When Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?

You’re not required to hire a public adjuster to help you file or resolve a homeowners insurance claim.[1] Your insurance company will send adjusters who can work directly with you. But if your case is complicated, a public adjuster may be a good investment. 

A public adjuster works for you, assessing your damage against your policy. This professional can work directly with your insurance company and potentially help you get more money from your claim.

Understanding the Different Types of Adjusters 

All adjusters deal with claims. But several different types of these professionals could work on your homeowners policy.

Company adjusters are the most common type of adjuster homeowners meet. These adjusters are hired by insurance companies. They may work to keep settlements small, so their companies keep more of their funds. 

Independent adjusters are freelancers that an insurance company might hire to process claims. After a major event, such as a hurricane, an organization may run out of company adjusters to examine claims. Independent adjusters could fill the gap. 

Public adjusters work for homeowners, not insurance companies. They can examine the damage, compare it to benefits in homeowners plans, and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company. Homeowners pay them, not insurance companies. 

8 Signs It’s Time to Consider Hiring an Adjuster 

While you’re not required to hire a public adjuster, it could be a smart idea. A public adjuster could help you achieve the maximum payout and help you avoid headaches with insurance providers. 

If you have one or more of the following signs, it could be smart to hire a public adjuster: 

Time Constraints 

Dealing with a complicated insurance claim can be time-consuming and stressful. A public adjuster can take a significant amount of pressure away, and this can be well worth the additional cost. 

After you hire a public adjuster, the insurance company can’t work with you directly.[2] Instead, agents must work with the professional you hired. That could mean fewer phone calls, text messages, and emails to handle. 

Confusion About Your Policy 

Researchers say few homeowners understand what’s included within their policy.[3] If you’re one of them, handling your claim could be incredibly difficult. 

A public adjuster is an expert on homeowners insurance policies. This person also knows about the little things insurance companies might try to keep their costs down. This expertise alone could make a public adjuster a good investment. 

Lack of Expertise 

Some people are comfortable working with insurance companies. If you’ve been through a different claim process (such as a car damaged in an accident), you might be comfortable with a homeowners insurance issue. 

But if you haven’t, that lack of experience could make dealing with a complicated claim too difficult. A public adjuster may help a great deal. 

Extensive Damage

Some homeowners insurance claims are small. For example, the average claim for theft is less than $5,000.[4] But damage caused by fire and lightning can cost close to $84,000.[4] The larger the claim, the more helpful a public adjuster might be. 

Severe damage can complicate timelines, and some insurance companies balk at big payouts. A public adjuster can ensure you get what you deserve and don’t leave anything on the table. 

Quick Payout Offers

Some insurance companies offer policyholders an early, low settlement. The idea is that you’ll drop your claim quickly to get the cash you need to move on. While it’s tempting, working with a public adjuster may be a good next step.

A public adjuster can explain what a proper settlement might be. And this person can work hard to speed up the process, so you get help as quickly as possible. They’ll be better able to handle any delay tactics an insurance adjuster might try.

Delaying Your Claim 

Waiting for funds to repair your home or replace your possessions can be incredibly difficult. Some insurance companies take advantage of these feelings and slow the process. Just when you’re feeling desperate, they offer a low settlement. 

A public adjuster can help you understand what your claim is worth. And this professional can entice your insurance company to work quickly to pay the funds you’re owed.

Settlement Does Not Meet Expectations 

You may believe your claim is worth a certain amount, but your insurance company suggests a much smaller figure. You’re not required to accept their offer. A public adjuster may be a big help in this situation. 

Hiring a public adjuster means asking someone to examine your claim from your point of view. This person may determine that a higher settlement is required, and you can help gather the information to prove it. You could get the money you want at the end of this process. 

Provider Is Downplaying a Second Opinion 

Your insurance provider may suggest that you don’t need an outsider to help resolve your claim. In severe cases, your provider may suggest that you’re not allowed to ask for help. 

Know that a neutral expert can help you resolve your concerns. You’re allowed to ask people to work with you. 

Hiring a Public Adjuster vs. an Attorney 

A public adjuster can help with your homeowners insurance claim, but they’re not miracle workers. Sometimes, the work they do isn’t quite enough. A lawyer can step in at that point. 

A public adjuster is the best person to start your case. This person can examine your claim, gather evidence, and work with your insurance company directly. This professional may also attempt to negotiate a better settlement on your behalf. 

If the adjuster can’t get the settlement you want, an attorney can help. These professionals can negotiate more forcefully with your insurance company, and sometimes, they can get to an agreement without going to court. 

But if all else fails, a lawyer specializing in insurance can argue for you in front of a judge. Your adjuster may be part of this case too. While no one wants to end up in court, it is sometimes necessary to get the amount you deserve.