What is a Public Adjuster and what can they do for you?
A Public Adjuster is the only licensed person that is qualified to represent you in a property claim, other than an Attorney. A public adjuster is more qualified to handle property claims and will charge significantly less than an attorney. The difference is that a public adjuster will meet with the insurance company adjuster at your property, will write all estimates, and prepare the claim documents. An attorney will not write estimates or complete total loss inventories or loss site inspections. Even if you hire an attorney, you will still have to hire someone to prepare your estimates and claim documents. Most Departments of Insurance through the United States define a Public Adjuster in part: public insurance adjusters charge fees to help negotiate first party claim settlements with insurance companies.
What Is the Difference Between a Public Adjuster and an Insurance Company Adjuster?
Most assuredly, just what is a public adjuster? According to Wikipedia, a public adjuster is a property claims professional that is an advocate for a policyholder when it comes to negotiating a first party insurance claim. In the most simplistic terms, you hire a public adjuster to help you present your side of the claim. The insurance company’s adjuster solely represents the insurance carrier. In most instances they attempt to deny your claim, or not pay the amount you see should have been paid.
When you have had significant damage to your home or business, you want your insurance claim to be filed and settled quickly so that your home or business can get back to normal. As an insured, your first step is to identify who to hire as a representative for you. A public adjuster is the correct licensed individual to hire from the onset of the claim.
What Is the Goal of a Public Adjuster?
As the insured, you want a public adjuster that has the expertise and experience to help you navigate the complicated claims process. An experienced public adjuster will assist with all facets of the claim and will, also, be your legal representative in front of the insurance company. They ensure a policyholder’s claim is handled fast, fair, and get the maximum financial compensation.
What Does A Public Adjuster Do?
A public adjuster works for the insured, representing the insured to negotiate the best results. They will evaluate the loss and file the claim with the proper cause of loss with your insurance company.
Why it is Important for You Should Hire A Public Adjuster?
Your first thought as an insured will probably be, “My insurance company will take care of me and see that I am treated fairly. You would be incorrect in that thought. Think about it for a moment, your insurance company adjuster is an agent for the insurance company and the insurance company is her/his employer. They are going to do the minimal amount for you the insured.
So, is a public adjuster good to have on your side? Definitely! He will be your representative between you and the insurance company adjuster. He will make sure the insurance policy is utilized to your favor behalf, not the best interest of the insurance company.
When is the Best Time to Hire A Public Adjuster?
When you have an unexpected property loss at your home or business, your insurance company is going to have a team of experts on their side. A team of experts that generally work against you, the insured. As a policyholder you have the right to employ assistance in handling your insurance claim. It is extremely important to hire a public adjuster from the onset of the claim.
When do you need a public adjuster?
Here are four instances that you should consider hiring one:
1. Documentation, Filing and Proving the Claim
There can be many complicating factors when filing an insurance claim and a public adjuster is the person that knows what you need to satisfy the insurance company requirements.
Insurance claims are challenging to navigate. Proving the value of your claim is a difficult task. A public adjuster will have the expertise on how to handle your claim and ensure you receive a proper settlement.
2. Understanding the Insurance Policy Language and The Coverage
A public adjuster is your advocate, not the insurance company’s. His goal is to make sure you have the proper financially recovery for your loss. He will understand the terms and conditions of your policy so that you get the maximum settlement possible.
3. Time Is Money
When you have a loss to your business or home, you are stressed enough. Time is money, especially if you own a business. Your time is needed to get back to normal. getting things back to normal. A public adjuster will take the time element burden off your shoulders, allowing you to take care of your business or family.
Unfortunately, it is the insured’s burden to prove the loss. A public adjuster will evaluate your insurance policy and determine the best strategy to present your claim. They will make sure everything is documented properly and negotiate with the insurance company for you. They will keep you in the loop throughout the process.
4. Your Insurance Company is Taking Too Long
As an insured, you may feel that the insurance company is not responding to you in a timely manner. You are not comfortable that they have evaluated your claim in an improper timely manner. When the lengthy process of an insurance claim is longer than you think, it is time to hire a public adjuster. Thus, your claim will get the attention it deserves and that all related expenses are reimbursed as the policy mandates.
Keep in mind hiring a public adjuster is important from the beginning of the claim. Let them call in your claim to the insurance company. This will prevent confusion of what type of loss occurred at your home or business.