The House Call: When Insurance Adjusters Come Knocking

If you've filed a home insurance claim, you'll likely have to work with a home insurance adjuster who will visit your house to assess the damage and determine the appropriate compensation.

Home insurance adjusters are either employed or contracted by insurance companies and are responsible for investigating insurance claims. They inspect the property, evaluate the damage, and calculate the compensation the insurance company should provide.

While you have the legal right to refuse an inspection from your insurance company, doing so may result in a delayed or denied claim as the company cannot determine the extent of the damage.

Insurance adjusters visit your property to assess damage and determine compensation

When you file a home insurance claim, an insurance adjuster will visit your property to assess the damage and determine the appropriate compensation. The adjuster is either an employee of your insurance company or an independent contractor working on their behalf. They are responsible for evaluating your claim, inspecting the property, and calculating the compensation you should receive.

The process typically involves the adjuster inspecting the damaged areas, taking pictures, and making notes. They may also examine other areas of your property to determine the extent of the damage. They will then file a report with their findings and recommendations, which will be used to determine your compensation.

It is important to note that the adjuster works on behalf of the insurance company and is often tasked with calculating the lowest possible settlement amount. As such, it is advisable to prepare for the adjuster's visit by documenting the damage, collecting relevant documents, and understanding your policy. You may also want to consider hiring a public adjuster, who works on behalf of the policyholder, to get a second opinion.

Overall, the insurance adjuster's visit is a crucial step in the claims process, as it helps to ensure that you receive fair and accurate compensation for your covered losses.

They are usually employed or contracted by insurance companies

When you file an insurance claim, an insurance adjuster will be sent to your home to assess the damage. These adjusters are usually employed or contracted by insurance companies and don't charge the policyholder for home visits.

There are two main types of insurance adjusters: staff adjusters and independent adjusters. Staff adjusters, also known as company adjusters or employee adjusters, work directly for an insurance company as W-2 salaried employees. They adjust claims on behalf of the company and receive benefits as part of their employment.

Independent adjusters, on the other hand, have a broader definition. They also adjust claims on behalf of the insurer, but they are not direct employees of the insurance company. Instead, they are typically contracted by a third-party claims-handling company or "independent adjusting firm" (IA firm). These adjusters are employed by the IA firm but act as representatives of the insurance company.

In the past, independent adjusters often worked as independent contractors. However, for legal and liability reasons, the current practice is to hire independent adjusters as W-2 employees, especially for seasonal or catastrophe deployments. For shorter deployments, independent adjusters may be hired as "seasonal employees," a status similar to that of an independent contractor.

While staff adjusters and independent adjusters usually have different licenses and licensing requirements, they both play a crucial role in facilitating the claims process and ensuring that policyholders receive fair and accurate compensation for covered losses.

They may take photos, ask questions, and make notes

When you file a home insurance claim, an insurance adjuster will visit your home to assess the damage and determine the appropriate compensation. They will take photos, make notes, and ask questions about the damage.

The adjuster will want to inspect the areas that have been damaged and may also examine "collateral property" such as fences, decks, windows, and other outdoor features to determine how widespread the damage is. They will also want to know when you noticed the damage and may ask if you have had it inspected by a contractor.

It is important to be present during the adjuster's visit so that you can answer their questions and make sure they don't miss any damaged areas. The whole process could take between one and two hours, depending on the scope of the damage and the size of the property.

After inspecting the property, the adjuster will write a report detailing their findings and recommendations. This report will be used by the insurance company to determine the compensation you will receive.

You don't have to be present, but it's a good idea to ensure nothing is missed

When you file a home insurance claim, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. They will visit your home to assess the damage and determine how much compensation your insurance company should provide. While it is not necessary for you to be present during their visit, it is a good idea to ensure that no areas of damage are missed.

Being present during the adjuster's visit allows you to answer any questions they may have about the damage and provide additional context. You can also use this opportunity to ask them about the next steps in the claims process and what to expect.

Before the adjuster arrives, it is helpful to document the date and time of the incident and take photos of the damage for your records. You should also collect relevant documents, such as witness statements, repair estimates, and receipts for any damaged items.

Keep in mind that the adjuster works on behalf of the insurance company, and their goal is often to calculate the lowest possible settlement amount. Therefore, it is important to be prepared and provide as much evidence as possible to support your claim. If you feel that the compensation amount offered is too low, you have the right to dispute the settlement or hire a public adjuster for a second opinion.

The adjuster's findings will determine the compensation you receive

When you file a home insurance claim, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. They will visit your property to collect information about the extent of your loss and evaluate the damage. The adjuster's findings will determine the compensation you receive.

The adjuster will likely take photos and make notes about the observable damage. They may also examine other areas of your property to determine how widespread the damage is. They may ask questions about how the damage occurred and when you noticed it. They may also make assessments about the structural integrity of your home to determine if any of the damage occurred before the incident in question.

The adjuster will then file a report containing their findings and recommendations. Some adjusters can authorise a claim on the spot, but it is more common that you will need to review the report and communicate with the insurance company to finalise the claim.

It is important to remember that the adjuster does not advocate for you. They are paid to calculate the lowest possible compensation on your insurer's behalf. You can prepare for the adjuster's inspection by compiling an itemised list of your belongings, understanding your policy's exclusions, and keeping meticulous notes of your meeting.

Frequently asked questions