Over a month ago, Hurricane Ian laid waste to Southwest Florida, leaving hundreds of properties damaged and leading to billions of dollars in losses. As a home or business owner, large-scale losses like these can severely affect everyday life and normal business operations. If you’re one of those people whose properties were destroyed during the storm, you may be considering hiring a public adjuster.
Insurance policies help cover losses caused by natural disasters. When filing for a claim, how do you and the insurance company come to an agreement on the amount you should be paid for the damage? This is where a public adjuster comes in.
What is a Public Adjuster?
- Public adjusters are professionals who help businesses and individuals settle their insurance claims and get the largest sum possible.
- These professionals are employed by the homeowner, who also pays them a percentage of the amount claimed.
- Homeowners typically employ public adjusters if they have a potentially large claim and are worried about getting everything covered.
- Public adjusters can take over to speak on the property owner's behalf and work with the insurance adjuster from start to finish.
Public Adjuster vs. Insurance Adjuster
- The most significant difference between public adjusters and insurance adjusters is their employer. Insurance adjusters work for insurance companies while public adjusters work on behalf of property owners.
- Both adjusters will evaluate and assess the damage and write up proposed restoration or repairs and what these would cost.
Responsibilities of an Insurance Adjuster
- Assess and document your claim thoroughly
- Negotiate for the maximum amount of money in a proactive manner
- Work to get you the claim amount as soon as possible
- Be transparent as your advisor throughout the claim process
- Ensure every detail is documented, presented, and defended for the best possible outcome
- Challenge the insurance company's offer to ensure a fair treatment
- Collect police reports, witness statements, photos of an incident or property damage, and statements from everyone involved in an incident
Pros of Hiring a Public Adjuster
- Expertise and skills. Handling an insurance claim is not a simple task. Public adjusters are more familiar with insurance jargon than the average person.
- A fair settlement. Public adjusters negotiate and argue on your behalf to get a good settlement from the insurance company.
- Time savings. Public adjusters perform an error-free job when making assessments and placing values on every aspect of your property. They also manage the paperwork, contact the insurance company, and meet with contractors, saving you a lot of effort and time.
- Quick resolution and payment. During a major loss, insurance providers may try to impede the process by bringing in their own adjusters to propose a bad settlement. Public adjusters fight to get you the maximum possible coverage as quickly as possible.
- Networking. Public adjusters usually have a network of contacts they can use to have your home or business repaired quickly.
Cons of Hiring a Public Adjuster
- Fees. Public adjusters are usually entitled to a percentage of your settlement as their fee. You may end up with less money in your pocket but bear in mind that they can negotiate a higher amount than you.
- Can be unnecessary. When filing for small claims, a public adjuster may not be necessary if you are familiar with the insurance claims process. You should also check if your insurance company is willing to work with a public adjuster before hiring one.
How to Avoid Public Adjuster Scams
- Find a reputable and respected public adjuster. Shop around and do your research thoroughly.
- Verify your public adjuster's license by going through your state government's website. You can check the Department of Insurance or the insurance commissioner's website.
- Check for good standing with the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters.
Contact Us for Hurricane and Storm Damage Restoration Services in Naples, Florida
Do you still need repairs after Hurricane Ian? ServiceMaster by Wright is here to help. Contact your insurance company and tell them you want to work with us. We are Southwest Florida’s first responders to catastrophic property loss.
ServiceMaster by Wright is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (239) 329-8886. You can also connect with us online or visit us at 2940 Horseshoe Dr., N #500, Naples, FL 34104.
- FREE inspections and estimates for both residential and commercial properties
- Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
- Licensed and fully bonded restoration specialists
