The best source to find an excellent public adjuster is through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. NAPIA can provide referrals in every state that licenses public adjusters. A Public Insurance Adjuster is the only adjuster who is licensed to represent an insured in the event of a property loss. There are currently 43 states and the District of Columbia require an adjuster to hold this licensure for them to be able to act on behalf of the insurance company.
A trained public insurance adjuster will act as your advocate, and help you navigate the insurance maze so you can collect the amount due to you under your insurance policy. There are a few steps that must be completed before you can be paid by the insurer. These include valuing the loss, presenting it to the insurer and making a settlement. Insurance policies are complex and conditional. Full payment for the loss is not guaranteed.
A public adjuster can help determine the extent of coverage and the cause of the loss in order to assess the value of the offer or refusal.
Following a fire, victims can be bombarded with inquires and offers from general contractors, public adjusters as well as others who offer to assist them. This is the norm. The fact that you are being solicited does not suggest that they are doing something wrong. However, you need to be careful and to do your research prior to signing up to their services.
If the public adjusters are not part of NAPIA, (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters) be wary.. They might not have the legal or insurance expertise to effectively represent you. Here are some warning indications:
1. They make huge promises but do not offer any assurances.
2. Their fees are outrageous. Most legit Public Insurance Adjusters fees range between 5% to 12% and average around 10%. Certain public adjusters charge more for smaller claims, or when they are employed midway through the process of settling claims.
3. If you are pressured to take a decision quickly then run. Professional PAs are aware that the choice to have someone represent you in order to help you get your home and life back together is a momentous one. This is not a decision that should be made quickly. It could be one of the most costly decisions you'll ever make in your lifetime. Make sure you take your time and be sure you are comfortable with the adjuster you are hiring.
4. Go to their website and address. If they don't have any documents other than an official business card, be very wary. If all they have is a PO box this could be a red flag.
5. It is generally more beneficial to work with someone who is local. Someone who understands the local market for housing and the costs of rebuilding, who knows the resources of the local community and how to leverage the resources. Locally based PAs may also have prior experience working with representatives of major insurance companies in the area and might be able to Public Adjuster cut through some of the red tape and bureaucracy to ensure you get what is owed to you quicker.