The answer is yes, you should work with a public adjuster for insurance claims if you have reason to believe your home has sustained storm or hail damage, which is typically covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy. It’s not mandatory, but adjusters can dramatically affect the amount of your claim.
After a bad storm — a common occurrence here in North Texas — your roof, siding, or windows may be damaged. Most people in this situation will file a claim through their insurance company and then accept whatever settlement comes their way.
But there’s another option: the public adjuster.
A public adjuster works for you.
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works for you, the policyholder, not the insurance company.
They inspect the damage, estimate repair costs, and negotiate your claim. Their goal is to help you get the maximum payout your policy allows.
A claims adjuster works for the insurance company.
An insurance company’s claim adjuster performs a similar job to the public adjuster. It’s different in one big way, though: They’re employed by the insurance company, so they’ll work to limit the company’s settlement.
Many are fair and professional, but ultimately, they want to keep payouts down.
Public adjusters are paid a percentage of your settlement.
Public adjusters typically charge around 10% of your insurance settlement as their fee. Keep in mind, though: their fee can range anywhere from 5% to 30% of your claim.
You can hire a public adjuster if your payout is too low.
Let’s say a severe hailstorm hits your area, and your roof is damaged. You file a claim with your insurance company, and they offer a payout that doesn’t cover the full cost of repairs. Maybe they don’t check closely enough for hail damage like water intrusion, or say that certain issues are pre-existing and not covered.
“Forget” may be too kind. It’s not uncommon for insurance adjusters to ignore damage. In this case, it’s a good idea to call a public adjuster for insurance claims that may require a larger scope than your insurance company is looking to provide. Who else will give you a second opinion on the damage and how it’s covered by your plan?
Public adjusters are also skilled at coordinating efforts between you, your contractor, and your insurance company.
A public adjuster won’t necessarily give you a higher payout.
Sometimes, even if the payout isn’t as high as you hoped, it is fair based on your policy. Still, a public adjuster can make sure your claim is documented and then represent you during the negotiation process.
Public adjusters offer the best value in large, complex cases.
If damage to your home involves multiple areas of your property (roof and siding, for example), it’s easy for a claims adjuster to miss or undervalue something.
Public adjusters know how to uncover hidden issues and interpret complex policies, so you can get a fairer settlement.
It’s usually not recommended to start with a public adjuster.
They’ll take as much as 30% of your payout off the top, so it’s generally better to start with your insurance company’s claims adjuster, then reach out if you have issues. Many claims through your insurance company are handled well, so you don’t want to give up money to a PA right off the bat.
Start with a professional inspection.
We’re a Fort Worth company, and we can recommend a reputable and competent public adjuster for insurance claims that leave room for interpretation. Contact us today for a free inspection and get the funding you need to fully repair your roof, siding, and any damage to your home.
– Carlos Menchaca, Owner & Operator
Juno Construction Group
