Why Hiring a Public Adjuster is Essential for Your Insurance Claim

When your home is severely damaged, navigating the insurance claim process alone can be overwhelming. Insurance claims agents often don't provide all the information you need and may push you to settle quickly. Instead of ensuring you have the resources to properly restore your home, an insurance agent often focuses on minimizing the claim payout. These small complications can become significant pain points. Hiring a public adjuster is a smart way to handle claim settlements and maximize your compensation.

Public adjusters understand how insurance companies operate. They know what to expect during a claim settlement and how to negotiate on your behalf!

Here are 5 ways a public adjuster can resolve disputes in your property claim:

1. A Public Adjuster Identifies and Resolves Coverage Issues

   Insurance company agents sometimes make it difficult to recognize that a coverage dispute exists. They might leave vague phone messages or tell you to "read your policy." They may mention filing a "proof of loss" or send a "reservation of rights" letter that is hard to understand.

   A public adjuster identifies coverage issues no matter how poorly the company explains them. They request specific case information, review your policy, and push the insurance company for prompt action and resolution.

2. Skilled Negotiators

   Public adjusters (PAs) skillfully negotiate even contentious claim cases. PAs understand the issues, damages, coverages, and any inherent claim complexities. They are straightforward, clear, and articulate—ready to wait for the right outcome.

3. Public Adjusters Escalate Issues to Higher Authorities

   Insurance company agents often present themselves as having the final say in settling your disputed property coverage when, in reality, they have limited power or settlement authority. When PAs can't resolve your case, they don't hesitate—they escalate the issue to a manager, director, or executive with the real authority to address home insurance questions.

4. Understanding Insurance Company Intimidation Tactics

   A public adjuster recognizes when an insurance adjuster tries to pressure you into settling the claim early or for a low amount by using intimidation tactics. They might send a confusing coverage letter, mail you a check for an amount you've already rejected, or close your claim without notice if you decline the final offer. A PA knows your rights and how to respond to these tactics.

5. "Final Offers" Are Negotiable

   Insurance company agents may present charts, graphs, and figures that explain depreciation, average life expectancy, material costs, prevailing labor rates, and more, making it seem like these figures are set in stone. Fortunately, a PA understands that everything is negotiable. Even after an insurance agent makes a "final offer," your PA will continue to strive for the best settlement for you.