A public adjuster is a licensed, insurance professional hired by policyholders to manage, document, and negotiate
property damage claims. They work to secure all of the benefits the policy holder is entitled to for homeowners or businesses after disasters like fire, flood, or wind damage.
Company or independent adjusters work for the insurance company to minimize costs. They are hired by the insurance company to protect their best interest, not the policy holder.
A public adjuster can be hired immediately after a loss or if the insurance company's offer is too low. A PA can also re-open a closed or denied claim.
Public adjusters work on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront fees. They receive a percentage of the final claim settlement.
Some PAs even offer an inspection and policy review with no cost to you.
Yes, they must be licensed by the state's Department of Insurance, and their license should be verified.
Other than an attorney, a Public Insurance Adjuster is the only individual that is licensed by the state to represent you.
Yes, but it stands to reason that handling your own claim is like going to court without an attorney. You could do it, but without the knowledge of the rules and procedures, you might be at a sizable disadvantage and receive a lot less
on your claim.
A new claim is a claim that has not yet been filed or the carrier has not yet reached their coverage determination.
You have up to one year to file a new claim from the date the loss occurred.
If you feel you have a loss that you need professional help with, a Public Adjuster is the best way to get the maximum return you deserve.
A re-open insurance claim is the process of asking an insurer to reconsider a previously closed claim. A PA can re-open closed claims and resubmit them for re-evaluation by your insurance company. If you believe you were underpaid a Public Adjuster will carefully review your policy and claim, then present all of your options.
An insurance claim denial means the insurer has refused to pay for a requested service, or repair that it is not covered by the policy or that proper procedures were not followed. These decisions are often overturned once a Public Adjuster becomes involved. They re-open the claim and negotiate with the insurance company to obtain payment for the covered damage.
Ensure the adjuster is licensed and in good standing with the state, as some individuals misrepresent themselves.
In Florida you can verify their license number through MyFloridaLicense.com
Use directories from NAPIA, or FAPIA, to find vetted members in Florida who adhere to a code of ethics.
Ask about their experience with similar claims and request references.
Always do your research when choosing a Public Adjuster. Make sure they handle the type of claim you are filing.
Fees are typically a percentage of the final settlement. Ensure you understand the fee structure, which may be capped (e.g., 10-20% in Florida).
Carefully read the contract for services included, fees, and termination clauses before signing.
Ask questions and be sure that everything is clear before making a commitment.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.