If you've ever had to file an insurance claim, you know how overwhelming the process can be. Navigating the complexities of insurance policies and dealing with insurance company adjusters can be frustrating and time-consuming. This is where a public adjuster can make a significant difference. Keep reading to learn what a public adjuster does and how they can help you.
What is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed and trained professional who works exclusively for you, the policyholder, to adjust and recover your insurance claims. Unlike the insurance company's adjuster (also known as the insurance company's claims adjuster), a public adjuster is dedicated to helping you get the maximum settlement you deserve. They are independent insurance professionals who advocate on your behalf, helping you get a fair and reasonable claim payout.
What Exactly Does a Public Adjuster Do?
A public adjuster performs several key functions to assist with your insurance claim process:
- Works solely for you, the policyholder
- Guides you through the entire claims process
- Negotiates a fair and reasonable settlement for your claim
- Communicates directly with your insurance provider on your behalf
- Expedites the claim process to help you move forward
Public adjusters are experts in handling the complexities of the insurance industry and the claims process. They ensure you get the best possible settlement for your claim.
When Would I Need a Public Adjuster?
Here are specific situations where hiring a public adjuster can be beneficial:
- Water damage from burst pipes or leaks
- Fire or smoke damage
- Marijuana damage
- Wildfires
- Theft or vandalism
- You've experienced any of the above and have been denied insurance claims by your insurance provider
Additionally, public adjusters can help with both residential claims and commercial claims.
Can a Public Adjuster Help with Flood Damage From Natural Disasters?
Flood damage from natural disasters is often excluded from standard homeowners' insurance policies and requires separate flood insurance. Licensed public insurance adjusters can assist you if you have flood insurance by:
- Assessing and documenting the full extent of the flood damage
- Ensuring that your flood insurance claim includes all necessary details and evidence
- Negotiating with the flood insurance provider on your behalf to maximize your claim payout
- Coordinating with trusted contractors to provide accurate repair assessments
By hiring a public adjuster, you can be confident that your flood damage claim will be handled professionally and thoroughly, ensuring you receive the settlement you deserve. However as mentioned, this type of coverage is typically not included under homeowners' insurance, so you'll most likely need to purchase flood insurance through either a private insurance group or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Benefits of Hiring a Public Adjuster
Hiring a public adjuster offers several advantages:
- Maximize your insurance claim payouts
- Receive expert guidance through the entire claims process
- Have an advocate for a fair and just settlement
- Expedite your claims process
- Get a thorough assessment of damages
- Ensure you receive all entitled benefits
- Experience less stress during the claims process
Can I Hire a Contractor Instead of a Public Adjuster?
While you can hire a contractor to assess and repair any damage that occurred, they do not have the expertise in negotiating insurance claims like a public adjuster does. Additionally, public adjusters can bring in licensed and unbiased contractors to provide assessments and repair work. This collaboration ensures that you get a thorough and fair evaluation of damages, which is important for maximizing your claim payout.
Hiring a public adjuster instead of directly hiring a contractor has several benefits:
- Public adjusters have specialized knowledge of the insurance claims process, ensuring you get the best settlement
- They work exclusively for you and advocate on your behalf
- Public adjusters coordinate with trusted contractors to ensure the quality and accuracy of repairs
- They handle all communications with your insurance company, saving you time and reducing stress
Is a Public Adjuster the Same as an Insurance Claims Adjuster?
No, there is a significant difference between a licensed public adjuster and an insurance claims adjuster. Whether they are called insurance company adjusters, a public claims adjuster, or public insurance adjuster, these are all people hired by your insurance company. This means an insurance company adjuster will represent the interests of your insurance provider and not what's best for you.
A public adjuster is entirely independent and represents only you. They work to ensure you receive a fair settlement, not the insurance company.
What Happens After Hiring a Public Adjuster?
Once you hire a public adjuster, they will handle everything to negotiate a fair and reasonable insurance settlement for you. This includes assessing the damage, providing licensed and unbiased vendors for necessary work, reviewing your insurance policy coverages, and evaluating repair or replacement costs. They will also prepare documentation for advance payment requests and support data for loss of income claims if applicable.
How Are Public Adjusters Compensated?
Public adjusters charge a small fee based on the settlement amount you receive from your insurance policy payout. If you do not receive a settlement, you do not pay anything. At Excel Adjusters, we have a transparent fee structure with no upfront or hidden fees.
Navigating the insurance claims process can be daunting, but a public adjuster can help make it easier and more beneficial for you. By hiring a licensed public adjuster, you can ensure that your interests are represented, and you receive the maximum settlement you deserve. If you're dealing with a complicated insurance claim or if this is your first time having to file a claim, consider reaching out to an experienced public adjuster for assistance.
Excel Adjusters: The Best Public Adjusters in Southern California
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.
