Public AdjusterS
Do I need a public adjuster?
A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. They can help you fight for every dollar your policy entitles you to — but they do take a percentage of your payout. Before you hire one, it’s worth asking:
Do I actually need one?
*This information has been checked for accuracy and non-bias by licensed insurance experts and representatives from National 501c3’s specialized in insurance advocacy. We are not insurance brokers. Consult with a licensed professional about your insurance policy and specific situation.
So many “adjusters”
A “public adjuster” is different than the “adjuster” your insurance company assigns to your claim. A public adjuster works for you and fights to get as much of your policy paid out by the insurance company as possible. The public adjuster and your insurance adjuster would talk to each other, and the public adjuster would report back to you.
1.
What Do They do?
Break down your insurance policy
Estimate and document every category of damage (structure, contents, code upgrades, debris removal)
Handle communication with your insurance company
Push for a higher settlement based on expert documentation
2.
How much do they take?
Public adjusters work on commission. They take a percentage of what they recover for you — usually between 5% and 15%, depending on the case. That means if they help you get an extra $100,000, they might keep $5,000–$15,000 of that. If you are underinsured, you may not have this wiggle room to play with.
3.
Is it worth it?
It depends on the complexity of your claim, how much coverage you have, whether you’re a total loss or not, and how cooperative your insurance company is being. If you have a total loss and they’re not arguing with you about your payout there’s no reason to give a percentage to a public adjuster.
If your insurer is giving you a lot of grief, lowballing you, not paying you out, or if your claim feels too overwhelming, you might consider one. Basically, if you feel like you can’t get your full payout on your own, stack the percentage charge against what you would get without hiring one, and you’ll have your answer.
4.
Can I get these services for free?
Sort of. There are a few entities that offer free support that might be enough to get you through.
Tugboat Claims offers a free policy help service.
United Policyholders teaches you how to advocate for yourself.
Bright Harbor offers a low cost support option.*
*PostFire does not advocate for the use of any commercial services, this is for informational purposes only.
The Bottom Line
Hiring a public adjuster can be a smart move — but it’s not always necessary.
If your claim is straightforward and your insurer is cooperating, you might not need one.
But if you’re underinsured, overwhelmed, or hitting roadblocks, a public adjuster can help you get the most out of your policy.
-
Just Remember
Public adjusters work on commission, so weigh the cost against the benefit.
-
Ask Questions
Read the contract, and make sure it’s the right fit for your situation.