FAQs
Hiring A Public Adjuster. It Pays!
Q
What is a Public Adjuster?
A
In Pennsylvania, Public Adjusters need to be licensed with the PA Department of Insurance. They assist the public with their insurance claims when damage happens to their home or business. They contact your insurance company, document the loss with photos, create an estimate of the damages and negotiate the highest settlement on your behalf. They work for you, not the insurance company.
In most cases, a Public Adjuster can recover a much higher rate of return compared to the average person trying to handle a claim on their own. Licensed Public Adjusters and Attorneys are the only people legally able to negotiate a settlement with your insurance carrier.
Q
How much does a Public Adjuster charge to handle my Insurance Claim?
A
Most Public Adjusters work on a contingency fee basis. (no recovery no fee) They work for a percentage of the proceeds. They take a percentage of each check issued from the insurance company.
Q
I already started the process with the insurance company regarding a claim, can I still use a Public Adjuster?
A
Absolutely, Public Adjusters handle many claims after they have been started. Sometimes people think that they can handle the claim on their own only to find out there is a lot more to the process then the thought or they feel they haven’t been treated fairly by the Adjuster from the insurance company.
Q
I was denied coverage for my insurance claim should I call a Public Adjuster?
A
Yes, you should, just because you were denied coverage doesn’t mean you should give up. A Public Adjuster can turn around many denied claims that could recover thousands of dollars for clients so they could complete their repairs and get their life back on track.
Q
I have been with my Insurance company for over ten years and haven’t had a claim. I’m sure when I do they will take good care of me.
A
Not necessarily. Remember, insurance companies are in business for themselves. When you have damage to your home, the insurance company Adjuster is only going to pay for what he sees at the time. It is your responsibility to expose all of the damage to the insurance company. Public Adjusters are professional construction estimators. They know what the true effect of the damage that was created. They know what your policy covers and what you are entitled to.
Q
My Insurance Company denied me coverage because when I called I mentioned that I had a flood in my basement from a broken water line in the ceiling.
A
Right. Some insurance companies use your language against you. You may not have flood insurance on your home, but when you mentioned that you had a flood, they denied coverage. You most likely you had the proper coverage, but you used the wrong terminology. That is why it is so important to call a Public Adjuster first to help guide you on the right path. Public Adjusters can also help by recommending mitigation companies and Contractors that the Public Adjuster has used on other losses that are familiar with the insurance claim process.
Q
My toilet overflowed and I cleaned it up. Why would I need a Public Adjuster?
A
Sometimes water that permeates below the floor covering such as the subfloor, insulation, etc. There is also a chance that water could be contaminated. It would still be advisable to consult with a Licensed Public Adjuster. Usually, there is no fee for a respectable Public Adjuster to come out and inspect any damage with no obligation.