What is a Public Insurance Adjuster and Do I Need One?

Understanding the Role of a Public Insurance Adjuster

Whether you are a business or home owner, your property represents a huge investment of your life. Months, years, even decades went into acquiring and maintaining it. To have it damaged, even minor things, can be highly stressful. When severe damages occur it can feel like the end of the world. We have insurance on our property to protect our investment, but the claim process can be as stressful if not more than the actual damages. In this article, we will explore the role of a public insurance adjuster and how they can help you through the claim process.

What is a Public Insurance Adjuster?

A public insurance adjuster is a licensed professional who represents you, the policyholder, in the insurance claim process. Unlike insurance company adjusters who work for the insurance provider, public adjusters work for you. Their primary role is to assess the damage to your property, prepare the necessary documentation, and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

How Public Adjusters Help Property Owners

Public adjusters bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table, making them invaluable allies in the claims process. Here are some ways they can assist you:

Detailed Damage Assessment: The insurance company has a duty to investigate every claim. They will send out an adjuster to assess the damages, but the reports they write are often substandard and are equivalent to putting a band-aid on the damages instead of performing a proper repair. Public adjusters conduct thorough inspections of your property to document all damages, including those that may not be immediately visible. This ensures that nothing is overlooked, and you receive compensation for all covered losses. The estimate of repairs from a public adjuster will guarantee that a repair is not visible once the repairs are completed by a quality contractor. The estimate provided by the insurance company will nearly always require you to hire a handyman instead of a contractor. Or your contractor will need to cut corners to perform the repairs. Either way, the repairs will always be visible unless you get exceptionally lucky.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Public adjusters handle all communications with your insurance company, negotiating on your behalf to secure the maximum settlement possible. Their knowledge of insurance policies and claim procedures helps level the playing field, ensuring you are not taken advantage of during the process.
Reduced risk of denials: Often times policyholders (the person who owns the property) believe they are being helpful to the insurance adjuster by providing their opinion or observations of various things related to the loss. Unfortunately, this “extra” information often causes denials of legitimate damages. If a policyholder gives an opinion to an insurance adjuster that is something that can be denied by the policy, insurance adjusters will stop investigating the claim and just write a denial regardless of what the real facts of the claim are. Public adjusters ensure that the facts supporting the claim are communicated clearly to the insurance company and denials of legitimate damages are avoided.
Saving Time and Reducing Stress: By managing the claim process for you, public adjusters save you time and reduce the stress associated with dealing with insurance companies. This allows you to focus on restoring your property and getting your life back to normal.

Why Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster?

If your property has potentially suffered storm damage, hiring a public insurance adjuster can be a wise decision. They bring a level of expertise and dedication that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Here are a few reasons to consider their services:

Maximize Your Settlement: Public adjusters work to ensure you receive the full amount you are entitled to under your policy. Their goal is to maximize your settlement, covering all necessary repairs and losses.
Objective Assistance: As independent professionals, public adjusters provide an unbiased assessment of your damages. They work solely in your best interest, ensuring that your claim is handled fairly and accurately.
Peace of Mind: Navigating the claims process can be daunting, especially in the aftermath of a storm. Public adjusters bring peace of mind by handling the complexities of the claim, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Assessing Storm Damages: When to Consider a Public Adjuster

Storms can leave behind a trail of destruction, causing significant damage to homes and businesses. If you have recently experienced a storm, you may be uncertain about the extent of the damage and the steps to take in filing an insurance claim. One valuable resource available to you is a public adjuster.

Understanding Storm Damage

Storm damage can vary greatly, from minor roof leaks to severe structural damage. It’s crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of your property to determine the full extent of the damage. Here are some common types of storm damage to look for:

Roof Damage: Missing or damaged shingles, leaks, and structural issues.
Water Damage: Flooding, leaks, mold growth, and damage to walls and flooring.
Wind Damage: Broken windows, damaged siding, and fallen trees or debris.
Hail Damage: Dents in roofs, siding, and vehicles, as well as broken windows.

Properly identifying and documenting these damages is essential for filing a successful insurance claim.

When to Consider a Public Adjuster

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works on your behalf, not the insurance company’s. Their expertise can be particularly beneficial in several scenarios:

Complex Claims: If your property has sustained extensive damage or multiple types of damage, a public adjuster can help ensure that all aspects of your claim are thoroughly documented and submitted.
Disputed Claims: If your initial claim has been denied or you believe the settlement offer is too low, a public adjuster can negotiate with your insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
Time Constraints: If you lack the time or resources to manage the claims process yourself, a public adjuster can handle all aspects of the claim, from assessment to negotiation.
Peace of Mind: The claims process can be stressful and time-consuming. Hiring a public adjuster can provide peace of mind, knowing that an experienced professional is advocating for your best interests.

Benefits of Hiring a Public Adjuster

Public adjusters offer several advantages that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim:

Expertise: Public adjusters have extensive knowledge of insurance policies and claims procedures. They can identify damages that may not be immediately apparent and ensure that all necessary documentation is provided.
Maximized Settlements: Public adjusters work to maximize your settlement, ensuring that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to under your policy.
Advocacy: As independent professionals, public adjusters work solely for you, not the insurance company. Their goal is to secure the best possible outcome for your claim.
Efficiency: By managing the entire claims process, public adjusters save you time and reduce the stress associated with dealing with insurance companies.

How to Find a Reputable Public Adjuster

When considering hiring a public adjuster, it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced professional. Here are some tips to help you find the right adjuster:

Check Credentials: Ensure that the public adjuster is licensed and in good standing with the appropriate regulatory authority.
Read Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the adjuster’s reputation and track record.
Ask for References: Request references from the adjuster and contact them to learn about their experiences.
Discuss Fees: Public adjusters typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they receive a percentage of the settlement. Make sure you understand their fee structure before hiring them. Most states regulate how much a public adjuster is allowed to charge for their services. Ensure that the fee structure they quote you matches what the state laws say they can charge.

You may not have expertise in construction or the claim process and that is OK. You know when something doesn’t look like it did before the storm. The Public Adjuster can provide the expertise needed to determine the extent of the damages. They will take the stress of the claim process out of your hands. Just as you always hear that you should vet any contractor that you hire, you should vet any public adjuster you consider hiring.

If you’re facing the aftermath of damages to your home or business and unsure about the extent of your damages or how to navigate the claims process, don’t face it alone. Contact Bulldog Public Adjusters today for a free consultation and let our experts maximize your insurance settlement. Call or text us at 512-409-4351 or email us at james@bulldogpa.com to get started and ensure your property is fully protected.