Why Hire A Public Adjuster?

by Alayna Trombley

Here’s a question public adjusters hear frequently - why hire a PA? What can a PA do for me that my insurance adjuster can’t? This is easily one of the most important questions we are asked. Without further ado, I am going to break down the top five reasons why you should consider hiring a public adjuster.

#1 Public Adjusters Work for You - Not the Insurance Company

Right down to the basics, a public adjuster works for you. On the other hand, an insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. It’s a completely different role. Public adjusters have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest. It is one of the core tenants of our field. Insurance adjusters don’t have that same responsibility, and it often shows once someone experiences going through a claim adjustment process. When it comes to you and what you are owed, a public adjuster is a professional that can guide you through the process and assist you wherever you need help.

#2 Public Adjusters Simplify A Complex Claims Adjustment Process

When you have a claim, the thought of adjusting it can feel overwhelming. Instead of experiencing dread, you can hire a public adjuster that will help simplify your claim and make it easier for you. You may not know where to begin when it comes to what documentation is required or what steps to take. A public adjuster can bridge the gap between what feels complex to make the process clear and understandable. Public adjusters provide the knowledge you need to move your claim forward. 

#3 Public Adjusters Connect You With Expert Vendors

There are many companies you may need to work with to assist you in adjusting your claim. These can include hiring different independent contractors, estimators, restoration companies, engineers, and environmental experts to handle your claim. If you don’t work in the field, it’s hard to know who to trust and who will have your best interest. Public adjusters have the industry knowledge to provide you with the best possible recommendations when it comes to restoring your property. 

#4 Public Adjusters Handle Appraisal 

Sometimes a negotiation for payment from your insurance company is highly disputed. When negotiation does not work in the claims adjustment process, appraisal is an option. Appraisal involves your public adjuster who acts as an appraiser, the insurance company’s appointed independent appraiser, and a third party umpire. Both parties argue for a specific settlement, while the third party umpire is there to create an agreement based on their assessment of the claim and arguments. Usually the umpire is someone with legal expertise, like a Judge or attorney, or it may be someone who has a great amount of experience in this field. The vital part is that you have an appraiser to represent you. Public adjusters act as appraisers, too, and provide the insight needed for a favorable and fair outcome for you. 

#5 Public Adjusters Can Get You The Settlement You’re Entitled To

Payment during a claims negotiation can be a difficult and complicated process. Something a public adjuster has are the skills needed for successful negotiation and fair settlements. Since we are paid on commission, a percentage of what you are paid on your claim, we are looking out for you to get you fully paid on your claim. Oftentimes we hear from policyholders that their claim payments are not coming on time, or they don’t receive them at all. We can calculate penalty interest for you, which means if you are not paid timely after you provide a Proof of Loss, you are owed interest per state law in Michigan. Penalty interest applies in more states than just Michigan, too. Arizona, Colorado, Maine, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas have their own penalty insurance laws. This is something many claimants are typically unaware of and unfortunately that can be to the advantage of insurance companies. Public adjusters have the expertise to maximize the benefits you get from your insurance policy and the knowledge about the legal framework intended to protect claimants from abusive insurance practices.

I hope this overview of why you should hire a public adjuster is helpful and provides you with the understanding to consider hiring a public adjuster. Going through the claims adjustment process can be emotional and grueling, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. A public adjuster may be exactly what you need to make the best decisions to repair the damages you had from a claim. If you ever hear of reasons not to hire a public adjuster, I highly recommend you consider the source. Do your own research, talk to people who have had their own claims, and reach out to public adjusters to scope out what they can do for you. Most of all, remember that if you have experienced a loss, you are never alone. You do not need to walk through the process by yourself. Consider hiring a public adjuster to walk with you.