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Get the answers to commonly asked questions. If you don’t see your question give us a call and we will be happy to answer it.
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who works exclusively on behalf of policyholders, not the insurance company, to help them navigate and settle property damage claims. When your home or business suffers damage from events like wind, fire, water, or hurricanes, a public adjuster steps in to inspect the loss, document damages, prepare a detailed estimate, and negotiate directly with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair and full settlement. We protect your interests, relieve you from the stress of dealing with the insurer, and make sure you’re compensated properly for all covered damages under your policy.
Whether you need a public adjuster depends on the size, complexity, and circumstances of your claim. But in many cases, hiring one can make a significant difference in the outcome.
If your property has suffered major damage from events like wind, fire, water, or a hurricane, or if your claim has been underpaid, delayed, or denied, a public adjuster can be invaluable. Public adjusters work solely for you, the policyholder, to make sure your claim is properly documented, accurately valued, and fairly settled. They understand insurance policies, building repairs, and the insurance claims process.
Even in smaller claims, having an experienced advocate can save time, reduce stress, and help ensure nothing is overlooked. In short, you don’t have to hire a public adjuster, but doing so often helps you recover more, faster, and with greater confidence that your claim was handled right.
The main difference between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster lies in who they represent.
A public adjuster works exclusively for the policyholder, the homeowner or business owner who experienced the loss. Their job is to assess the damage, prepare and present the claim, and negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair and complete settlement on your behalf.
An insurance adjuster, on the other hand, works for the insurance company. Their role is to evaluate the claim from the insurer’s perspective and determine how much the company should pay, often focusing on minimizing the payout according to policy terms.
Both adjusters handle claims, but they serve opposite sides of the process. A public adjuster protects your interests, while an insurance adjuster protects the insurance company’s interests.
A public adjuster holds a state-issued license that authorizes them to represent policyholders in insurance claims. In Florida, public adjusters are licensed and regulated by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS).
To earn this license, public adjusters must complete pre-licensing education, pass a state examination, undergo a background check, and maintain a surety bond. They’re also required to follow strict ethical standards and complete continuing education to keep their license active.
This licensing ensures that when you hire a public adjuster, you’re working with a qualified professional who is legally authorized and trained to advocate for you throughout the insurance claims process.
Public adjusters charge a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if you do.
In Florida, public adjuster fees are regulated by law. For most claims, the maximum fee is 20% of the total settlement amount. However, if the claim is related to a state-declared emergency (such as a hurricane), the fee is capped at 10% for claims made within the first year after the event.
Yes, absolutely. Even if your claim has been closed or denied by the insurance company, you can still hire a public adjuster to review it.
Public adjusters are trained to reopen, re-evaluate, and dispute claims when necessary. They can inspect your property, review your policy and prior claim documents, and identify any overlooked or undervalued damages. If they find legitimate grounds, they can help you reopen the claim or file a supplemental or reconsideration request to pursue additional compensation.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients recover significantly more after we re-opened their denied or underpaid claims.
The answer to this question depends on the merits of your claim. But studies and real-world experience consistently show that policyholders who hire public adjusters receive larger settlements than those who handle claims on their own.
That’s because public adjusters have the expertise to identify all covered damages, accurately estimate repair costs, and present detailed documentation to support your claim, often uncovering losses that might otherwise be missed or undervalued. Their goal is to ensure you receive a fair and complete settlement that truly reflects the cost of restoring your property to its pre-loss condition.
While results vary with each case, having a knowledgeable public adjuster on your side often leads to a more thorough claim and a better financial outcome.
While both public adjusters and attorneys can help with insurance claims, they serve different roles and are most effective at different stages of the process.
A public adjuster is a licensed claims professional who focuses on evaluating damages, preparing detailed estimates, documenting the loss, and negotiating directly with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. They’re typically the most cost-effective first step because they work on contingency and specialize in the technical and valuation aspects of property claims.
An attorney, on the other hand, becomes necessary if a claim reaches a legal dispute that can’t be resolved through negotiation.
In most cases, it’s best to start with a public adjuster. They can often resolve your claim without the higher legal fees and longer timelines that come with litigation, and if legal action is ever needed, they can help ensure your case is fully documented and ready for an attorney to take over.
Having a high deductible doesn’t mean you shouldn’t file a claim or that a public adjuster can’t help. It simply means that the threshold for your insurance company to issue a payment is higher.
A public adjuster can still add tremendous value by ensuring that all covered damages are properly documented and included in your claim. Many homeowners with high deductibles discover that their insurer initially underestimated the true scope or cost of repairs, which can make the difference between receiving no payment and getting a meaningful settlement.
A public adjuster helps you make sure every dollar you’re entitled to is accounted for, so you don’t leave money on the table.
