Maximize Your Insurance Settlement with a Public Adjuster
Anyone who suffered damage from the recent hurricanes may want to consider hiring a Public Adjuster before contacting their insurance company.
What is A Public Adjuster?
A Public Insurance Adjuster is an expert on loss adjustment and the recovery process, and is employed by the policyholder not the insurance company. The Public Adjuster assists you, the insured, with their knowledge of insurance policies and negotiation techniques, in preparing, filing and managing the payment of insurance claims regarding property loss. A public adjuster works on your behalf.
Why Do I Need a Public Adjuster?
Insurance is complicated. Your insurance company has someone to represent them and look out for their interest. They are trained and paid by the company. They will protect the company’s interest because they work for the company. And sometimes they make mistakes, mistakes that could adversely affect your settlement. You have responsibilities under the policy. The policy has conditions which require you to act and to perform certain tasks. Failure to comply with the policy conditions could put your claim at risk.
What Does a Public Adjuster Do?
- They are your advocate.
- They represent you.
- They protect your interest.
- Policies can be complicated. There are many endorsements and exclusions that affect your claim. A Public Adjuster fully reviews and analyzes your policy.
- They determine all the benefits you are entitled to.
- They evaluate your loss and damages.
- They aggressively present your claim to the company.
- What Does a Public Adjust Cost?
Public Adjusters are regulated by the state and do not get paid unless you receive a settlement. Here in Florida a Public Adjuster compensation is set at 20%. However, with hurricane claims it drops to 10%. According to OPPAGA analysis a Public Adjuster typically gets an average of 500% more than homeowners filing for themselves
How to find a good public adjuster?
Quality and experience of public adjusters vary, so choose carefully. Follow these tips:
Get referrals. You can find adjusters in your area through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters.
Make sure the adjuster is licensed in your state. Many state insurance departments, which regulate public insurance adjusters, let you verify licenses online.
Read the contract and understand the fees before hiring the adjuster
Stay away from anyone demanding an upfront fee or pressuring you to sign a contract. Disasters bring out scam artists — unqualified people who pose as public adjusters and take advantage of vulnerable people.