A public adjuster is licensed by the state and acts on behalf of the insured, advocating for their rights while guiding them through the claims process. An insurance provider may not be willing to offer sufficient compensation for the losses the policyholder incurred. The role of the public adjuster is to protect the policyholder, ensuring their rights are protected and that they’re fairly compensated for their losses.
What Does a Public Adjuster Do?
A public adjuster provides a variety of services, including fully documenting damages that occurred, offering a complete audit of all losses, and acting as a negotiator on behalf of the insured. They are trained to value damaged personal property and prepare dwelling damage repair estimates. They are also knowledgeable about the conditions, exclusions, and terms contained in most insurance policies. Unfortunately, a public adjuster cannot offer legal advice.
How Much Does a Public Adjuster Charge?
Most public adjusters work on a contingency fee basis. This means they’ll work for a percentage of the compensation recovered.
Is Hiring a Public Adjuster Worth it?
Adjusters will sell their services by claiming they are leveling the playing field since you’ll have a knowledgeable person working on your behalf. However, they often increase the value of a claim more than enough to justify their fees unless the policyholder’s loss is in excess of policy limits. Even in that instance, the policyholder will still be required to prove the amount of loss and the insurance company will not pay maximum compensation until the policyholder proves their damages.
Typically, if an insurance company has denied a policyholder’s claim, a public adjuster will not work with them. Additionally, they will not accept small claims.
If the insurance company continues to refuse to offer a policyholder fair compensation, a public adjuster cannot help them pursue compensation in court.
Should I Hire a Fire Damage Claim Lawyer?
A fire damage claim lawyer can provide many of the same services that a public adjuster can and is also very knowledgeable about fire damage claims. They also have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and can file a lawsuit on your behalf and take the insurance company to court if they fail to offer a settlement that’s fair. Unfortunately, public adjusters cannot provide legal advice and cannot represent you in court.
While a public adjuster can be helpful in certain situations, if you are dealing with significant loss, your claim was denied, or the insurance company is refusing to make a reasonable offer, you will need a fire damage claim lawyer to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If your property sustained fire damage and the insurance company is denying your claim or offering a settlement that will not cover the cost of repairs, contact a fire damage claim attorney at the Moore Law Firm. At our firm, we offer free consultations where you can discuss your case and have all of your questions answered. If you decide to work with us, an experienced attorney on our legal team can review your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and help you recover the compensation you need to make repairs to your property. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to learn more.
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