Understanding Reviews: Tips for Picking a Public Adjuster

What to do first

If your home or business has damage from fire, water, monsoon storms, hail, or smoke, choosing the right public adjuster matters. A good public adjuster can help organize your claim, document damage properly, and deal directly with the insurance company. A poor choice can create delays, confusion, and frustration during an already stressful time.

One mistake people make is focusing only on whether a company has a 5-star rating.

Not all 5-star ratings are equal.

A company with 3 reviews from 3 years ago is not the same as a company with 29 reviews, including reviews posted within the last month.

When evaluating a public adjuster in Arizona, look deeper than the star rating itself.

Look at the Number of Reviews

A higher number of reviews usually gives you a more reliable picture of how a company operates over time.

Three perfect reviews may simply mean the company is newer, less active, or has not handled many claims publicly. On the other hand, dozens of reviews across several years can show consistency, experience, and ongoing client satisfaction.

Consistency matters.

Insurance claims are stressful. You want to know the company has successfully handled many situations, not just a few.

Check How Recent the Reviews Are

This is one of the most overlooked details.

Recent reviews tell you the company is still actively helping clients and maintaining service standards today, not just years ago.

If the newest review is from 2021, that should raise questions.

A company receiving steady reviews every few months often means:

They are actively working claims
Clients are motivated to leave feedback
Communication remains strong
Their reputation is current, not outdated

Look for patterns over time, not just a high score.

Read the Actual Comments

Do not just glance at the stars.

Read what people are saying.

Look for comments about:

Communication
Return phone calls
Claim knowledge
Transparency
Organization
Whether the client felt informed during the process
Whether the adjuster personally stayed involved

Many people hire a company because of a strong sales pitch, only to find out later they rarely speak to the actual adjuster handling the file.

Reviews often reveal this quickly.

Watch for Red Flags

Be cautious if:

Reviews sound overly generic
Multiple reviews were all posted on the same day
There are very few reviews for a company claiming decades of experience
The company has no recent activity
The adjuster pressures you to sign immediately
They promise unrealistic settlements before reviewing your policy and damages

A professional public adjuster should explain the process clearly, not pressure you.

Verify Licensing and Professional Presence

In Arizona, public adjusters must be licensed.

You should also look for:

BBB accreditation
Memberships in professional organizations
A real local presence
Clear contact information

Established firms often have a long track record that is easy to verify online.

Bigger Is Not Always Better

Some large national companies handle huge volumes of claims. That does not always mean better service.

Many homeowners prefer working with a smaller local Arizona firm where they can directly reach the owners.

The key is responsiveness, experience, and trust.

Final Thoughts

A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. Take your time before hiring one.

Do not stop at the star rating.

Look at:

How many reviews the company has
How recent those reviews are
What clients actually say
Whether the company has a real history in Arizona

A 5-star rating with 29 recent reviews tells a very different story from a 5-star rating with only 3 older reviews.

When property damage happens, experience and consistency matter.

Online review activity and platform filtering can shift over time on sites like Yelp, so it’s better to focus on long-term consistency rather than just the current star average.

Need Help With a Property Damage Claim?

If you have questions about a fire, water, storm, hail, smoke, or other property damage claim, AJR Public Adjusters is available to help. We work exclusively for policyholders, not insurance companies, and provide a free claim evaluation.

AJR Public Adjusters, LLC
Bruce Horowitz, Licensed Public Adjuster
Stacy Horowitz, Operations Manager

Office: 602-795-5227
Bruce: 480-519-9099
Stacy: 480-519-9199

Website: www.publicadjusteraz.com

Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and surrounding Arizona communities.

Experience matters. When it comes to your insurance claim, make sure you’re choosing a public adjuster based on more than just a star rating.

First 48 Hours After Property Damage: Essential Steps

What to Do in the First 48 Hours After Property Damage

When something goes wrong in your home, a leak, fire, storm, or sudden water damage, the first two days matter more than most people realize.

What you do right away can affect your entire insurance claim.

Here’s a simple checklist.

1. Make it safe first

If there’s standing water, exposed wiring, or structural damage, focus on safety. Shut off water or power if needed. If the home isn’t safe, don’t stay inside.

2. Take photos and video before cleanup

Grab your phone and document everything.

Wide shots of rooms.

Close-ups of damage.

Damaged furniture, flooring, cabinets, walls, ceilings.

Do this before anything gets moved or dried out. Once it’s gone, it’s hard to prove.

3. Don’t throw damaged items away

Even if something looks ruined, keep it until your claim is documented. Insurance companies often want proof. Tossing items too early can cost you money.

4. Start a basic list of damaged items

You don’t need perfection. Just start writing things down. Furniture. Clothing. Kitchen items. Electronics. Every little thing adds up.

Most homeowners underestimate contents losses by thousands.

5. Avoid hiring contractors too fast

Some contractors push hard right after a loss. Take your time. Get estimates. Don’t sign contracts that assign your insurance benefits unless you fully understand what that means.

6. Know who your adjuster works for

The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company.

A public adjuster works for you.

That’s where AJR Public Adjusters comes in. Our job is to document your damage, prepare your claim properly, and negotiate so you’re paid what your policy allows, not just what the carrier offers.

7. Set up your claim for success

These steps help protect your claim, but the best way to make sure nothing is missed is to hire a public adjuster right away. A good public adjuster handles the documentation, values your damage properly, and deals directly with the insurance company so you don’t have to.

Before hiring anyone, take a few minutes to research. Look at references and client testimonials. Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau. It’s one of the easiest ways to see how a company treats people and whether they follow through.

AJR Public Adjusters works only for policyholders. We make sure your loss is fully documented and your claim reflects what your policy allows, not just what’s offered at the start.

Getting help early can prevent costly mistakes and protect thousands of dollars most homeowners never realize they’re leaving on the table.

Monsoons, Microbursts, kitchen leaks, it adds up fast. Make sure your settlement does too. Valley homeowners deserve full settlements not quick checks. Don’t leave money behind.

CALL AJR FIRST – 602-795-5227

How Do You Know the Right Steps to Take After a Property Insurance Claim? AJR Public Adjusters Can Help

Property Damage in Arizona: Why AJR Public Adjusters Should Be Your First Call.

When property damage strikes, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Most homeowners and business owners don’t know the exact steps to take once a claim is filed with their insurance company. Missed deadlines, incomplete documentation, or poor communication can result in denied or underpaid claims.

That’s where AJR Public Adjusters steps in. With over 37 years of combined experience, AJR has been helping Arizona policyholders navigate the claims process and secure the fair settlements they deserve.

The Claims Process with AJR’s Assistance

Here’s how AJR guides you through every step of a property insurance claim:

1. Initial Contact and Damage Review

The first step is contacting AJR after you discover property damage. Bruce and Stacy personally review your situation, explain your policy coverage, and outline the process so you know what to expect from the start.

2. Documentation and Evidence Gathering

Insurance companies require detailed proof of damage. AJR helps you gather photographs, receipts, estimates, and reports. They ensure nothing is missed so your claim is fully supported.

3. Filing and Negotiating the Claim

Filing a claim can be confusing. AJR handles the paperwork, communicates with the insurance adjuster, and negotiates on your behalf. Their goal is to prevent delays and avoid the common pitfalls that lead to reduced settlements.

4. Settlement and Final Resolution

AJR’s experience ensures that you receive the maximum settlement available under your policy. From water damage and fire losses to storm and hail claims, they make sure policyholders are treated fairly.

Why Choose AJR Public Adjusters?

Local Arizona Expertise – Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Tempe, and surrounding areas.
Policyholder Advocates – AJR works only for you, never for the insurance company.
Proven Results – A+ BBB rating, recognized as a top public adjuster in Metro Phoenix, and backed by decades of hands-on experience.

If you’re asking yourself, “What are the right steps to take after property damage?” the answer is simple: call AJR Public Adjusters first. (602) 795-5227. With AJR by your side, you’ll never face the insurance process alone.

Contact Bruce and Stacy today at AJR Public Adjusters and let Arizona’s trusted experts help you protect what matters most.

Phoenix Property Damage From Monsoon Storms: Protect Your Insurance Claim

The First Monsoon and Haboob of the Season Hits Phoenix

Last night the Valley saw its first major monsoon and haboob storm of the season. High winds, heavy dust, and scattered rain swept through neighborhoods, leaving many residents waking up to fallen trees, roof damage, broken windows, and water intrusion. These storms can cause significant property damage that is not always obvious at first glance.

If your home or business was impacted, now is the time to take action. Insurance claims can be complex and stressful, especially after sudden storm events. AJR Public Adjusters is here to represent you and ensure your claim is handled properly.

Why Call AJR Public Adjusters

You should call AJR because we work for you, not the insurance company. With over 37 years of experience, we understand how to properly document storm damage and present your claim so you are not underpaid. We handle the process from start to finish, allowing you to focus on your family, your business, and getting life back to normal.

We provide a thorough inspection of your property to uncover hidden damage that may be overlooked. We prepare detailed estimates to reflect the true cost of repairs. We communicate directly with the insurance company and negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.

What You Should Do Next

If you suspect storm damage, take photos of your property right away. Do not discard damaged materials before they are documented. Contact AJR Public Adjusters as soon as possible so we can begin the process and protect your claim. The sooner you call, the better we can preserve evidence and advocate for you.

Call AJR Today

Monsoon and haboob storms are unpredictable, but you do not have to face the aftermath alone. AJR Public Adjusters is available to guide you through the claims process and fight for the settlement you deserve. Call us today for a consultation.