Seven FAQs About Public Adjusters

Maybe you’ve heard about hiring a public adjuster to help with the process of filing your insurance claim, but you don’t know where to start.  That is where we come in.  In this article, we are going to go over seven frequently asked questions about public adjusters and how it can benefit you to hire one.

A public adjuster is a professional who helps policyholders (home and business owners) through the process of filing an insurance claim after they have suffered a loss. There are three types of adjusters that are licensed by the state of Florida:

1. Insurance Company Adjuster – This is the insurance adjuster employed by the insurance company who represents their interests in handling your claim.
2. Independent Adjuste r – This is someone who is hired by the insurance company to represent them while working through your claim. Their responsibility, like that of the Insurance Company Adjuster, is to prioritize the interests of the Insurance Company.
3. Public Adjuster – This is the only type of insurance adjuster licensed in Florida whose responsibility is to protect your interests and not the insurance company during the process of a claim.

Chances are, you have not had to file very many insurance claims in your life, especially not for a catastrophe involving your home. When you are dealing with the aftermath of damage to your home, the last thing you need to do is try and figure out how everything has to be documented and submitted to deal with your insurance company.

It is up to you to prove the value and extent of the loss you suffered to get reimbursed by your insurance company. A public adjuster can evaluate the site of the loss and find things you wouldn’t have thought to include in your claim that increases your payout, and they can make sure you satisfy all of the conditions of your policy in order to recover damages.

Even if you are the world’s most organized person and you have your loss thoroughly documented, the back and forth with your insurance company is a tedious process. A public adjuster will handle it for you.

No, as the name implies, a public adjuster works on the insurance claims on behalf of the insured public , they do not work for the insurance companies. However, many public adjusters were once insurance adjusters for the providers.

You absolutely can, but you have to be prepared to fully and thoroughly document your loss, try to understand the terms of the policy you have with your insurance company, and follow up with the insurance agent. 

You should consider hiring a public adjuster particularly if your claim is over ten thousand dollars, and damages from a loss pile up quickly. You could be leaving money on the table in the settlement and not even realize it.

Make sure that their license is up to date and they have been in business for a while, and make sure they weren’t licensed after a recent disaster. Some public adjusters rush to capitalize on people who have suffered a loss.

Ask about their experience and training to make sure they are familiar with the kind of claim you want them to handle for you.

Don’t sign a blank contract. Have your prospective public adjuster go over their fees so you know what to expect going in.

Make sure you feel comfortable with the adjuster you select. You will be dealing with them for the duration of your claim, so it’s important to choose someone who you like talking to.

FAPIA stands for “ Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters ” and they require any public adjusters belonging to their organization to uphold a strict code of ethics. These public adjusters have a wide network of resources to help you handle your insurance claim.

The most important thing to remember is that public adjusters do not take payment up front, and if anyone tries to charge you upfront, they are not an ethical public adjuster.

Public Adjusters charge a portion of the settlement you receive in exchange for the services they provide you. The maximum amount a public adjuster can charge in Florida is 20% of the claim paid after you sign your contract with them, but the actual percentages charged vary between public adjusters which is why it is necessary to browse around for one that fits your needs.

Additionally, if the Governor’s Office declares an emergency and it was the cause of your loss, then the maximum amount a public adjuster can charge is 10% for claims that are made within the first year from the date of the loss. After that first year, the maximum percentage goes back to 20% so don’t wait too long to file your claim.

Discover the Power of Continental Public Adjusters

When it comes to handling property claims in the beautiful state of Florida, Continental Public Adjusters stands as your trusted partner, committed to ensuring you make the most of your insurance policy.

Whether you're facing a new property claim or grappling with the frustration of denied, delayed, or underpaid claims, the need for an adept and seasoned public adjuster becomes paramount.

Here's how Continental Public Adjusters can be your advocate in five crucial ways:

• Champion Your Cause: Our unwavering mission is to secure the maximum recovery for your loss.
• Thorough Examination: We conduct a meticulous investigation, delving into the specifics of your loss. Our team of experts and consultants works tirelessly to ascertain the true value of your property loss.
• Precision Estimation: Employing cutting-edge cost estimating software, we prepare comprehensive supporting documentation, which we then submit to your insurance provider.
• Skilled Adjustment: We skillfully manage and negotiate your claim with your insurance company's adjuster to achieve a settlement that aligns with your best interests and gains your approval.
• Optimizing Benefits: Drawing from the vast experience of settling thousands of claims, we have the foresight to anticipate issues and hurdles in the claims process. Our dedicated team works relentlessly to ensure you receive the maximum benefits you deserve.

Start with a complimentary consultation with one of our accomplished team members, where you can explore your options. With 38 years of invaluable experience in successfully resolving a multitude of claims, both personal and commercial, across the state of Florida, Continental Public Adjusters, Inc. is your trusted partner.

Reach out to us today at (800) 989-4769 or drop us an email at info@contpa.com to initiate your FREE claim review. Your satisfaction and peace of mind are our top priorities.