Category: insurance tips

Public Adjusters in Arizona |AJR Public Adjusters | A+ BBB Rated

When disaster strikes, it rarely sends a warning. One day your home or business is safe. The next, a fire, flood, storm, or other loss leaves you with costly damage and more questions than answers. The first call many people make is to their insurance company. But here’s the hard truth: insurance companies are businesses with their own bottom line, and their adjusters work for them — not you.

That’s where a public adjuster comes in. A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents you, the policyholder, throughout the insurance claims process. Instead of relying on the insurance company’s word, you have an experienced advocate working to make sure your damage is fully documented, deadlines are met, and the settlement you receive is fair.

What Does a Public Adjuster Do?

Most homeowners and business owners have never filed a large property claim before. Insurance policies are packed with complex language, strict requirements, and short timelines. Missing a detail can mean losing thousands of dollars.

A public adjuster takes that weight off your shoulders. Here’s how:

  • Policy review: They read and interpret the fine print to determine exactly what your coverage includes.
  • Damage inspection: They carefully document every aspect of your loss — structural damage, contents, and even hidden issues like water intrusion or smoke residue.
  • Claim preparation: They organize evidence, photos, estimates, and reports into a claim package that the insurance company can’t easily deny.
  • Negotiation: They communicate with the insurance company’s adjusters and make sure your claim isn’t undervalued or delayed.
  • Settlement support: They guide you through final payments, ensuring the insurance company follows through.

The result? You don’t have to fight the insurance company alone, and you’re far less likely to miss out on money you’re entitled to.

Why Insurance Companies Don’t Tell You About Public Adjusters

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers protecting their interests. Their job is to settle claims quickly and at the lowest possible cost. They aren’t going to recommend that you bring in your own professional to review or challenge their decisions.

But Arizona law gives you the right to hire a public insurance adjuster. This is your safeguard against denied or underpaid claims. Public adjusters work only for the policyholder, not the insurance company. Their success is tied to yours: they only get paid if you receive a settlement.

Real-World Scenarios Where a Public Adjuster Helps

Think about some of the common losses Arizona homeowners face:

  • Monsoon storm damage: Heavy winds and rain tear off roofing and cause water leaks inside.
  • Fire damage: Even a small kitchen fire can cause smoke and soot damage throughout the house.
  • Water damage: Burst pipes, appliance leaks, or slab leaks often lead to hidden mold and costly repairs.
  • Hail damage: Roofs, siding, and windows can be compromised, but insurers often try to pay for only “spot repairs.”
  • Theft or vandalism: Personal property and structural damage both need detailed documentation.

In all these cases, an insurance company’s adjuster may try to minimize the payout, but a public adjuster—whether you’re in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or elsewhere in Arizona—ensures every detail is thoroughly documented and accurately valued.

Common Misconceptions About Public Adjusters

“Public adjusters inflate claims.”
Licensed public adjusters are regulated by the Arizona Department of Insurance. Their role is to present legitimate, well-documented claims — not inflate numbers.

“Public adjusters are expensive.”
Public adjusters work on a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement. The fee is a percentage of the recovery, and for many policyholders, the increased payout more than covers the cost.

“I can handle my claim myself.”
You can, but most people underestimate the complexity of the process. Deadlines, paperwork, and technical details can derail a claim quickly. Having a professional in your corner greatly reduces that risk.

The AJR Public Adjusters Difference

At AJR Public Adjusters, we’ve spent over 37 years helping policyholders across Arizona get the settlements they deserve. We’ve built our reputation on:

  • Ethics and transparency: We’re proud of our A+ BBB rating and dozens of client testimonials that reflect our commitment.
  • Local experience: We know the challenges Arizona weather brings — monsoons, haboobs, hail, and more.
  • Personal service: When you call AJR, you work directly with Bruce and Stacy, not a junior adjuster or out-of-state firm.
  • Proven results: We’ve recovered millions of dollars for homeowners and business owners who would have otherwise accepted underpaid claims.

Unlike “storm chasers” who flood into Arizona after big weather events, AJR is a local firm with deep community roots. Our goal isn’t a quick payout — it’s to stand by our neighbors when they need help most.

Why Public Adjusting Matters for Everyone

Public adjusting isn’t just for major disasters or complex losses. Even small claims can be underpaid if details are missed. Every policyholder deserves the peace of mind that comes from knowing their claim is being handled correctly.

When you hire a public adjuster, you’re choosing to level the playing field. You’re telling the insurance company that your claim deserves respect and full attention. And you’re reducing your own stress by letting a professional handle the details.

Call to Action

If you’re facing property damage in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa, Chandler, or anywhere in Arizona, don’t go through the insurance process alone. Call AJR Public Adjusters first.

📞 602-795-5227
🌐 publicadjusteraz.com

We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and show you exactly how we can help. With AJR Public Adjusters on your side, you’ll have confidence knowing your claim is handled ethically, thoroughly, and with your best interests at heart.

Don’t leave money on the table. Contact AJR Public Adjusters today and let us fight for the settlement you deserve.

Get Professional Insurance Claim Help Before It’s Too Late

Example Scenario:

The Story of the Unseen Pitfalls:

It was a stormy night when Sarah’s home suffered significant damage. The winds were fierce; by morning, part of her roof had collapsed, her living room flooded, and several of her belongings were ruined. Devastated, she immediately called her insurance company to start the claims process. Confident that the process would be straightforward — after all, she’d paid her premiums for years, and the policy was supposed to cover this kind of damage — Sarah didn’t hesitate to make the call.

However, Sarah didn’t know that this initial contact with the insurance company was a critical moment in the claims process. She should have contacted the local NAPIA firm AJR Public Adjusters immediately before contacting her insurance company to ensure her interests were fully represented. By contacting the licensed local Arizona AJR Public Adjusters immediately, Sarah could have ensured that her damages were accurately documented, the full scope of loss was assessed, and the insurance company wouldn’t undervalue her claim.

The insurance company promptly sent an adjuster to assess the situation. Sarah explained everything: the roof, the water damage, and the items she’d lost. The adjuster seemed sympathetic, but his appraisal was quick and far less generous than Sarah expected. When the check arrived, it barely covered the cost of repairs, let alone replacing her valuable belongings or addressing the full extent of the damage.

Feeling frustrated but not knowing what else to do, Sarah accepted the settlement and started the repairs herself. However, as she began to fix the roof, she noticed more issues—structural damage that the insurance adjuster had missed. It quickly became apparent that she couldn’t restore her home to its previous condition without spending more than the settlement had provided.

A few months later, Sarah spoke to a friend, Jake, who had gone through a similar experience. He mentioned how he’d hired a public adjuster when his home was damaged in a fire. Jake explained that the public adjuster had fought for a fair claim, found hidden damages, and ultimately helped him secure a settlement covering all his repairs and losses.

It was then that Sarah realized the mistake she had made. By not hiring a licensed public adjuster right away, she had allowed the insurance company’s adjuster — who worked for them, not her — to determine what was fair. She hadn’t known her rights or the full extent of the damages. A public adjuster could have advocated for her and ensured the damage was thoroughly documented and assessed.

A Lesson That Applies to Many AJR Clients:

While Sarah is a fictional example, this story reflects a common experience shared by many of the clients AJR Public Adjusters works with. Often, homeowners find themselves in similar situations — facing low insurance payouts, missing damages, and mounting stress after a disaster. AJR Public Adjusters understands Sarah’s pitfalls and is here to help. As a BBB A+ rated company, AJR is committed to advocating for clients like Sarah, ensuring that every hidden damage is uncovered and that settlements genuinely reflect the extent of the losses.

An Example Demonstrating What Sarah Learned:

  1. Insurance Adjusters Work for the Company, Not You: Sarah didn’t fully understand the role of the insurance adjuster until after the fact. While the adjuster appeared kind and professional, his primary responsibility was to protect the insurance company’s bottom line, not her interests. A public adjuster works for you, ensuring your damages are fully assessed and you receive a fair settlement.
  2. Hidden Damages Matter: The insurance adjuster didn’t notice specific structural damage Sarah discovered. AJR Public Adjusters have the expertise to identify hidden damages that might not be obvious at first glance, ensuring that all the damages are accounted for.
  3. You Have the Right to Negotiate: Sarah didn’t know that she could challenge the initial claim settlement. Public adjusters like AJR are skilled negotiators who know the insurance industry’s ins and outs. They can leverage their knowledge to negotiate a higher settlement if the first offer is unfair.
  4. Time and Stress Are Valuable: Handling the insurance claim independently added stress and frustration to a problematic situation. By hiring AJR Public Adjusters immediately after the loss, Sarah would have been able to focus on her recovery, knowing that a professional was handling the complicated insurance process for her.

The Takeaway for Others:

If you’re ever faced with a significant insurance claim, especially one involving extensive damage, contact AJR Public Adjusters immediately. At the same time, it might feel like an extra expense upfront; their expertise and advocacy can save you money in the long run. They ensure that the full scope of your damages is recognized and that the settlement is fair — helping you avoid the mistakes that can lead to further financial strain and frustration.

While not about an actual AJR client, this story applies to many homeowners facing the same challenges. AJR Public Adjusters has helped countless clients like Sarah who have faced underpaid claims or overlooked damages. If you don’t fully understand your policy or if your damages are significant, don’t hesitate to seek out the help of AJR Public Adjusters. Contact them immediately to ensure you’re getting the fair compensation you deserve.

AJR Public Adjusters is a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of insurance claims. Their A+ Better Business Bureau rating shows their dedication to outstanding service and client advocacy. If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t face it alone — contact AJR Public Adjusters immediately to help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to.

Top 5 Mistakes When Filing a Homeowner or Business Insurance Claim and How to Avoid Them

Filing a claim alone doesn’t guarantee you will receive a fair settlement. Hiring a public adjuster puts you on the same playing field as the insurance adjuster. Hiring a local licensed public adjuster, helps maximize your settlement by advocating for you and providing the insurance company with the proper values of your claim based on the coverage you’ve paid for in your policy.

Here are the top five mistakes insureds often make when filing a property insurance claim and how hiring a public adjuster can help prevent these issues:

1. Not Documenting the Damage Properly

Mistake: One of the most common mistakes is failing to take clear photos or videos of the damage or loss. Without proper documentation, it can be challenging to prove the extent of the damage to the insurance company.

Solution: A public adjuster can be incredibly helpful in providing proper documentation. They specialize in assessing and documenting damage thoroughly and accurately, ensuring that no aspect of your loss goes unnoticed. They are trained to capture the necessary photos, videos, and other forms of evidence in a way that aligns with the insurance company’s requirements.

Additionally, public adjusters deeply understand the policies and types of documentation that insurers need to properly evaluate a claim, which can help you avoid the common mistake of missing key details. Their expertise can also help you present your case more effectively, especially if the insurance company challenges the extent of the damage.

By hiring a public adjuster, you benefit from a professional who will advocate on your behalf, ensuring that all damages are documented correctly and that your claim is as accurate and complete as possible. This can significantly improve the chances of maximizing the settlement from your insurance provider.

2. Waiting Too Long to File the Claim

Mistake: Delaying the filing of a claim can lead to complications. Many insurance policies have strict time limits for reporting claims, and waiting too long may result in a denial.

Solution: A public adjuster is essential when it comes to navigating the strict time limits for filing insurance claims. Insurance policies often have specific deadlines for reporting damage, and missing these deadlines can result in claim denials, leaving you without the support you need. Public adjusters are experts in understanding these timelines and can ensure that your claim is filed promptly and within the required period.

In addition, public adjusters expedite the claims process by managing the paperwork, coordinating inspections, and ensuring that all necessary information is submitted to the insurance company promptly. They can also help you avoid mistakes that might cause unnecessary delays, such as incomplete documentation or missed details.

By working with a public adjuster, you gain an advocate who is knowledgeable about the claims process and can act quickly to meet critical deadlines, reducing the risk of complications and improving the likelihood of a successful claim.

3. Not Reviewing Your Insurance Policy

Mistake: Failing to fully understand your policy’s coverage, exclusions, and limits can result in unpleasant surprises. You may find that certain types of damage aren’t covered or that your deductible is higher than expected.

Solution: A public adjuster is crucial in helping you fully understand your policy’s coverage, exclusions, and limits. Many homeowners aren’t aware of all the fine print in their policies, and a public adjuster can help clarify what is and isn’t covered. They are experts in reviewing complex insurance language and can help you understand your policy to ensure you know the coverage available.

In cases where certain damages may not be covered or where you may have a higher deductible than anticipated, a public adjuster can help explain these details before you file your claim. They also know how to present your case in a way that maximizes your chances of receiving compensation for damages that fall within your policy’s coverage, potentially identifying areas where the insurance company might overlook or undervalue your claim.

Ultimately, working with a public adjuster ensures that you don’t encounter unexpected surprises, and it gives you a clearer understanding of what your policy entails, making sure you’re properly prepared when filing your claim. Their expertise in policy review and claim negotiation can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a fair payout based on your coverage.

4. Making Unnecessary Repairs Before the Adjuster Inspects

Mistake: Many homeowners make temporary repairs or clean up the damage before the insurance adjuster arrives. While it’s important to prevent further damage, making permanent repairs too soon can lead to complications in the claims process.

Solution: A public adjuster is critical in situations where temporary repairs are made before the insurance adjuster arrives. While it’s important to stop further damage from occurring, a public adjuster can help guide you on what actions are necessary and what should be postponed to avoid compromising your claim. They are experts at determining what repairs are acceptable in the interim and what should wait until the adjuster has assessed the full extent of the damage.

Public adjusters understand how the insurance company views temporary and permanent repairs. They can advise you on how to properly document any repairs made to prevent complications, such as ensuring that the damage is still visible for proper evaluation. If permanent repairs are made prematurely, it could lead to a dispute over the extent of the damage or impact the valuation of your claim.

Having a public adjuster involved ensures that your actions align with the claims process, helping to avoid mistakes that could delay or reduce your settlement. They can also ensure that your repairs are appropriately documented, and the insurance company is aware of the steps you’ve taken to mitigate further damage without undermining the overall claim.

5. Overestimating or Underestimating the Damage

Mistake: Some homeowners either overestimate or underestimate the damage to their property, which can affect the claim process. Overstating the damage can result in the claim being flagged for investigation while underestimating it could leave you underinsured.

Solution: A public adjuster is essential in helping you avoid the pitfalls of overestimating or underestimating the damage to your property. Estimating the damage accurately is crucial for a successful claim, as both overstatements and understatements can lead to complications.

Overstating the damage can raise red flags with your insurance company, possibly resulting in delays or even an investigation into the claim. On the other hand, underestimating the damage can leave you underinsured, leading to a payout that may not fully cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

A public adjuster has the expertise to assess the damage thoroughly and accurately, ensuring that all aspects of the loss are documented properly. They use their knowledge of the claims process to provide an objective, professional evaluation of the damage, which helps you avoid overestimating or underestimating the situation.

By hiring a public adjuster, you ensure that the damage is valued correctly, giving you the best chance for a fair and adequate settlement from your insurance provider. Their expertise can help balance the fine line between providing an accurate assessment and avoiding any miscalculations that could hinder your claim.

In conclusion, filing an insurance claim can be a complex process, and avoiding common mistakes is crucial to ensuring your claim is handled efficiently and fairly. Whether failing to document the damage properly, missing filing deadlines, misunderstanding your policy, making premature repairs, or inaccurately estimating the damage, each of these pitfalls can delay or diminish your settlement.

Hiring a public adjuster to represent your interests can be an invaluable step in navigating this process. With their expertise, they can help ensure proper documentation, adhere to critical timelines, interpret your policy correctly, guide repairs, and accurately assess the damage.accompanying the claims process.

By enlisting the help of an A+ rated Better Business Bureau local Arizona Public Adjuster, you gain a professional who is well-versed in the complexities of insurance claims. They will guide you through each step of the process, helping you avoid costly mistakes and ensuring that your claim is handled accurately. With AJR Public Adjuster expertise, you can secure a fair settlement based on the coverage you’ve paid for, providing you with the best possible outcome for your loss.