Navigating The Claims Process: Hiring A National Insurance Adjuster

A public insurance adjuster is a licensed professional who can help you with the claims process and ensure that your payout is fair and accurate. They work for the policyholder, not the insurance company, and can be hired to evaluate property loss and help file insurance claims. Public adjusters can be particularly useful if you think your claim was poorly handled, if you have severe damage, or if you simply want an insurance professional to navigate the claims process on your behalf.

When hiring a national insurance adjuster, it is important to consider the legitimacy of the adjuster, their qualifications, and the fee structure. Most states require public adjusters to be tested and licensed, and it is recommended to check their credentials and reviews before hiring. The fee for a public adjuster is typically a percentage of the total claim payout, which can range from 5% to 30% of the settlement amount.

When to hire a public adjuster

There are several reasons why hiring a public adjuster may be a good idea. Firstly, they are trained professionals who can help you navigate the complex process of filing an insurance claim and ensure that all damages are accurately documented. Public adjusters are experts in the language and details of insurance policies, so they can help you understand your policy, identify covered damages, and ensure your claim is properly presented to the insurance company. This can be especially useful if you are unsure what is covered by your policy or feel that your insurance company's adjuster was not thorough enough in their assessment.

Secondly, public adjusters act as advocates for policyholders and work to negotiate a fair settlement on their behalf. They can represent you in meetings with the insurance company and use their knowledge of the industry to secure a higher settlement. This is particularly beneficial if you feel that your insurance company is not offering an adequate settlement or is taking too long to respond to your claim.

Thirdly, filing an insurance claim can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if you are dealing with the loss of your home or business. Public adjusters handle all the paperwork and communications with the insurance company, saving you significant time and labour. This allows you to focus on other priorities, such as maintaining business operations or taking care of your family.

Finally, public adjusters are skilled at maximising the amount of money you receive in a settlement. They can help you avoid pitfalls due to inexperience or unfamiliarity with insurance terms and ensure that you are claiming the correct amount. Even if you are confident in the value of your property loss, it is always good to get a second opinion. Public adjusters often find that a policyholder's loss estimate is too low and can help you identify all the costs that can be included in your claim.

In conclusion, hiring a public adjuster can be beneficial if you are dealing with a large or complex insurance claim, feel that your insurance company is not offering a fair settlement, or simply want expert help navigating the claims process. They can save you time, stress, and potentially increase the amount of money you receive in your settlement.

The role of a public adjuster

A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who works on behalf of the policyholder. They are hired by individuals or businesses to help them file a claim or negotiate a higher settlement amount if they believe the claim offered by their insurance company was too low.

Public adjusters are experts in insurance policies and claims. They use sophisticated software to perform an independent evaluation of a client's property loss and gather highly detailed claim information. They also help clients negotiate with contractors and insurers, saving the policyholder time and labour, and protecting them from pitfalls due to inexperience.

Public adjusters can help with claims for flood, fire, smoke, wind, hurricane damage, and loss of business income caused by property damage. They can also assist businesses with their commercial insurance claims and damages.

Public adjusters are paid a percentage of the total claim payout, which can be as low as 3% or as high as 30% of the insurance settlement.

How to find a public adjuster

When hiring a public adjuster, it is important to consider a few factors to ensure your money is well-spent. Here are some tips on how to find a reputable and qualified public adjuster:

• Start your search early: It is recommended to hire a public adjuster at the beginning of the claim process. This allows the adjuster to have the most time and, therefore, the best chance to expedite your claim. However, you can still bring in a public adjuster to help even after you have started the claim process.
• Verify licensing and credentials: Most states require public adjusters to be licensed and tested. Check with your state insurance department or the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) to verify the adjuster's licensing and credentials. NAPIA has an online directory where you can find licensed public adjusters in your state.
• Check qualifications and experience: Public adjusters should have the necessary qualifications and experience to assess damages, understand insurance policies, and negotiate with insurance companies. Look for adjusters with prior experience in construction or related fields, as they will have a better understanding of the repair process.
• Research their reputation: Avoid adjusters who engage in questionable practices, such as exaggerating the value of claims. Check online reviews, ask for referrals from friends or family, or contact the NAPIA for recommendations.
• Understand their fee structure: Most public adjusters charge a percentage of the final claim payout, typically ranging from 5% to 20%. Some adjusters may charge a flat rate or hourly rate. Factor in the price before choosing an adjuster, especially for large claims with potentially high payouts.
• Review the contract carefully: Before hiring a public adjuster, ensure you understand the terms of the contract, including the fees and services provided. There is usually a cancellation period, allowing you to terminate the agreement within a certain time frame after signing.

By following these steps, you can find a qualified and reputable public adjuster who can help you navigate the insurance claims process and ensure a fair settlement.

What to expect from a public adjuster

A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who works on behalf of the policyholder. They are trained to advocate for the policyholder and ensure they receive a full and fair compensation for their claim.

Here's what you can expect from a public adjuster:

• Expertise: Public adjusters are experts in insurance policies, claims filing, and adjustments. They often have prior experience in construction or related fields, allowing them to accurately evaluate property loss. They use sophisticated software to perform independent evaluations and gather highly detailed claim information.
• Assistance with the Claims Process: Public adjusters handle the entire claim process, from evaluating damages and estimating repair costs to negotiating with insurance companies. They act as a liaison between the policyholder, the insurer, and any third parties. They also help policyholders understand their insurance policies, track claims, and meet deadlines.
• Saving Time and Effort: Hiring a public adjuster relieves the policyholder of the time-consuming and labour-intensive tasks involved in the claims process. Public adjusters handle all the necessary paperwork, communications, and negotiations, allowing policyholders to focus on other priorities.
• Higher Payouts: Public adjusters work to get policyholders the highest possible settlement. They are skilled negotiators who can identify damages that may have been overlooked and ensure that the insurance company pays the full amount they are responsible for. According to a report by the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA), homeowners who hired public adjusters received higher payouts on average compared to those who didn't.
• Peace of Mind: Engaging a public adjuster can provide peace of mind, especially for those who find dealing with insurance companies stressful. Public adjusters take on the burden of navigating the complex claims process, allowing policyholders to avoid the hassle and stress associated with it.

It is important to note that public adjusters typically charge a percentage of the final claim payout as their fee, which could range from 5% to 20%. This fee is paid by the policyholder and is separate from the insurance company's payout.

The cost of hiring a public adjuster

Public adjusters may also charge a flat rate or hourly rate. A flat rate is typically applied to large but straightforward cases, while an hourly rate depends on factors such as the adjuster's location, experience, and the type of policy. It's important to clarify the fee arrangement before hiring a public adjuster and to understand that their fee is not covered by your insurance policy.

When deciding whether to hire a public adjuster, consider the potential benefits. Public adjusters can save you a lot of money by ensuring your insurance company pays the full amount it's responsible for. They can also save you time and handle the entire claim process, including evaluating damages, estimating repair costs, and negotiating with your insurance company.

Frequently asked questions