What is a Public Adjuster?
A Public Adjuster works solely for the policyholder and not the insurance carrier. A Public Adjuster is an expert on loss adjustment and the recovery process. They assist you, the insured, in preparing, filing and managing the payment of insurance claims regarding your loss.
Are Public Adjusters licensed professionals?
In Texas, Public Adjusters are licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance. These are the only type of claims adjuster that can legally represent the rights of an insured during an insurance claim process.
What is the difference between a Public Adjuster and the insurance company’s adjuster?
A Public Adjuster is employed by you and works on your behalf. The insurance company’s adjusters are employed by the insurance company and their responsibility and accountability rests with the insurer.
If I work directly with the insurance company’s adjuster, can I get the same end results as I would working with a public adjuster?
Most likely not. The insurer’s adjuster represents the insurer’s interest, not yours. Neither the insurance carrier nor the assigned adjuster is responsible for writing a detailed estimate for your loss. Frequently, these estimates are missing items and do not accurately reflect the market cost in your area.
Why can’t my Insurance Agent handle the claim for me?
Your agent is trained in determining your insurance needs, not negotiating insurance claims. Additionally, on most occasions, your agent’s hands are tied because their employer is the insurance company. Our Public Adjusters know the insurance business and are familiar with these policy documents, claim filing procedures and the various insurance related regulations that govern the insurance industry. We effectively use this knowledge in holding your insurance company to the highest standard with regards to handling your claim.
Why do I need help with the claim?
There are several reasons why you may want to consider obtaining help with your claim: Filing a claim requires a written, itemized statement of your losses. You may not realize the extent of your coverage or damages and the insurance company is not obligated to tell you. Public Adjusters help you identify all of the damages and coverage available to you. Filing a claim is tedious, time-consuming and is an aggravating process. We can take this burden off your shoulders and free you to get back to your day-to-day life.
Will I lose my coverage if I hire a Public Adjuster?
Absolutely not. The Public Adjusting profession is licensed and regulated by the Department of Insurance. As a policyholder, you have the right to hire an expert who can manage your claim on your behalf. Canceling your policy because you hired a Public Adjuster is a violation of State Law.
Will employing a Public Adjuster anger the Insurance company and thus cause problems or delays?
If there are any problems or delays in your claim, they likely exist regardless of whether a Public Adjuster is involved. It is very likely, however, that the Public Adjuster will help expedite the solutions to the problems. However, if an insurer does not want you to hire a Public Adjuster, the insurer cannot possibly have your best interest in mind.
Why shouldn’t I hire a lawyer rather than a Public Adjuster?
In legal disputes with the insurance company you should hire a lawyer. However, most policies specify that you may not bring suit until all provisions of the policy have been complied with. Complying with the terms usually requires the assistance of someone like a Public Adjuster. Attorneys do not deal with matters of damage assessment or the scope of loss and routinely hire a Public Adjuster to perform these services once a case is retained. Public Adjusters and attorneys play separate, yet complementary, roles in the resolution of insurance claims.
Is the Public Adjuster affiliated with any insurance company? Does he sell insurance or act as an insurance agent?
No. Public Adjusters are employed exclusively by the public, you (the policyholder). Selling insurance or acting as an insurance agent would be a conflict of interest.
I have already settled with the insurance company on my own. Is it too late to reopen my file?
Probably not, depending on the time limits of your individual state to file supplemental payments.
How is a Public Adjuster compensated?
Public Adjusters are compensation on a small percentage of your insurer’s claim payments that are made to you. In most cases, there are no out-of-pocket expenses and no up-front fees, and we do not get paid unless you get paid. Our Public Adjuster’s fees are usually more than covered by a successful claim payment that is obtained for you.
