The Mystery Of Missed Connections: When Public Adjusters Stand Up Insurance Adjusters

A public adjuster is an insurance expert that individuals can hire to manage their insurance claims and negotiate a fair settlement. They are independent trained insurance professionals who work on behalf of policyholders and are paid by them, usually through a percentage of the total claim payout. Although public adjusters are not needed for every claim, they can be useful for those who want a professional to advocate for them, especially in cases of large and complex claims. Therefore, a public adjuster may miss an appointment with an insurance adjuster if they are busy handling another client's claim, especially if it is a large claim that requires immediate attention. Additionally, since public adjusters are often hired on a contingent fee basis, they may prioritize claims that will generate higher fees. Other reasons for a missed appointment could include scheduling conflicts, unforeseen circumstances, or a lack of availability. It is always a good idea to communicate with your public adjuster and confirm appointments to avoid any misunderstandings or mishaps.

The public adjuster may be overworked and have too many clients to handle

Public adjusters are independent professionals who work on behalf of policyholders to ensure their insurance claim is settled fairly and efficiently. They are experts in the details and language of insurance policies and are often hired when a policyholder believes a claim amount offered by their insurance company was incorrect.

Public adjusters are typically hired for large, complex claims. They can be especially helpful when a homeowner is busy or simply doesn't want to deal with the hassle of filing a claim. However, they are not suitable for every claim. For small, straightforward claims, a policyholder may be better off filing on their own and saving on the adjuster's fee.

Public adjusters are often in high demand, particularly after natural disasters. They may take on more clients than they can handle, which could result in missed appointments. It is important to carefully screen and interview multiple public adjusters before hiring one. Ask about their experience, the number of other claims they are handling, their fee structure, and whether they will be handling your claim personally.

The client's claim may be too small for the public adjuster to take on

Public adjusters are typically hired for large, complex claims. They are paid a percentage of the total claim payout, which can be anywhere from 3% to 30% of the final settlement amount. This means that for smaller claims, the payout may not be worth the adjuster's time.

Public adjusters are also more likely to take on clients with larger claims because they generate higher fees. Smaller losses can be just as time-consuming as larger losses, so adjusters may prefer to spend their time on cases where they can make more money.

Public adjusters are also not available in all states. For example, in Kansas, public adjusters can only work on commercial claims, and in Arkansas, they are not permitted at all.

Therefore, if a client's claim is too small, a public adjuster may not take it on because the payout is not high enough to justify their time and effort.

The public adjuster may be unqualified or illegitimate

Public adjusters are licensed professionals who are hired by individuals or businesses to help them file a claim or negotiate with their insurance company. They are experts in insurance policies and claims adjustments, often with prior experience in construction or a related field.

However, there is a possibility that a public adjuster may be unqualified or illegitimate. Here are some reasons why this may be the case:

• Lack of Licensing and Credentials: Public adjusters are required to be licensed in the state where they practice. If a public adjuster is operating without a license, it is an indication of illegitimacy. It is crucial to verify their licensing and credentials before hiring them.
• Insufficient Experience: While public adjusters are expected to have experience in construction or related fields, some may lack the necessary expertise. They should have a thorough understanding of insurance claims and be skilled in assessing damages. Ask about their claim adjusting and construction estimating experience.
• Poor Communication and Availability: A qualified public adjuster should be readily available and responsive to their clients' needs. If they are difficult to reach or fail to provide timely updates, it could be a sign of incompetence or illegitimacy.
• Demanding Upfront Fees: Reputable public adjusters typically work on a contingency basis, receiving a percentage of the claim settlement. If a public adjuster demands an upfront fee or a deposit before providing their services, it could be a red flag.
• High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Unscrupulous public adjusters may use aggressive sales pitches and pressure potential clients to sign contracts without allowing them to make an informed decision. It is important to resist such tactics and take the time to research their qualifications and reputation.
• Lack of Transparency: A legitimate public adjuster should provide a clear and transparent contract outlining the services provided and the associated fees. If a public adjuster is vague about their fees or the scope of their services, it could be a cause for concern.
• Negative Reviews and Complaints: Checking reviews, references, and complaints is essential when considering a public adjuster. If there are multiple negative reviews or complaints filed against them, it could indicate unsatisfactory services or unethical practices.

The client may not have needed a public adjuster in the first place

Some policyholders may have a good relationship with their insurance company and feel that the company adjuster is acting in their best interests. In these cases, a public adjuster may not be required.

Additionally, some insurance companies are very experienced and have vast resources to handle claims. They can afford to hire adjusters with a wide range of expertise, from plumbing to electrical work. These company adjusters are often very knowledgeable and aim to propose a plan that will result in proper repairs, rather than cutting corners to save money for the insurance company.

Furthermore, public adjusters are not available in all states. For example, in Kansas, public adjusters can only work on commercial claims, while in Arkansas, they are not permitted at all.

Therefore, it is essential for clients to carefully consider their specific situation, the nature of their claim, and the relationship with their insurance company before deciding whether to hire a public adjuster.

The public adjuster may have a conflict in their schedule

Public adjusters are independent professionals who work on behalf of policyholders to ensure their insurance claim is settled fairly and efficiently. They are often hired when a policyholder feels that their insurance company's adjuster has not assessed the damage fairly, or when the policyholder needs help navigating a complex claim.

Public adjusters are typically hired for large, complicated claims, and they charge a fee for their services, which is usually a percentage of the total claim payout. This can be anywhere from 3% to 30% of the insurance settlement, depending on the size of the claim and the adjuster's fee structure.

Given the busy nature of their work, it is possible that a public adjuster may have a conflict in their schedule and miss an appointment with an insurance adjuster. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as:

• Taking on multiple clients: Public adjusters, especially those with good reputations, may have a high volume of clients, particularly after a natural disaster. As such, they may have multiple appointments scheduled in a day, and it is possible for them to miss one due to overbooking or unexpected delays with other clients.
• Time constraints: Handling insurance claims is a detailed and time-consuming process. A public adjuster may encounter unexpected delays when dealing with a complex claim, causing them to run late for their next appointment or even miss it altogether.
• Unforeseen circumstances: Like anyone else, public adjusters may experience unforeseen circumstances that force them to cancel or reschedule appointments. This could include personal emergencies, illness, or other unexpected events that require their immediate attention.
• Inadequate staffing: Some public adjusters work as part of a firm or company. If the firm is understaffed or experiencing high employee turnover, it may struggle to meet the demands of its clients, leading to missed appointments.
• Poor time management: In some cases, a public adjuster may simply mismanage their time. They may underestimate the time needed for a task or overbook themselves, resulting in a missed appointment.

While there can be valid reasons for a public adjuster to miss an appointment, it is important for them to maintain good communication with their clients and provide timely updates and explanations for any delays or cancellations. This helps to maintain a professional relationship and ensure that the client's interests are still being served.

Frequently asked questions