How Do I Know I Need a Public Adjuster? 7 Questions to Ask
Public adjusters are the right choice for some claims – but not all.
Some claims are straightforward and inexpensive, for example, limiting the value a public adjuster would bring.
Other claims, however, can be increased 3x, 5x, or even 10x with help from a public adjuster. With some claims, a public adjuster is the difference between a denied claim and receiving the full $500,000 in coverage for your property.
Do you need a public adjuster for your claim?
Here are seven questions to ask before hiring a public adjuster.
Is the Damage Significant or Complex?
Public adjusters typically work on insurance claims that are significant and/or complex – say, where the disputed amount is worth $10,000 or more.
Public adjusters are licensed experts who apply their expertise to your insurance claim, clarifying coverage and substantiating your claim to ensure you get paid.
Questions to ask include:
- Does my claim involve major repairs?
- Does my claim involve multiple areas of my home?
- Is there widespread damage – like water damage or fire damage – from my claim?
- Is my claim worth more than $10,000?
In all of these situations, it may be worth having an expert represent your best interests.
Remember: the larger the claim, the more you stand to lose – or gain – based on the outcome.
Are You Unsure of What’s Covered?
Sometimes, insurance policies have vague wording, making it difficult to see what’s covered.
- Are you unsure what’s covered?
- Do you know your policy limits?
- Do you feel your insurer may be taking advantage of your lack of insurance knowledge?
Insurance policies cover more than you think. Insurers, however, may want to close claims as quickly as possible to limit scope.
Making things worse, insurers often load policies with fine print, confusing exclusions, and other complex terms – like “covered perils.” In many cases, your insurer may interpret this language in a way that benefits them the most.
Public adjusters can review your policy and analyze the damage to determine what’s covered. Then, they’ll explain your real coverage limits while pushing to receive the highest possible payout.
Has Your Claim Been Delayed, Denied, or Underpaid?
Some hire public adjusters at the outset of an insurance claim. We’re also happy to start in the middle of a claim – say, after a claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid.
Some of the ways in which a public adjuster can help with a denied or underpaid claim include:
- Reopen or supplement a claim that was underpaid or denied
- Handle frustrating back-and-forths with the insurer on your behalf
- Push for a fair payout by providing evidence while using policy language and precedent
If you’ve already submitted your claim, you can still hire a public adjuster. In fact, many homeowners hire public adjusters months after the initial loss and still get a good outcome.
Is Your Insurer Rushing the Process?
Your insurance company may want to close your claim as quickly as possible. The sooner they close your claim, the smaller the scope of the claim tends to be.
Unfortunately, many insurers act in bad faith by rushing the claim. They fail to investigate the claim adequately because they know they plan to underpay.
Signs your insurer may be rushing the process include:
- Not taking time to document evidence
- Not sending an adjuster or contractor to survey damages
- Offering a lowball payout
- Taking quick photos or glossing over damage
- Discouraging you from making a large claim
- Avoiding the use of tools, like moisture mapping tools, roof inspections, itemized estimates, or mold testing equipment
Is Your Insurer Taking Too Long to Respond?
Some insurers simply move slowly. Others deliberately drag their feet.
Some insurers even cross the line into bad faith, deliberately delaying your insurance claim because they know it increases the chance of you accepting a lower payout.
Whatever the situation, a public adjuster helps your insurer treat you seriously.
Find a Public AdjusterAre You Stressed, Overwhelmed, or Uncertain?
Insurance claims are stressful. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or uncertain.
Unfortunately, insurers could take advantage. They know the average homeowner lacks in-depth insurance knowledge, for example. They could take advantage of your inexperience, pushing you to accept a smaller-than-normal settlement.
Public adjusters are trusted, licensed experts who represent your best interests – not your insurer’s bottom line. They can:
- Manage your entire claim from start to finish
- Apply their expertise and experience to your claim to ensure an outcome in your best interests
- Communicate directly with your insurance company
- Negotiate with your insurer on your behalf
- Prevent you from accidentally hurting your claim by saying the wrong thing
- Ensure you’re not taken advantage of in a stressful moment
Do You Lack the Time to Deal with an Insurance Claim?
Some homeowners hire a public adjuster simply because they lack the time to deal with a complex insurance claim.
Maybe you’re a busy parent. Maybe you have a big trip coming up. Maybe you live in a different state. Whatever the situation, public adjusters can handle a claim from start to finish while representing your best interests.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Hiring a public adjuster could transform your insurance claim.
Some hire public adjusters from the outset of a tricky claim.
We can also come in during the middle of a claim – say, after an insurer denied your claim or started dragging its feet.
During a call, we’ll explain how a public adjuster could help your claim.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with ClaimsMate today.
Stephanie is a property insurance claim expert with over 20 years of experience working as an insurance adjuster, expert witness, appraiser and umpire. She is passionate about sharing her expertise, knowledge, tips and training to help both property owners and Public Adjusters in their pursuit of effectively managing claims and recovering the claim settlement they deserve after a loss.
