Why Should You Hire A Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster (PA) is a person who advises and manages a claim on behalf of an insured. A public insurance adjuster is a supporter of policyholders. However, when a settlement is reached with a carrier, most often, a policyholder appoints a public adjuster to serve as an appraiser in an independent and confidential appraisal tribunal. This practice is not allowed under the terms of a public adjuster’s license. Public adjusters must be loyal to an insured/policyholder and should not have any loyalty to a particular insured/policyholder. When a policyholder and a carrier dispute a claim without a public adjuster, the insurance company/carrier typically does not honor the claim presented by the public adjuster.

What to know about public adjusters?

Public adjusters (PA) are experts in handling insurance claims. They help individuals and businesses prepare and file a claim for a maximum settlement. A PA can help with various types of damage, such as wind damage, mold damage, fire, and smoke damage. It can also provide advice on how to minimize or replace your insurance.

Why does someone need to use a public adjuster?

Many people hire public adjusters for various reasons, such as they do not have time to deal with the process. A typical insurance policy has hundreds of provisions and endorsements. Some of these include requirements for real estate appraisals, inventory evaluations, and other details.

Aside from being able to provide unbiased advice, public adjusters also have the necessary knowledge to handle complex insurance claims. Although most insurance companies are reputable, many of them may not have the expertise to handle your claim. It is why hiring a public adjuster is often the best option.

How To Find a Good Public Adjuster?

The National Association of Public Insurance Agents has a variety of resources for people who want to become public adjusters. This organization has been advocating for the profession for over 60 years. As they are members of the National Association of Public Insurance Agents, public adjusters are committed to working in the best interests of their clients. This is why if you find a good public adjuster then you may consider them.

What to expect if you hire a good pubic adjuster?

A PA will thoroughly assess your situation and then help you get the compensation that you deserve. However, expect that the results will be delayed for a month or more as the public adjuster has to renegotiate the work previously done.

Is it Worth to Hire a Public Adjuster?

Even though there are no guarantees, studies suggest that homeowners who hire a public adjuster usually receive higher settlements than those who do not. However, since a public adjuster is compensated by the insurance firm, they will try to increase the amount of money that you are due. It can be challenging since the insurance firm will typically negotiate with the public.

If an insured/policyholder can not agree with the result of an assessment or settlement, the best alternative is to try negotiating through arbitration, conciliation, or litigation. This can be done without the need for an intermediary (usually a public adjuster).

Things You Should Know When Hiring Public Adjusters

  • They  must be loyal to a policyholder and not to another individual. It means that the person who has the most loyalty to the policyholder should be the one who reports to the tribunal, not the individual. 
  • Despite being appointed by a policyholder to serve as an appraiser, the person must not be subject to any outside influence. They must act in their own interest and not be bound by the loyalty of the insurance company or the carrier.
  • Motivated and committed appraisers are required to be unbiased and have no bias or outside influence. They should also have absolute loyalty to the Panel and the insured/policyholder.

This concept also conflicts with the duties of a public adjuster, who is expected to act in the insurance company’s best interests and the individual who is the subject of the claim. 

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Final Words

If you suffered some damage to your home or if it is been a long time since it was fixed, contact a public insurance adjuster to get the most compensation possible. Having a public insurance firm can help you get the most out of your claim.

There are three insurance claims adjusters classifications: staff adjusters, independent adjusters, and public adjusters. These types of adjusters are licensed to only work for insurance companies and are not independent contractors. Independent adjusters are not allowed to act for an insurance company. However, they are required to pass a state exam to be licensed to practice.

When a policyholder wants to hire a public insurance adjuster, they should act immediately. An experienced claims representative will visit the individual to gather important details about the loss, such as the size of the loss and the possibility of subrogation.