education and training. Good customer service — Public adjusters are the intermediary between you and your insurer. This means they need to be able to communicate well with both parties in order to negotiate effectively on your behalf.
When should I hire a public adjuster?
Any time you have a claim — public adjuster should have an open claims file where they are waiting to help when it’s time to file a claim.
Public adjusters specialize in all kinds of insurance claims so you don’t just need them for home damage but any losses, including car and personal injury claims.
How do I find a good public adjuster?
When searching for public adjusters near me, look for ones that are regulated by the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, which is a not-for-profit association made up of licensed public adjusters who abide by strict ethical standards. They also adhere to guidelines in the California Business and Professions Code.
How do I hire a public adjuster?
When you contact a public adjuster, ask for a written fee agreement to cover all costs and services. A good agreement should itemize all the services to be provided and any extra costs or additional charges. You can also get comprehensive rates from the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters website.
When is it too late to hire a public adjuster to assist with my claim?
An adjuster can help you with your claim when it is filed, or as early as 30 days after the loss. They can also help during the claim process, up to a year after the loss.
What are public adjusters not permitted to do?
Public adjusters aren’t allowed to advise you on which insurance company you should contact, provide any information that will affect your claim for compensation or suggest that you shoot off an email/letter to your insurer without first talking to them about your claim.
What is the difference is between a public adjuster and an insurance agent?
A public adjuster is not an insurance agent. Insurance agents are salespeople who work for insurance companies. They represent the interests of your insurer and may be giving you advice on how to file your claim on their terms. Public adjusters are not employees of the insurer but rather represent you in your claim against the insurer and help you get the compensation you deserve so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
Seeking professional help with your claim should be a positive experience. If you are unsure whether to hire a public adjuster, there is nothing to lose in getting some help with your claim — you can always fire the public adjuster if things aren’t going well.