Frequently Asked Questions

A Public Adjuster, also known as a Public Insurance Adjuster, helps homeowners and businesses recover from disasters or damage to their property or business. Public Adjusters are experts in preparing, managing, and negotiating insurance claims, giving policyholders and their representatives the resources they need to be in the best possible position for recovery.

Anyone who holds a property insurance policy, or a policyholder's representative, can hire a Public Adjuster. Homeowners, co-op and condo assocations, property managers, businesses, brokers and attorneys all hire Public Adjusters as a cost-effective way to manage the insurance recovery process.

Public Adjusters, also known as public insurance adjusters or public claims adjusters, are independent insurance professionals that property owners hire to represent their interests in filing a claim with their insurance company. They specialize in evaluating and negotiating insurance claims on behalf of the policyholder, helping to ensure a fair and full restoration after loss or damage.

In a nutshell, Public Adjusters tackle the insurance claims process, so you don’t have to. Many businesses and homeowners have insurance policies, but they are not aware of what the policies require or provide, and they're not experts in the insurance or building practices. If you need to file a claim, Public Adjusters help make sure you are fairly compensated for your loss.

By using a Public Adjuster, a homeowner, business owner, property manager or policyholder's representative can ensure they have an insurance expert guiding them through the recovery process. 

It's best to negotiate claims settlements with an understanding of insurance policies, building practices, and the claims process. Carriers have mechanisms and procedures put in place to save them money throughout the claims process, often at the expense of policyholders. Most states have recognized this problem and in response have licensed insurance experts known as Public Adjusters solely for the purposes of protecting and assisting policyholders when losses occur. 

Public Adjusters can play a valuable role for property managers and developers by assisting them with insurance claims related to property damage or loss. Here are several ways in which public adjusters can help property managers and developers:

     Navigating the Claims Process: Insurance claims can be complex and time-consuming, involving extensive paperwork, documentation, and negotiations with insurance companies. Public adjusters have in-depth knowledge of insurance policies, law, and claims procedures, allowing them to navigate the claims process efficiently on behalf of property managers and developers.

    Expert Damage Assessment: Public adjusters conduct thorough assessments of property damage, utilizing their expertise to accurately document the scope and extent of losses often identifying repairs that are required but overlooked. This includes identifying both visible and hidden damage, as well as assessing the impact of the damage on the property's value and functionality.

    Policy Interpretation: Insurance policies can contain complex language and provisions that may be difficult for property managers and developers to accurately interpret. Public adjusters undergo continuous expert training to understand insurance policies, ensuring their clients are aware of their obligations as well as rights and entitlements under their insurance coverage.

    Negotiating with Insurers: Public adjusters act as advocates for property managers and developers during negotiations with insurance companies. They leverage their knowledge of insurance claims processes and industry standards to advocate for fair settlements and favorable outcomes.

    Providing Peace of Mind: Dealing with property damage can be stressful and overwhelming for property managers and developers. Public adjusters relieve this burden by handling all aspects of the insurance claims process, allowing property managers and developers to focus on other priorities.

Overall, public adjusters serve as valuable partners for property managers and developers, helping them navigate the complexities of insurance claims and ensure that they receive fair compensation for property damage or loss.

Insurance brokers often advocate for their clients when property damage losses and claims occur. This advocacy can be very helpful to the insured. However, insurance brokers do not typically have the direct claims handling experience or expertise that a professional public adjuster provides. For larger or more complex losses, insurance brokers can benefit from contacting a public adjuster in several ways:

    Expertise in Claims Handling: Public adjusters specialize in handling insurance claims and have in-depth knowledge of insurance policies, coverage limitations, and claims processes. By leveraging their expertise, insurance brokers can ensure that their clients receive improved claims process and fair compensation from their insurance policies.

    Assistance with Complex Claims: Some insurance claims may be particularly complex or involve significant losses. Public adjusters have the experience and resources to handle these challenging claims effectively, ensuring that all aspects of the claim are properly documented, assessed, and presented to the insurance company.

    Hands on Attention: Handling complex or large insurance claims demands daily attention, a level of involvement that brokers may find challenging to sustain. Public adjusters offer invaluable support by dedicating themselves to tasks like conducting thorough investigations, frequent site visits, and managing relationships with all involved parties. Their on-the-ground presence ensures that no detail is overlooked, and every aspect of the claim receives meticulous attention, ultimately enhancing the likelihood of a favorable outcome for the policyholder.

    Advocacy for Policyholders: Public adjusters act as advocates for policyholders, representing their interests and ensuring that they are treated fairly by the insurance company. By working with a public adjuster, insurance brokers can demonstrate their commitment to their clients' best interests and enhance their reputation as trusted advisors.

    Savings in Time and Resources: Handling insurance claims can be time-consuming and resource-intensive for insurance brokers. By enlisting the assistance of a public adjuster, insurance brokers can offload much of the claims handling process, freeing up their time to focus on other aspects of their business.

   Ensuring Fair Claims Settlements: Public adjusters are skilled negotiators who work on behalf of policyholders to ensure claims settlements are fair. By working with a public adjuster, insurance brokers can help their clients secure higher payouts from their insurance companies, resulting in greater satisfaction and loyalty.

   Enhanced Client Relationships: By proactively involving a public adjuster in the claims process, insurance brokers demonstrate their commitment to providing comprehensive support to their clients. This proactive approach can help strengthen client relationships and increase client retention over the long term.

Overall, insurance brokers can benefit from partnering with public adjusters to ensure that their clients receive the best possible outcomes from their insurance claims. By collaborating with public adjusters, insurance brokers can provide added value to their clients and differentiate themselves from competitors in the industry.

Co-op/condominium  boards and property owners are often under-resourced and ill prepared for large disasters. Losses in these types of properties can lead to frustration between parties and result in disputes that can otherwise be avoided with the help of professional Public Adjuster. When a significant property damage occurs in a cooperative or condominium building, public adjusters help by: 

    Identifying Liabilities: Public adjusters thoroughly assess the circumstances surrounding property damage to identify potential liabilities. They analyze insurance policies, contracts, and relevant documentation to determine liability factors and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

    Managing All Affected Parties: Public adjusters act as central points of contact for all parties involved in the claims process, including insurance carriers, inspectors, contractors, lawyers, and others. They coordinate communication, facilitate interactions, and ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal of resolving the claim efficiently and effectively.

    Providing Professional Resources and Referrals: Public adjusters have extensive networks of professional resources, including contractors, engineers, attorneys, and other specialists. They leverage these connections to provide clients with access to high level expertise and services needed to address specific aspects of the claim, such as damage assessment, legal representation, or property restoration.

    Reducing Legal Costs: By effectively managing the claims process and advocating for their clients' interests, public adjusters help minimize the need for costly legal interventions. They work to resolve issues through negotiation and mediation whenever possible, reducing legal expenses and saving time.

    Avoiding Disputes with Insurance Carriers, Owners, and Residents: Public adjusters strive to maintain open lines of communication and foster positive relationships with all parties involved in the claims process. By addressing concerns proactively, providing transparent information, and seeking mutually beneficial solutions, they help prevent disputes from escalating and ensure a smoother claims experience for everyone involved.

    Ensuring the Recovery and Value of Assets: Public adjusters work diligently to ensure that condo or co-op boards and property owners receive fair compensation for their losses. They meticulously document property damage, assess the value of assets, and advocate for appropriate reimbursement to cover repairs, replacements, and other expenses.

    Understanding Claims Processes: Public adjusters possess in-depth knowledge of insurance claims processes, regulations, and industry standards. They guide clients through each step of the claims process, explaining procedures, requirements, and potential outcomes to ensure that they have a clear understanding of what to expect.

    Advocating for Clients: Public adjusters serve as strong advocates for condo or co-op boards and property owners, representing their interests and fighting for fair treatment from insurance carriers and other parties involved in the claims process. They use their expertise, negotiation skills, and industry experience to secure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

    Improving Relationships: By providing professional support, facilitating communication, and achieving favorable outcomes, public adjusters help strengthen relationships between condo or co-op boards, property owners, and other stakeholders involved in the claims process. Their proactive approach fosters trust, cooperation, and mutual respect, leading to enhanced relationships and smoother interactions in the future.

Co-operative/condominium  boards and property owners are often under-resourced and ill prepared for large disasters. Losses in these types of properties can lead to frustration between parties and result in disputes that can otherwise be avoided with the help of professional public adjuster. When a significant property damage occurs in a cooperative or condominium building, public adjusters help by: 

    Identifying Liabilities: Public adjusters thoroughly assess the circumstances surrounding property damage to identify potential liabilities. They analyze insurance policies, contracts, and relevant documentation to determine liability factors and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

    Managing All Affected Parties: Public adjusters act as central points of contact for all parties involved in the claims process, including insurance carriers, inspectors, contractors, lawyers, and others. They coordinate communication, facilitate interactions, and ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal of resolving the claim efficiently and effectively.

    Providing Professional Resources and Referrals: Public adjusters have extensive networks of professional resources, including contractors, engineers, attorneys, and other specialists. They leverage these connections to provide clients with access to high level expertise and services needed to address specific aspects of the claim, such as damage assessment, legal representation, or property restoration.

    Reducing Legal Costs: By effectively managing the claims process and advocating for their clients' interests, public adjusters help minimize the need for costly legal interventions. They work to resolve issues through negotiation and mediation whenever possible, reducing legal expenses and saving time.

    Avoiding Disputes with Insurance Carriers, Owners, and Residents: Public adjusters strive to maintain open lines of communication and foster positive relationships with all parties involved in the claims process. By addressing concerns proactively, providing transparent information, and seeking mutually beneficial solutions, they help prevent disputes from escalating and ensure a smoother claims experience for everyone involved.

    Ensuring the Recovery and Value of Assets: Public adjusters work diligently to ensure that condo or co-op boards and property owners receive fair compensation for their losses. They meticulously document property damage, assess the value of assets, and advocate for appropriate reimbursement to cover repairs, replacements, and other expenses.

    Understanding Claims Processes: Public adjusters possess in-depth knowledge of insurance claims processes, regulations, and industry standards. They guide clients through each step of the claims process, explaining procedures, requirements, and potential outcomes to ensure that they have a clear understanding of what to expect.

    Advocating for Clients: Public adjusters serve as strong advocates for condo or co-op boards and property owners, representing their interests and fighting for fair treatment from insurance carriers and other parties involved in the claims process. They use their expertise, negotiation skills, and industry experience to secure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

    Improving Relationships: By providing professional support, facilitating communication, and achieving favorable outcomes, public adjusters help strengthen relationships between condo or co-op boards, property owners, and other stakeholders involved in the claims process. Their proactive approach fosters trust, cooperation, and mutual respect, leading to enhanced relationships and smoother interactions in the future.