When a disaster hits, whether it’s a hurricane, fire, or flood, the last thing you want to deal with is a complicated insurance claim. Here’s the thing: insurance companies have their own adjusters looking out for their bottom line. That’s where hiring a public adjuster changes the game. A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company, and their main goal is to make sure you walk away with the maximum settlement you deserve.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how a public adjuster helps, when you should consider hiring one, and what makes them different from the insurance company’s own adjusters.
Why Consider a Public Adjuster After a Disaster?
After a disaster, emotions are running high. Your property might be damaged, you’re worried about costs, and you’re probably not in the best mindset to negotiate with an insurance company. That’s exactly why many policyholders turn to a public insurance adjuster.
Think of it like this: if you were in a legal dispute, you wouldn’t show up to court without your own lawyer, right? The same applies here. The insurance company has experts working for them, so why wouldn’t you?
A public adjuster:
- Reviews your policy in detail to find hidden coverage you may not even know exists.
- Documents every part of the damage so nothing gets left out.
- Negotiates directly with the insurance company on your behalf.
In short, they take on the heavy lifting while you focus on getting your business back on track.
What Does a Public Adjuster Actually Do?
What exactly happens when you bring in a public claims adjuster? Let’s break it down into clear steps:
- Policy Review – They read the fine print you’d probably never get through yourself. This helps uncover coverage areas the insurance company may “forget” to mention.
- Damage Assessment – They inspect the property thoroughly, often spotting things that even contractors miss.
- Documentation – A solid claim isn’t about emotions, it’s about evidence. A public adjuster gathers photos, reports, and estimates to make your claim airtight.
- Negotiation – This is where they really shine. They know how insurance adjusters think, and they use that knowledge to push for a higher settlement.
- Settlement – They stay in the fight until the insurance company makes a fair offer.
The best part? Many public adjusters only get paid if you do, which keeps their goals aligned with yours.
Public Adjuster vs. Insurance Adjuster: What’s the Difference?
Here’s where a lot of people get confused. Isn’t an adjuster just an adjuster? Not exactly. Let’s compare:
- Insurance Adjuster (company adjuster): Works for the insurance company, gets paid by them, and their job is to minimize payouts.
- Public Adjuster: Works for you, gets paid based on your settlement, and their job is to maximize your payout.
It’s kind of like playing poker. Would you trust the other player to shuffle your cards and deal you a fair hand? Of course not. Having your own adjuster evens the playing field.
If you’re in a claim dispute, knowing the difference between a public adjuster vs insurance adjuster could mean thousands of dollars more in your pocket.
When Should You Call a Public Adjuster?
Not every claim needs outside help, but there are clear situations where calling a public adjuster makes a big difference:
- Large Loss Claims – Fires, floods, hurricanes, or any time major damage is suffered is almost always worth it.
- Denials or Lowball Offers – If the insurance company denies your claim or offers way less than you expected.
- Complex Policies – Commercial or high-value residential policies often have tricky clauses that only experts fully understand.
- Stress Overload – Sometimes it’s worth it just to hand off the headache to someone who knows what they’re doing.
For example, Florida commercial owners often hire a Florida claim adjuster after hurricanes because those claims can get really messy. A local expert knows state laws, common loopholes, and how insurers usually respond in that area.
How a Public Adjuster Maximizes Settlements
Now to the big question: how do public adjusters actually put more money in your pocket? It comes down to strategy.
- Uncovering Coverage Gaps: Many people don’t realize that policies often cover things like temporary living expenses or business interruption.
- Valuing Losses Properly: A damaged roof doesn’t just need to be replaced. It could mean water damage, mold, electrical issues, and more. Adjusters make sure it’s all included.
- Pushing Back on Undervaluation: Insurance adjusters often focus on depreciation or use low estimates. A public adjuster calls them out on it.
- Filing Appeals: If your claim was denied, they know how to fight back with documentation and legal leverage.
What this really means is simple: you’re not just accepting what’s handed to you, you’re negotiating with an expert in your corner.
Conclusion
Disasters are stressful enough without fighting an uphill battle for your insurance money. A public adjuster gives you the knowledge, negotiation power, and peace of mind you need to make sure your settlement reflects the true cost of your losses. Contact Continental Adjusters today if you’re dealing with a fire, flood, or hurricane; having your own adjuster can turn a frustrating claim into a fair outcome.
FAQs
1. Can I hire a public adjuster after my claim was denied?
Yes. In fact, that’s one of the best times to hire one because they can often reopen the claim and push for a fair review.
2. Are public adjusters licensed?
Yes, in most states they need to be licensed. Always check their credentials before hiring.
3. What’s the difference between a public and a private adjuster?
They’re essentially the same thing, both represent you, not the insurance company.
4. Should I hire a public adjuster for small claims?
For minor damage, it may not be worth it. But for large or complex claims, the potential payout increase is often significant.
