10 Commonly Asked Questions About Working with a Public Adjuster
Filing insurance claims and waiting for a fair settlement can be exhausting, which is why working with a public adjuster is a good idea.
Significant damages to your home or business can lead to filing a claim for compensation from your insurance provider. Unfortunately, your insurance company works hard to minimize the amount they are willing to payout, which means you could end up covering the cost of repairs out of your pocket. Thankfully, hiring a public adjuster to help you file and handle the claims process can avoid this problem altogether.
Continue reading to learn about commonly asked questions when working with public adjusters below.
10 Common Questions About Working With a Public Adjuster
Today, we’re answering ten commonly asked questions about working with a public adjuster.
- How do I know if I should hire a public adjuster to file my insurance claim?
Your insurance provider has an adjuster who works for their company responsible for assessing the damages from claims made. However, it’s wise to find a professional who advocates for you, not your insurance company, in many situations.
Many homeowners and business owners decide to hire public adjusters if your property experiences extensive damage, if it is difficult to determine just how much has occurred, or if you disagree about how much your insurance company’s adjuster estimated.
- Which qualities should I look for in public adjusters?
Seek out a reputable company that offers the same amount of professionalism as any other service and is quick to respond to your needs or questions. Find someone who has been in business for many years and is licensed and bonded.
- What should I expect from a public adjuster?
A public adjuster should be able to help you with every aspect of your claim. They will assess the damage, determine an estimate, and handle the negotiations with your insurance company on your behalf. Their main goal is to maximize your claim.
- Why should I work with a public adjuster rather than hiring an attorney?
A public claims adjuster is trained to assess the damage to your property, provide an accurate cost estimate, and handle negotiations with your insurance provider. If you go straight to a lawyer, your attorney will most likely hire a public adjuster to investigate the claim on their behalf. This means you’ll probably end up paying for both an attorney and a public adjuster. Moreover, hiring a lawyer could increase how long it takes to complete the claims process.
- When are public adjusters paid?
Most public adjusters are paid on a contingency. Rather than paying an upfront fee, you’ll pay a percentage of your settlement after you reach an agreement. Once you accept your insurance provider’s offer, your adjuster will collect the pre-arranged amount, which is typically between 5% and 15% of your claim.
- Can my insurance provider cancel my policy if I hire a public adjuster?
No, your insurance provider can only drop you as a client for breaking the terms of your contract, such as non-payment. Insurance companies are typically eager to work with you to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. In most instances, insurance providers understand the desire to hire a public adjuster and usually respond professionally.
- Should I hire a public adjuster before contacting my insurance company about filing a claim?
No, your insurance policy provides coverage for damages to your home or business, and the terms of your policy require you to contact your insurance company first. You can choose to work with a public adjuster once you contact your insurance provider, or you can hold off until you receive the cost estimate from the adjuster from your insurance.
- When is the best time to hire a public adjuster?
It’s no secret that the repair and claims process can take a considerable amount of time. You can hire a public adjuster any time during this process. For example, if you settle your claim and discover more damage during repairs, you may want to hire an adjuster to assess the total cost.
- Is it ever too late to hire a public adjuster to help with my claim?
In some situations, you may discover additional damage after settling a claim. You might still be able to hire a public adjuster to assist you with your claim at this time. However, it’s likely too late to bring in a public adjuster if you’ve already signed a final release or your claim period is outside the statute of limitations.
- Can working with a public adjuster help speed up the insurance claims process?
It’s possible that hiring a public adjuster could cut down on the claims process. Public adjusters are professionals and must have a certain level of training and knowledge. Because they are familiar with the process, you can complete the necessary steps effectively and efficiently.
Working with a Public Adjuster is Easy at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters
If you are looking into working with a public adjuster, let the pros at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters help you. Our company was born from a deep desire to serve policyholders in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. With over 50 years of experience in disaster restoration and construction, our founders know firsthand the need for home and business owners to have professional representation to help them quickly, effectively, and fairly settle their claims. Our experts represent you, not your insurance company.
Our knowledgeable professionals harness their vast experience and utilize the industry’s leading software and tools to ensure the best outcome for you. The resources we use include legal assets, information management systems, and insurance-based estimating software.
We are your advocate, and your best interest is our number one priority. Our mission is to provide the most accurate and complete settlements for you while demonstrating the compassion and professionalism you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how the experts at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters can help you.
