Public adjusters are agents that represent the insured party to handle a claim. In other words, they negotiate with the insurance company and fight on behalf of their clients to get them the best possible outcome.
If you are planning to file an insurance claim, you may be wondering if you need to hire a public adjuster. While you are not required to hire one, there are several reasons why it may be in your best interest to do so.
For starters, public adjusters are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and know how to negotiate with them to get the best possible settlement for their clients. They also have a thorough knowledge of the insurance claims process and can help ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed correctly. You can also find a good public adjuster online just by typing best ‘public adjuster near me’ on your search engine.
Additionally, public adjusters work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they are able to successfully settle your claim. This gives them a vested interest in ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.
Finally, hiring a public adjuster can take a lot of the stress out of the claims process. Dealing with an insurance company can be daunting, especially if you have never filed a claim before. A public adjuster can handle all aspects of your claim on your behalf, giving you peace of mind during what is often a very stressful time.
Public adjusters are different from independent or staff adjusters who work for the insurance company. They also differ from attorneys, although some public adjusters are also licensed attorneys.
Most states regulate public adjusters, requiring them to have a license in order to practice. Some states require that public adjusters work for a licensed adjusting firm, while others allow them to work independently.
When you hire a public adjuster, you will usually be required to pay a retainer fee or a percentage of the final settlement amount, whichever is greater. You should get a written estimate of the fee before signing any contract.
Public adjusters typically handle property damage claims resulting from events such as fires, hurricanes, and water damage. They can also handle liability claims involving personal injury or property damage caused by someone else.
To prepare your claim, the public adjuster will review your insurance policy and talk to you about what happened and the damages involved. The public adjuster will then collect information about the loss, including photos, repair estimates, and receipts.
Once they have all the necessary information, the public adjuster will negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf to try to reach a fair settlement. If you are not satisfied with the settlement offer, you can reject it and pursue other options such as filing a lawsuit .
