A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents policyholders in the process of filing and negotiating insurance claims. Their primary role is to advocate on behalf of the policyholder (not the insurance company) to ensure they receive a fair and accurate settlement for their claim.

The role of the adjuster is to investigate the claim, determine the cause of loss, assess the damage, and calculate the amount of compensation based on the policy terms. Adjusters also negotiate with the insurer to settle the claim.

The primary difference between a public adjuster and an insurance company adjuster lies in whom they represent and their roles in the claims process. A public adjuster works exclusively for the policyholder, advocating on their behalf to ensure they receive a fair and full settlement for their claim. In contrast, an insurance company adjuster works for the insurance company, assessing the damage and determining the payout, but primarily focuses on protecting the company’s financial interests. While public adjusters are motivated to maximize claims and may use advanced tools to identify all damages, insurance adjusters often have a limited scope and may overlook hidden issues. Public adjusters are compensated as a percentage of the final settlement, incentivizing them to recover the largest amount possible, whereas insurance adjusters are salaried employees whose compensation is not directly tied to the payout. Ultimately, public adjusters offer a more thorough approach and act as advocates in navigating the complexities of insurance claims.

Loss adjusters begin by reviewing the details of your claim, inspecting the damage, and gathering evidence. They then use this information to negotiate with your insurance company, ensuring the payout is fair and in line with your policy.