What's a Public Adjuster, and Do You Need One?

November 8, 2017 By admin No comments yet

businessman offering handshake Experiencing flooding, storms, water damage, fire damage or another disastrous event can be an overwhelming and very difficult time for any homeowner or business owner. Once the damage has been done and you’re left to begin the insurance claim process, you might not know where to start. A public adjuster can help.

What Is a Public Adjuster?

When filing a business or homeowner insurance claim, your insurance company can provide an in-house adjuster to begin the process. However, many property owners choose to hire a public adjuster—one who is not connected to the insurance company in any way—to make sure that they get the maximum amount that they are entitled to.

[pullquote]A public adjuster will work with you to accurately assess and document damages, keep track of all paperwork, receipts and payments and speed up the home insurance claim process.[/pullquote]

When Might You Need a Public Adjuster?

Any time your home, business or property has been damaged and you need to file a claim with your insurance company, having a public adjuster on your side can be beneficial. Fires, floods, tornados and hurricanes are all common reasons why property owners need to file an insurance claim and choose to hire a public adjuster who has their best interests in mind, not those of their insurance company.

Choosing the Right Public Adjuster

When choosing a public adjuster, look for qualifications such as:

High success rates
References from previous clients
Ample experience
A no-cost, no-obligation consultation

If ever you feel pressured or even scammed into quickly hiring a public adjuster, especially directly following a major storm or other natural disaster, take a step back and do your research before signing any papers.