Public Adjusters vs. Insurance Adjusters: Key Differences Explained

Name: Excel Adjusters
Rating: 4.9

If you’ve experienced significant damage or loss to your home due to a fire, flood, theft, or a number of other scenarios, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company to receive your settlement. However, most first-time homeowners don’t realize the claims process can be very complicated and require the help of a professional - that’s where hiring a public adjuster comes in. But first, it’s important to know the difference between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster.

Public adjusters are completely independent of insurance companies and represent you (the policyholder). An insurance adjuster, also known as an insurance claims adjuster, is staffed by your insurance company and therefore, does not represent your best interest.

In this article you’ll learn the key differences between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster, and why a public adjuster is the ideal choice.

4 Differences Between a Public Adjuster and an Insurance Adjuster

There are several important differences between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster.

Public Adjusters Represent You, Insurance Adjusters Are Staffed By Insurance Companies

A public adjuster is completely independent of insurance companies and solely represents you, the policyholder. When a public adjuster is helping you file your insurance claim, they are advocating for you. They assess and document the damage, review the insurance policy, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and help prepare the insurance claim. The entire purpose of the public adjuster is to make sure you receive the maximum insurance claim payout you are owed for damages.

An insurance adjuster is hired by your insurance company. They are not at all independent and represent the insurance company. While they investigate and assess the claims, they are not trying to make sure you receive the maximum payout that you deserve. As mentioned, they are representing an insurance company and therefore, they are investigating the damages from the place of trying to prove you did something to cause the damages (therefore allowing the insurance company to no longer need to pay). It’s likely they will try to find every reason not to reimburse you for damages while they are investigating your claim (denying your claim), or at the very least, attempt to lowball your claim.

Public Adjusters Know State Insurance Laws, Insurance Adjusters Might Not

Each state has different laws for negotiating insurance claims and navigating the insurance claim process. Public adjusters are always local to where you live and therefore, are familiar with your state laws and can help you get the most money from your claim.

Independent adjusters are often located outside of your state and not as familiar with the laws specific to your area (which can ultimately affect your claim and potential payout).

Public Adjusters Make The Process Less Stressful

Public adjusters have Power of Attorney in your claim, which means they can handle all communication with your insurance provider on your behalf. This means you don’t need to deal with the stress of working with the insurance company and instead can move forward with your daily responsibilities.

When you are only working with insurance adjusters, you’ll need to communicate with not only them but also the insurance company directly. This can be overwhelming and very time-consuming for most people (especially first-time homeowners).

Public Adjusters Uphold the Insurance Company’s Obligation to Make Payments

If your claim is approved, public adjusters ensure the insurance company meets their payment obligations. Sometimes the insurance industry, especially related to homeowners insurance claims, will try to cut corners with payouts from damages, making it important to have someone in your corner advocating for you.

Do You Need a Public Adjuster For Your Insurance Claim?

If you’ve experienced any of the below, you might need a public adjuster if:

You’re unsure about your insurance policy
You’ve suffered significant property damage or loss
Your insurance company denies your claim or undervalues your claim
You want to maximize your claim settlement
You need someone to advocate on your behalf with the insurance company
You need expert help documenting and filing your claim

Additionally, as a first-time homeowner, you might need a public adjuster if:

Your newly purchased home has pre-existing damage not disclosed during the sale
You encounter unexpected issues during the home inspection
You experience damage or issues shortly after moving in
You’re having disputes with your insurance provider related to the home insurance coverage for your property

Public Adjuster For Your Insurance Claim

How Hiring a Public Adjuster Works

Once you contact a public adjuster, they will:

Negotiate a Fair, Final, and Reasonable Settlement for the Policyholder
Assess Building Damage
Provide Licensed and unbiased vendors for work that is needed
Review Insurance Policy Coverages & Water Damage Restoration Process
Evaluate Clients' Compliance Responsibilities
Investigate and Measure the Extent of the Loss
Evaluate Replacement Costs and/or Depreciation
Assemble Business Equipment Claims
Assemble Support data for Loss of Income Claim
Prepare Documentation for Advance Payment Request
Evaluate Microbial Contamination (mold)
Assess Total Loss Claims and Review Insurance Estimates

At Excel Adjusters, we work for you. We specialize in residential and commercial property loss for water, fire, wildfire, earthquake, flood, and theft. To this day, we have handled over 2,000 damaged property claims. Our highly trained team of professionals identifies, quantifies, and establishes the full extent of your loss with your insurance company.

Our experts relieve you of the intricacies and complex procedures that come with handling claims in English, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese throughout the entire process.