When the Insurance Company Brings Their Team, Bring Yours
Most people don’t think much about their insurance coverage until they need to use it. When property damage happens, there’s often a rush of decisions to make, one of the most important being how to approach the claims process.
An option many aren’t familiar with is hiring a Public Adjuster.
What Is a Public Adjuster?
A Public Adjuster is a licensed professional who helps policyholders manage and document their property insurance claims. They work directly for you, not the insurance company. Their role is to assess the damage, understand your policy, estimate the cost of the loss, and help navigate the back-and-forth with the insurer.
Their job is to make sure nothing is missed, and that the claim is presented as clearly and accurately as possible, to ensure you receive what you’re entitled to as outlined by your policy.
At the end of the day, insurance is a business, and like any business, it operates with certain limits and procedures in place. The adjusters employed by the insurance company are following their company’s process, often working within internal thresholds. Their job is to settle the claim according to what’s standard on their end, not necessarily to explore every possible angle of your coverage. A Public Adjuster is on your side, diving into the details of your policy and fighting for your best outcome.
Different Types of Adjusters
There are three kinds of adjusters you might come across when dealing with property insurance claims:
Company Insurance Adjusters are employed directly by the insurance company. Their job is to assess the damage and settle the claim based on the company’s guidelines.
Independent Adjusters are contracted by insurance companies. They’re not on the payroll, but they’re still hired to represent the insurer’s side.
Public Adjusters are hired by you, the policyholder, to look out for your best interests and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf based on the coverage you’ve already paid for.
A lot of people don’t realize there’s a difference until they’re in the middle of a claim and feel like no one is really looking out for them. That’s usually when they start searching for help and realize a Public Adjuster could have been there from the start, bringing their perspective into the conversation.
Why Hiring a Public Adjuster Can Make a Difference
Filing an insurance claim is rarely simple. Policies are often full of technical language, and every claim comes with its own set of moving parts. A Public Adjuster brings the experience and focus to sort through it all. They know how to read policies, document damage, and present claims in a way that gives you the strongest possible case.
It’s not about cutting corners or pushing the limits of your coverage. It’s about making sure everything is accounted for. PAs are trained to spot the things that might otherwise be overlooked, and to back that up with solid documentation.
Having someone in your corner who understands how the system works and is fully focused on your side of the process can change the outcome. A Public Adjuster can take over the coordination, communication, and constant follow-up that often comes with a claim. That means fewer distractions, less frustration, and more time to focus on your business or your family. In many cases, policyholders who work with a Public Adjuster end up with a better settlement because someone took the time to build the full picture.
When It Makes Sense to Get a PA Involved and When It Doesn’t
Hiring a Public Adjuster can be a smart move, but it’s not always necessary. Some claims are straightforward and easier to resolve, especially when the damage is minor or the insurance company is responsive and fair.
However, when things start to feel complicated or the damage is significant, it’s worth asking whether a PA could be valuable. Maybe you’re not sure what your policy covers. Maybe you’re not getting the answers you’re looking for. Maybe the settlement offer seems too low and you don’t understand why. These are all moments where a Public Adjuster can step in, clarify your options, and make sure nothing gets left out.
It can help to have an experienced partner reviewing every detail. The goal is not to pick a fight with your insurance company; it’s to make sure the process works like it’s supposed to – with someone who knows how to hold the system accountable.