A public adjuster is an independent insurance professional that a policyholder can hire to help resolve an insurance claim on their behalf. The policyholder pays the public adjuster, usually a percentage of the claim amount. If you have problems with your insurance company or if your personal or professional situation makes it difficult for you to manage all the details, you can hire a claims assistance professional. In most parts of the United States, you can hire an authorized public adjuster at a “contingent” (percentage) fee who will handle the processing of your claim and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. A public adjuster works only for policyholders, not for insurers.
Their goal is to ensure that you receive the maximum recovery from your insurance company. You can also see if they are members of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. Insurance agencies generally understand the desire to hire an additional advocate and are professionally responsive when hiring a public adjuster. If you go directly to an attorney, your lawyer will likely hire a public adjuster to investigate the claim. There are a few negative aspects to consider, and many are associated with the reputation of public adjusters.
Your public adjuster will evaluate the damages, determine an estimate of the cost, and even negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. Thanks to their experience and determination to do everything possible, the public adjuster can help ensure that nothing is omitted in the claim and in the settlement of the claim. For example, if the claim is resolved and additional damage is discovered during repairs, you may want to hire a public adjuster to assess the total cost. It is essential to check references and agree on rates and terms before entering into a contract with a public adjuster. Many homeowners choose to hire a public adjuster if the damage is extensive or if it is difficult to determine how much damage has occurred. Once you decide that you want to hire claims help, the key is to find an experienced public adjuster with good references who will accept you as a customer for a fair price.
Often, public adjusters are members of their professional organization, requiring certain skill standards. In addition, a public adjuster helps the insured maximize the agreement by advocating on their side. For many, hiring a public adjuster means that they have someone to think and negotiate on their behalf. Clarke & Cohen's public adjusters are experts at interpreting political language, critical estimation, and negotiation. Hiring a public adjuster can be beneficial in many ways. They can help you navigate through complex insurance policies and provide guidance on how best to proceed with your claim.
They can also help ensure that all damages are accounted for in your claim and that you receive fair compensation from your insurance company. Additionally, they can provide valuable advice on how best to negotiate with your insurer. When considering whether or not to hire a public adjuster, it's important to do your research. Make sure that they have experience in dealing with similar claims and that they have good references from past clients. It's also important to make sure that they are licensed in your state and that they are members of their professional organization. Overall, hiring a public adjuster can be beneficial in many ways.
Additionally, they can provide valuable advice on how best to negotiate with your insurer.