When it comes to filing an insurance claim, having a public adjuster on your side can be a great asset. A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works for you to help you prepare, file and settle your claim. They are experts in the field of insurance claims and can help you maximize your settlement. When you file a claim, your homeowners insurance company will assign you a claims adjuster.
The appraiser's job is to assess the damage to your property and determine a fair amount of payment based on the levels of coverage you have in your policy. However, a public adjuster has the experience and education to help you get a larger settlement than you would on your own. For example, if the claim is resolved and additional damage is discovered during repairs, you may want to hire a public adjuster to assess the total cost. Many public adjusters work on a contingency basis, meaning that they don't get paid until a settlement is reached.
At AllCity, our certified public adjusters use the industry's leading estimation software to ensure that our clients get the maximum settlement possible. We can also help you determine the limits of your policy, analyze your endorsements, and understand the limits on the value of repairs and replacement costs. When you hire a public adjuster, they will handle the entirety of the claim on your behalf, including communication with the insurer. However, some policyholders may want to participate in some measure.
If you don't know anyone who can recommend an adjuster they've worked with personally, ask your prospective adjuster for the contact information of some of their previous customers. Hiring a public adjuster means that you have someone to think and negotiate on your behalf. They can take some guesswork out of the process, but this convenience comes with an out-of-pocket cost. It can be difficult for a policyholder to complete these forms accurately, but a public claims adjuster can prepare and submit this information for each policyholder's unique claim. You'll have to pay a fee to hire one of these licensed professionals, but a public adjuster can save you a lot of money by ensuring that your insurance company pays the full amount you're responsible for, depending on your coverage.
Public insurance adjusters must be licensed in each state in which they practice their profession and, like other professionals, must participate in continuing education courses to retain their license. A landlord may decide to hire a public adjuster if they have a potentially significant claim and are worried that they will cover everything. Insurance agencies generally understand the desire to hire an additional lawyer and respond in a professional manner when hiring a public adjuster.
