When there are major catastrophes or heavy storm seasons, this can create log-jams in the insurance companies. They often try to solve this by flying in adjusters who might not know all the local laws. A public adjuster knows all the state laws, and can make sure they're followed.
The truth is, the average insurance company adjuster is often overworked and underpaid, which means he or she might simply miss something when figuring out the value of restoration. A public adjuster can spot the things he or she misses to make sure everything's accounted for.
If your home has been damaged by accident or weather, it’s important to take care of first things first. Get your family to a safe place, find temporary shelter, and remember most homeowner policies allow you a reasonable time to report the loss.
It’s important to keep in mind that a public adjuster is employed by you, and this is where his or her fiduciary responsibility lies. An insurance adjuster will not be able to protect your interests in the same way.
Many homeowners don’t fully realize that in an insurance claim, it’s up to them to prove the extent of loss. Maintaining a current, complete inventory of possessions is one important part of that process, and retaining a professional public insurance adjuster is another.
When you try to work only with your insurance company to collect on a claim, a conflict of interest exists. The insurer cannot work for both your benefit and his or her company’s. When push comes to shove, the benefit will fall to the insurance company.
