Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Public Adjuster in Arizona

Arizona policyholders should know the warning signs before hiring a public adjuster. Learn what to look for, which reviews matter, and how to protect your claim.

If you are a policyholder dealing with a property insurance claim in Arizona, hiring the right public adjuster matters. This professional represents you, not the insurance company. Knowing what red flags to watch for can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Lack of transparency about who handles your insurance claim

In Arizona, public adjusters must be licensed by the Arizona Department of Insurance. A reputable Arizona public adjuster will clearly identify who owns the firm and who will personally handle your claim.

A major red flag is a website with no About page or no information about the adjusters working on claims. If you cannot find names, experience, or licensing details, proceed with caution. Policyholders should always know who is negotiating their property damage claim.

No independent reviews or reviews only on the company website

Another warning sign is a lack of third party reviews.

Testimonials posted only on a company’s website cannot be independently verified. When researching an Arizona public adjuster, look for reviews on established platforms that require accountability and consumer verification.

Why review platforms matter when choosing a public adjuster

Where reviews appear is just as important as what they say.

The Better Business Bureau is one of the most reliable platforms for evaluating a public adjuster. BBB reviews are based on real consumer interactions. Complaints are verified, responses are tracked, and patterns over time are visible. These reviews reflect actual policyholders and real insurance claims.

Policyholders should also know that BBB reviews are only publicly visible for three years. A firm with a long history in Arizona may not show decades of reviews even though they have handled claims for many years. In these cases, a consistent BBB rating and long standing accreditation are strong indicators of credibility.

Platforms like Google or Yelp can still provide insight, but they have limitations. Anyone can leave a review on those platforms, even without being a client or having an actual claim. Some reviews may come from phone calls or brief interactions unrelated to claim handling.

For this reason, policyholders should focus on review quality, detail, and platform credibility rather than star counts alone.

An unusually high number of reviews can be a red flag

Public adjusting is not a high volume business. Insurance claims take time.

In Arizona, wind, hail, fire, and water damage claims often require months of inspections, documentation, and negotiation. A small public adjusting firm cannot realistically manage hundreds of claims at once.

If a firm has an unusually large number of reviews in a short time frame, policyholders should question how that volume is possible.

Generic reviews that lack detail

Not all reviews are equal.

Reviews that simply say “great job” or “good service” offer little value. Strong reviews usually describe how the public adjuster communicated, documented damage, negotiated with the insurance carrier, or stayed involved throughout the claim process. Detailed reviews are far more credible.

Pressure tactics or guaranteed results

Arizona policyholders should be cautious of public adjusters who pressure them to sign immediately or promise guaranteed outcomes. No ethical public adjuster can guarantee a claim result.

A professional Arizona public adjuster will explain the claim process, discuss realistic timelines, and allow policyholders time to make informed decisions.

What policyholders should look for in an Arizona public adjuster

A reputable Arizona public adjusting firm will be transparent, experienced, and accessible. Policyholders should know who is handling their claim, how long the firm has worked in Arizona, and how claims are managed from start to finish.

AJR Public Adjusters follows this approach. Claims are handled directly by experienced, licensed public adjusters, not handed off to unknown staff. AJR has a long established presence in Arizona, a consistent BBB history, and a hands on approach that reflects the complexity of property insurance claims.

Final thoughts for Arizona policyholders

A property insurance claim can have a major financial impact. Take time to research before hiring a public adjuster. Verify licensing, review independent platforms, and ask direct questions.

For Arizona policyholders, experience, transparency, and accountability matter far more than marketing claims or inflated review numbers.

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.

Navigating Arizona Insurance Claims: AJR Public Adjuster’s Step-by-Step Guide

Property insurance claims can be tricky, and by understanding the common mistakes people make in Arizona, AJR Public Adjusters can help you navigate the process more effectively.

Why hire AJR Public Adjusters for property insurance claims?

Following the steps below will help you bypass common mistakes when filing insurance claims.


1. Initial Contact with AJR Public Adjusters

  • Action: Reach out to AJR Public Adjusters (602) 795-5227 immediately after the damage occurs.
  • Solution: Contact AJR to schedule a consultation. We will review your policy and help you understand your coverages. We will guide you through the entire claims process, explaining the specifics of what you are entitled to under your insurance policy.

2. Free Consultation and Policy Review

  • Action: Review your property insurance policy with an AJR Public Adjuster.
  • Solution: AJR will examine your policy to confirm that your coverage matches the damage incurred. This step ensures you’re claiming for the right damages (e.g., water, fire, storm damage) and not missing important coverages.

3. Documenting the Damage

  • Action: Allow AJR Public Adjusters to document the damage on your property.
  • Solution: AJR will send a licensed adjuster to your property to thoroughly document the damage. We will bring out an estimator to assess damages and take photos, videos, and detailed notes to establish the full extent of the loss, which will be crucial for maximizing your claim. This documentation will often be much more thorough than you might do alone.

4. Estimate of Loss

  • Action: AJR will work with contractors and experts to get an accurate estimate of the cost to repair the damage.
  • Solution: AJR Public Adjusters will hire licensed contractors and specialists to provide detailed estimates of repair or replacement costs. This estimate will form the foundation of your claim. AJR’s expertise ensures that the estimate is fair and comprehensive, covering all necessary repairs and replacements.

5. Filing the Claim

  • Action: AJR will submit the claim on your behalf after you have approved the estimate created.
  • Solution: AJR Public Adjusters will take care of submitting your claim to the Insurance Company and ensure that all required forms and documentation are appropriately filed. We will also ensure that the claim is filed promptly, in line with any time limits stated in your policy.

6. Insurance Company Interaction

  • Action: Allow AJR to communicate directly with your insurance company.
  • Solution: AJR will handle all communication with your insurance company, relieving you of dealing with adjusters, claims representatives, or disputes. We will ensure that your insurer does not undervalue your claim or delay processing, and we will negotiate for the best settlement possible.

7. Insurance Adjuster’s Inspection

  • Action: Coordinate with AJR so the insurance company’s adjuster can inspect your property.
  • Solution: AJR will accompany the insurance company’s adjuster during their inspections of your property. We will ensure the adjuster conducts a thorough evaluation and that no damage is overlooked. AJR will also advocate for your interests if the insurance company’s adjuster misses anything or undervalues the damage.

8. Review Settlement Offer

  • Action: Review the insurance company’s settlement offer with AJR.
  • Solution: Once the insurance company provides a settlement offer, AJR will thoroughly review it. We will assess whether the settlement is fair and based on a full damage assessment

9. Negotiating the Settlement

  • Action: If necessary, AJR will negotiate with your insurance company.
  • Solution: If the initial offer is unsatisfactory, AJR will utilize our 35+ years of experience and continue negotiating with your insurance company to increase the payout. This could involve presenting additional evidence and re-negotiating the repair estimates.

10. Appealing the Decision (if needed)

  • Action: If you disagree with the insurance company’s final decision, AJR will guide you through the appeals process.
  • Solution: If your claim is denied or the settlement is still too low, AJR Public Adjusters will inform you of your options, which begin with an appraisal ( which is explained in your policy), which is your duty before ever filing a lawsuit.  

11. Final Settlement and Repair

  • Action: Accept the settlement and proceed with repairs.
  • Solution: Once AJR has secured a fair settlement, you will receive the payout and can move forward with repairs. AJR will continue assisting you throughout the repair process to ensure the settlement covers all necessary repairs and replacements.

12. Continued Support (if needed)

  • Action: Reach out to AJR for any further assistance after settlement.
  • Solution: Even after the claim is settled, you can continue to rely on AJR to advocate for you.

Key Benefits of Using AJR Public Adjusters:

  • Expert Negotiators: AJR has the knowledge and experience (35+ years) to ensure you get the most money possible for your claim.
  • No Upfront Cost: AJR works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid a percentage of the settlement when the insurance company issues checks. This makes our services affordable and aligned with your best interests.
  • Less Stress for You: With AJR handling all the paperwork, negotiations, and communication with the insurance company, you can focus on recovering from the loss without worrying about the claims submission process.
  • Maximized Payout: AJR’s goal is to ensure you get the maximum payout possible based on your policy, which often results in higher compensation than if you handled the claim alone.

By utilizing AJR Public Adjusters as your advocate, you’re ensuring that you have a professional on your side who will work hard to get you a fair settlement for your property insurance claim.