What is a Public Adjuster and When Should You Hire One?

Losing your home or a part of it is not just losing a shelter or bricks. It is losing the stability, your hard-earned house, and the memories you made. And during this time, your only hope is getting insurance for your home. You have to file a homeowner’s claim; your insurer will assign an adjuster who will evaluate the damage and determine a claim payout. 

But what if you don’t get a fair payout for the damages? Or what if you are not clear about the insurance policy, the cost of repair, and more? This can lead you to be financially devastated. That’s where a public adjuster comes into play. A public adjuster is a go-to person who can help you with the insurance claim process and ensure that your payout is fair and accurate. 

This blog post will highlight: 

• What Is a Public Adjuster?
• What is the Role of a Public Adjuster?
• When to Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster?
• How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Public Adjuster?
• How to Find a Public Adjuster?
• Need Help Resolving a Claim?
• What Questions Do Homeowners Commonly Ask About Public Adjusters?

What is a Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster is an independent insurance professional who can be hired by people like you, who are looking forward to getting fair compensation for their damages. They work for the insurance holders, and not for the insurance company. Public adjusters help you advocate for your financial interests to make sure you get the settlement you deserve and are entitled to under your insurance policy. 

A public adjuster will take care of your claim by actively communicating with your insurance company on your behalf. They will make sure that everything is in order and that your damages are not overlooked. 

What is the Role of a Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster plays a crucial role in the insurance claim of a policyholder. Here’s how:

• Examine Existing Insurance Policies

A policyholder has the option to hire an independent claims adjuster instead of working with the one assigned by the insurance company. And when the policyholder hires a public adjuster, they will begin the process by examining the existing insurance policies so that they can understand the coverage and more. 

• Damage Assessment and Documentation

After examining the policies, they will investigate, assess the damage, provide details and even gather evidence to support the claim. After they thoroughly investigate and examine everything, they will document all damaged property or business assets, including condition, replacement cost, and more. This is done to ensure they can prove the damage and get the insurance claim. 

• Navigate the Claim Process

Navigating the claim process is difficult, and you are not sure whether the insurance company adjuster will handle it thoroughly. But a public adjuster plays a crucial role in navigating the whole claim process in detail. They will:

• File an insurance claim 
• Take care of the necessary paperwork 
• Expedite policyholder claims 
• Help improve the claim recovery 
• Reopen claims and renegotiate 

Improving the claim recovery, reopening the claim, and renegotiating are only possible after the insurance claim adjusters have settled the claim and discrepancies are found.  

• Protect Your Rights

They will project your rights as a policyholder, as they are experts in understanding the insurance company’s expectations when documenting and valuing your insurance claim. This gives you an advantage in case your claim is denied. 

• Navigate the Process Faster

When you have lost your property due to damage caused to it, you probably want the process to be completed more quickly. Who would want to respond to the insurance company’s requests for information and documents? When you hire a public adjuster, they can manage and organize your claim, so you don’t have to worry about claim-related issues. Moreover, they can help you get done with the process faster, saving you time. 

• Negotiation and Settlement

This is one of the most critical steps, in which the public adjuster must negotiate the claim and reach a settlement. They will submit the full documented claim package to the insurer’s adjuster, present your case, and try to negotiate with the insurance company’s representatives. 

They will present all the evidence and documents that support your claim and will get a fair payout. 

When to Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster?

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is that they wait for the insurance company to assign an adjuster. As a result, they often deny the claim or minimize your payout. You can hire a public adjuster from the day the damage occurs. Here is when you can consider hiring a public adjuster: 

• The Claim is Severe or Complex

A public adjuster is highly beneficial as they navigate the claim thoroughly, leaving no room for denial.

You must consider hiring a public adjuster when the claim is severe and complex. Here are a few instances when you can hire a public adjuster:

• Your claim amount is substantial
• Facing loss due to a major storm, or extensive flood or water damage 
• Internal water damage
• Hidden smoke damage 

• When the Claim is Underpaid 

The most common reason for hiring a public adjuster is when your claim is underpaid by the insurance company adjuster. When you are receiving an initial offer that’s too low to cover your repair costs and feel like the decision is unfair, then you must get in touch with a public adjuster. 

• When you Lack Time 

When you don’t have enough time due to work and family responsibilities or the severe aftermath of the disaster, then you must get in touch with a public adjuster who can help you out. 

• When a Claim is Denied 

Just in case your claim is denied, you will face financial issues that you might not wish to deal with. In this situation, you can consider getting services from a public adjuster. They will review your policy, and even reopen your case. 

• Policy Confusions 

If you are not clear about your policy or have any confusion, then you must hire a public adjuster who can help you out. 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Public Adjuster?

There is no fixed cost to hire a public adjuster. Different adjusters charge some percentage of the total claim amount, according to their services. It can be as low as 3% and as high as 30%. 

If they don’t offer a contingency fee structure, then they might ask you to pay a flat rate or an hourly rate. 

How to Find a Public Adjuster?

Finding a public adjuster is crucial, and here’s how you can find the best one for your case:

• A word-of-mouth recommendation is one of the best ways to find a public adjuster. If someone in your family, friends, or any other known person has hired a public adjuster and knows they can help you out, then you must contact them.
• You can search for various policy adjusters online and choose the ones that seem reliable. Then compare them all and get services from the one that meets your requirements. 

Need Help Resolving a Claim?

Was your claim denied and undervalued? Do you require help resolving these complexities? Then you must get in touch with Onyx Adjusting. Our public adjusters can help you understand your policy thoroughly. 

Don’t settle for less when you can restore your home and peace of mind. Our licensed public adjusters work for you and handle the complexities. We will thoroughly understand your policy, document every loss, and even use our industry expertise to negotiate your claim and help you get the best possible outcome. 

Get in touch with us for a consultation. Let us review your claim and show you what professionalism looks like. 

What Questions Do Homeowners Commonly Ask About Public Adjusters?

Q1-Why Are More Canadians Turning to Public Adjusters After Property Damage?

More Canadians are turning to public adjusters due to a recent surge in catastrophic weather claims, confusing policy language, and increasing costs. They seek professional assistance to make sure they secure the maximum and fair outcome for their case.

Q2-How to detect if I need a public adjuster to file my claim? 

Your insurance company has an adjuster who will assess the damage from your claim. However, in some situations, adjusters might undervalue your claim, so you can turn to a public adjuster to get help.

Q3-How to choose a public adjuster? 

Choose a public adjuster who is reputable and has been in business for years. Moreover, the adjuster must be licensed and bonded. They should communicate effectively so you can understand everything.

Q3-How can a public adjuster help me?

A public adjuster can help you at every stage of your claim. They will assess the damages, determine a cost estimate, and even negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf.