What is a Public Adjuster and why should I use one for my property insurance claim? I never heard of them before, won’t my insurance company take care of me?

At AJR Public Adjusters, we often hear, “I’ve never heard of Public Adjusters before. My property just suffered an insurance claim, and I began to research help for my insurance claim and came upon your information.”

To try to assist you from ending up in this same situation, we’d like to share with you several key points to understand in advance of having a property insurance claim.

1. Role and Function: Public adjusters are professionals who work on behalf of policyholders to help them navigate the insurance claims process. They advocate for the insured and aim to ensure that policyholders receive fair compensation for their losses. Public adjusters assess damages, review insurance policies, and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize claim payouts.
2. Licensing and Regulation: Public adjusters are typically required to be licensed in the state or jurisdiction where they operate. Licensing requirements may vary by location, but generally, public adjusters must pass a state exam and meet certain education and experience criteria. Here in Arizona, a Public Adjuster’s license is the same license that an insurance company adjuster holds. This levels the playing field with the insurance company trying to minimize your recovery to benefit their bottom line.
3. Compensation: Public adjusters typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning their fee is a percentage of the final settlement amount. This fee is agreed upon between the public adjuster and the policyholder before any work is undertaken. Policyholders need to understand the terms of the agreement, including the percentage fee and any additional expenses that may be incurred. The fee is 10% on average, though larger claims might warrant a smaller percentage. Smaller claims, if taken by a public adjuster, might warrant a larger compensation.
4. Expertise: Public adjusters are experienced professionals with knowledge of insurance policies, claims processes, and property damage assessment. Public Adjusters use their expertise to help policyholders navigate complex claims and ensure they receive fair treatment from insurance companies.
5. Advantages and Considerations: Hiring a public adjuster can provide several advantages for policyholders, including expert guidance through the claims process, assistance with documenting and presenting claims, and increased likelihood of receiving a fair settlement. Policyholders should carefully consider the benefits of hiring a public adjuster and ensure they choose a reputable and licensed professional.

Overall, public adjusters play an important role in helping policyholders navigate the insurance claims process and ensure they receive fair compensation for their losses. If you encounter a situation where the expertise of a public adjuster may be beneficial, it’s important to research and understand their role and how they can assist you.

AJR Public Adjusters has represented policyholders for over 35 years. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and as a NAPIA member, when you call our office you know you are talking to a firm well respected in this industry.

AJR Public Adjusters – 602-795-5227