A pipe bursts, a storm hits, and vandals strike. Property damage can happen at any time to anyone. Having insurance gives you peace of mind, but it’s no secret that navigating the claims process can be overwhelming. That’s where a public adjuster comes in. They advocate on your behalf to assist with the claims process and help you get the fair settlement you are owed.
Why Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?
When filing a claim, it is up to you to prove the extent of the damage and loss to your insurance company. This involves reading and understanding dozens of pages of provisions and stipulations in technical and legal terms. For your claim to be processed and approved, certain conditions need to be satisfied. If those conditions aren’t met, your settlement amount may be reduced or your claim may be denied outright.
A public adjuster fights on your behalf to make sure you get the fair and reasonable settlement you are owed. They will:
- Review your home insurance policy to determine your coverage and whether you are eligible to file a claim based on that coverage.
- Help you 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.
A public adjuster is a huge asset when navigating the insurance process after a disaster. In addition to guiding you through the process, they’ll work to get you a fair and reasonable settlement.
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Public Adjuster
As with any major decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons when hiring a public adjuster.
Pros
- It's possible to receive a higher payout when working with public insurance adjusters vs your insurance company’s adjuster
- They have extensive knowledge of state laws,
- You will have someone guiding you through the entire claims process, advocating on your behalf, which makes the process easier and smoother
Cons
- You are responsible for hiring the public adjuster yourself.
- The adjuster is paid out of your settlement, whereas an adjuster provided by your insurance company is free (however, you might not receive a settlement from your insurance provider, leaving you financially responsible for costly repairs)
When to Hire a Public Adjuster
You can hire a public adjuster at any point in your claims process. Some people prefer to start the process with a public adjuster, while others hire one if they feel that the settlement proposed by their insurance company’s claims adjuster is not fair.
It’s important to note that public adjusters generally work on complex claims. At Excel Adjusters, we handle the following cases:
- Fire
- Earthquake
- Water Damage
- Vandalism
- Wildfire
- Theft
- Marijuana
How to Hire a Public Adjuster
When hiring a public adjuster, it’s important to ensure they are properly licensed and credentialed. Public adjuster scams are not uncommon, so doing your due diligence is crucial. Start by searching for reputable public adjusters in your area with the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAIPA). Your state may also have their own association of public adjusters. For instance, in California the California Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (CAPIA) provides licensure information for adjusters in that state.
You can also ask for referrals from friends, family or coworkers. If they have worked with a public adjuster in the past, they can point you in the right direction. Just be sure to check their credentials with NAIPA.
Once you’ve found a public adjuster you’d like to work with, contact them 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.
Like when hiring any professional, you may want to talk with a few before making your choice. Many public adjusters provide free consultations and reviews, so there is little risk in getting opinions from multiple adjusters before choosing one to handle your case.
How Much Does a Public Adjuster Cost?
Public adjusters typically charge a fee based on a percentage of the insurance claim settlement they secure for you. This percentage can vary but is generally between 5% and 15%, depending on the complexity of the claim and the amount of work involved. At Excel Adjusters, if there is no recovery on your claim, you won’t be charged any fees or expenses. It’s important to discuss the fee structure upfront, so you fully understand the costs involved before proceeding with your claim. Many adjusters, including Excel Adjusters, offer free consultations to review your case and discuss how they can help you get a fair and reasonable settlement.
Can my insurance company raise my rates if I use a public adjuster?
No. Your insurance company cannot terminate coverage or raise your rates simply because you used a public adjuster. Your policy can only be canceled because of non-payment of your premium and your rates cannot be raised outside of the policy renewal period. The amount that your premium may be raised by is determined by law.
Need a Public Adjuster in Southern California?
With over 20 years of experience, Excel Adjusters has recovered millions of dollars for residential and commercial clients in Los Angeles and Southern California. If you need assistance navigating a fire/wildfire, earthquake, water damage, vandalism, theft, or marijuana claim, don’t wait to contact us. We’re here to help you get a fair and reasonable settlement.
If you’ve experienced water damage and need to file a claim, we can help with the water damage insurance claim process.
