![A little wooden house with coins next to it with a public adjuster putting a coin on top](https://sunpoint.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/what-does-a-public-adjuster-do-1-1-1024x536.jpg)
A public adjuster is one of three different types of claims adjusters. A public adjuster’s job is to advocate for the policyholder in the event that an insurance claim has been filed and needs to be addressed. The two other types of claims adjusters are staff adjusters (who are employed by the insurance company) and independent adjusters (who are independent contractors but are also hired by an insurance company).
An adjuster is also able to legally represent the policyholder in the event that this is required. Because of their technical expertise, their services are often invaluable to an insurance policyholder, particularly when there is a disagreement between the policyholder and the insurance company regarding the value of the insurance claim.
Increasing the Payment Amount
One of the jobs of the public adjuster is to advocate on behalf of the policyholder. This often means increasing the payout of the insurance which is a major benefit to the policyholder. Some of the ways that adjusters can do this include:
- Evaluate the current insurance policies to determine which of these policies may apply to a certain insurance claim
- Research, detail, and quantify the various damages to the covered property
- Determine the cost of any possible business interruptions and extra expenses that might have been incurred
- Document and support the claim(s) on behalf of the policyholders
Public adjusters who do this job thoroughly are almost always able to increase the amount of the award provided by the insurance company.
Guide the Policyholder
Unsurprisingly, this process can be stressful for the policyholder. For many who are filing an insurance claim, they might not have ever been through this process before. The jargon can be difficult to understand and the paperwork can be intimidating. For this reason, another job of the public adjuster is to help guide the policyholder through the various steps of this process.
The adjuster is able to interpret the jargon into language that the average person can understand in addition to helping the individual complete the litany of paperwork that could follow their claim. With the help of a public adjuster, the policyholder will be in an improved position as the process unfolds.
Determining Payment
Some people might be concerned about the costs that come with hiring a public adjuster. In many cases, adjusters are paid a percentage of the insurance claim. For example, an adjuster might charge 10 percent of the total payout. This means that the policyholder would not have to pay anything out of pocket but would merely have this fee deducted from the total amount of the claim.
Often, the increased payout that comes with using a public adjuster is more than enough to cover the fees charged by the adjuster. In this fashion, using an adjuster can save an individual a large amount of money.
When to Contact a Public Adjuster
A public adjuster is one of three different types of claims adjusters. An adjuster’s job is to advocate for the policyholder in the event that an insurance claim has been filed and needs to be addressed. The two other types of claims adjusters are staff adjusters (who are employed by the insurance company) and independent adjusters (who are independent contractors but are also hired by an insurance company).
A public adjuster is also able to legally represent the policyholder in the event that this is required. Because of their technical expertise, their services are often invaluable to an insurance policyholder, particularly when there is a disagreement between the policyholder and the insurance company regarding the value of the insurance claim.
Increasing the Payment Amount
One of the jobs of the public adjuster is to advocate on behalf of the policyholder. This often means increasing the payout of the insurance which is a major benefit to the policyholder. Some of the ways that adjusters can do this include:
- Evaluate the current insurance policies to determine which of these policies may apply to a certain insurance claim
- Research, detail, and quantify the various damages to the covered property
- Determine the cost of any possible business interruptions and extra expenses that might have been incurred
- Document and support the claim(s) on behalf of the policyholders
Public adjusters who do this job thoroughly are almost always able to increase the amount of the award provided by the insurance company.
Determining Payment
Some people might be concerned about the costs that come with hiring a public adjuster. In many cases, public adjusters are paid a percentage of the insurance claim. For example, a public adjuster might charge 10 percent of the total payout. This means that the policyholder would not have to pay anything out of pocket but would merely have this fee deducted from the total amount of the claim.
Often, the increased payout that comes with using a public adjuster is more than enough to cover the fees charged by the adjuster. In this fashion, using a public adjuster can save an individual a large amount of money.
When to Contact a Public Adjuster
Public adjusters are often able to maximize their benefit when they are involved from the very beginning. This increases their opportunity to advocate for the policyholder and ensure that a fair settlement is received. Regardless, a public adjuster can become involved at any stage and begin negotiating on behalf of the policyholder.
Public adjusters are often able to maximize their benefit when they are involved from the very beginning. This increases their opportunity to advocate for the policyholder and ensure that a fair settlement is received. Regardless, a public adjuster can become involved at any stage and begin negotiating on behalf of the policyholder.