As hard as we try to avoid it, the occasional leaky pipe, wind storm, or teenage vandal can’t be avoided.
What now?
Residential and commercial property damage can happen at any time to anyone, and you shouldn’t go into the insurance claims process unprepared. From navigating biased damage assessments to negotiating settlements, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s where a public adjuster comes in. An insurance expert like Excel Adjusters works on your behalf to file an accurate claim that leads to a fair settlement.
What Is A Public Adjuster?
Public adjusters are licensed professionals who help policyholders document and negotiate insurance claims. The claims they work with include any type of property damage from fires, storms, floods, or other disasters.
Unlike insurance company adjusters, who represent the interests of the insurer, public adjusters advocate for the policyholder's interests. They work tirelessly to ensure the insured party receives a fair payout for their losses.
Public Adjuster vs Insurance Adjuster
While a public adjuster is hired as a third party by the policyholder, the insurance adjuster is employed by the insurance company. This difference in affiliation speaks to who’s needs will be prioritized. The insurance company’s adjuster will keep the rights of the provider in mind at all times, while a public insurance adjuster will do the same for the policyholder.
In a world where insurance companies are notorious for denying claims, delaying payments, and minimizing the payout amount, having a public adjuster in your corner is a must. They’re devoted to representing you and earning the highest payout you are eligible for.
Public Adjuster vs Attorney
As trained insurance professionals, public adjusters are the go-to experts for anything related to insurance claims. That means that if you reach out to an attorney, they may end up hiring a public adjuster for assistance. That means you, the policyholder, end up paying for both professionals’ services. That’s why we recommend foregoing an attorney and hiring a public adjuster.
Public Adjuster Services
When you make an insurance claim, public adjusters are there to assist you every step of the way. The full range of services they offer include:
Initial Assessment
The first task of any public adjuster is to thoroughly assess the damages and losses incurred by you, the policyholder. They’ll evaluate the damages, as well as review the insurance policy to determine coverage and eligibility for compensation.
Documentation
After a thorough assessment of the damages, public adjusters will use their knowledge of your policy to document your losses accurately and effectively. For instance, they’ll compile evidence of damage to your property, personal belongings, and additional expenses incurred as a result of the covered event.
Claims Preparation
To give you the best chance of receiving a good insurance settlement, public insurance adjusters will help you prepare and file your claim. That includes compiling all of the necessary documentation and evidence to support the claim and maximize the likelihood of approval.
Negotiation
Public adjusters negotiate with insurance company adjusters on behalf of the policyholder to secure a fair settlement. By leveraging the insurance industry and policy expertise, they can effectively advocate for the policyholder's interests and maximize the payout.
Claims Management
Throughout the claims process, public adjusters provide you with ongoing support and guidance. They’ll address any questions or concerns that may arise and facilitate communication with the insurance company.
When To Hire A Public Adjuster
While you can hire a public adjuster and benefit from their services at any point during your homeowners insurance claim process, we recommend reaching out as soon as possible. Public adjusters can work on almost any claim but generally take on large, complex claims. At Excel Adjusters, we handle the following cases:
- Fire
- Earthquake
- Water Damage
- Vandalism
- Wildfire
- Theft
- Marijuana
Pros of Hiring A Public Adjuster
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Higher claims payout
You’re far more likely to receive more money when you work with a public adjuster, as opposed to the insurance company adjuster. They’ll be in your corner the entire time, documenting everything you’ve lost and working to spot damage that could be missed.
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Extensive state and local knowledge
Public adjusters are experts in state and local laws, allowing them to provide you with personalized and effective assistance.
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They save time
From compiling all the evidence to frustrating negotiations, filing an accurate insurance claim is often time-consuming and stressful. When we all have busy lives working and taking care of our families, a public adjuster allows you to receive a fair settlement.
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Expert guidance
Reading through your insurance policy can sometimes feel like you’re trying to grasp a different language. As experts in the insurance industry, public adjusters help you understand your coverage and how the claims process works.
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Helping you dispute a settlement
In the event that your insurance company denies your claim, or provides a lackluster offer, a public adjuster can help you review the case and negotiate for a higher payout.
Cons of Hiring A Public Adjuster
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Payout fees
When you hire a public adjuster, they’ll be paid a certain percentage out of your settlement. Conversely, the adjuster provided by your insurance company is free.
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They’re unavailable in some states
Public adjusters aren’t permitted or restricted in certain states. Be sure to research your state before you look into hiring one.
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Added responsibility
You are responsible for hiring the public adjuster yourself.
How To Find The Best Public Adjuster
When searching for a public adjuster, it’s important to find a licensed professional with relevant qualifications and experience. To make your research easier, consider these recommendations:
- Seek recommendations from friends and family
- Make use of resources such as the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters to find and research local adjusters
- Verify that the public adjuster has a license to operate in your state. Many state insurance departments oversee the licensure of public insurance adjusters and provide online platforms for license verification.
- Check for any complaints lodged with the Better Business Bureau
- Read through reviews listed on and off the public adjuster’s website
- Compare and contrast at least 3 different public adjuster companies
- Review the terms of the contract and comprehend the fee structure before finalizing your decision
Public Adjuster FAQ
You should hire a public adjuster to maximize your benefits and payout from your insurance company. On top of that, a good public adjuster helps you:
- Review your home insurance policy to determine your coverage and eligibility
- Understand your coverage and your rights.
- Evaluate and document property damage.
- Calculate estimates for repairs and/or replacements, as well as a timeline for the work.
- Ensure all paperwork is filed on time according to claim deadlines.
- Work with your insurance company, lawyers, and any other involved parties on your behalf, including negotiating claims.
- Track your claim and keep you updated during the process.
You can hire a public adjuster following these simple steps:
- Search for reputable public adjusters in your area with the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAIPA) or use your state’s association of public adjusters (i.e. the California Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (CAPIA).
- Contact your chosen public adjuster on their website or via phone to discuss your case and ask for references. You should also read reviews and look at their Better Business Bureau profile to help guide your decision-making process.
- Consider a free consultation before you decide to go through with the hire.
Public adjusters typically charge a certain percentage of the settlement, encouraging them to earn you the best possible results. You can expect to pay between 5% and 20% of your final payout.
Your public adjuster will notify you of their fee structure upfront, so you have an understanding of how much you’ll end up paying.
Public adjusters can save you money by maximizing your insurance claim payout. By assessing damages, negotiating with insurance companies, and advocating for your interests you’re more likely to receive fair compensation for your losses.
The main difference between a fire claims public adjuster and an insurance adjuster is whether or not they’re working with your best interests in mind. Insurance companies will appoint an independent adjuster to handle your claim, likely skewing the results in their favor. On the other hand, a public adjuster is someone you hire to work on your behalf.
Trust Excel Adjusters To Get Results
If you need to make an insurance claim for residential or commercial property damage, consider connecting with the best public adjuster in California. Excel Adjusters offers extensive insurance claim services, so you’ll always feel like there’s someone in your corner.
From managing confusing paperwork to achieving the best possible payouts, we can do it all. We’ll guide you through the process every step of the way until you achieve the results you deserve.
So, if you’re ready to take the stress out of filing insurance claims, you can get started on our website, or contact us at (213) 800-3333.
