The best source to find a good public adjuster is through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. NAPIA will provide recommendations in all states that have licenses for public adjusters. A Public Insurance Adjuster is the only type of adjuster qualified 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 representing the insurer.
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 identify the coverages and the causes of the loss to evaluate the carrier's offer or refusal.
After a disaster, fire victims are often bombarded by offers and inquires from general contractors and public adjusters, as well as other companies offering to help. This is normal. If you're being contacted doesn't mean they are doing something wrong. But, it is important to be aware and conduct your due diligence before signing up for their services.
If the adjusters who represent you aren't affiliated with NAPIA, (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters) be aware.. They may not have Claims the insurance or legal experience to properly represent you. Here are some danger indications:
1. They make BIG promises without any guarantees.
2. The fees they charge are outrageous. The majority of legitimate Public Insurance Adjusters fees range between 5% and 12 percent with an average of 10 percent. Certain public adjusters might be more expensive on smaller claims or when they are hired midway through the claim process.
3. If you feel pressured to make a quick decision take a break. Legitimate PAs recognize that this decision to hire someone to represent you to bring your life and home back in order is an important one. This isn't a choice to be taken in haste. This could one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make in your life. Be patient and make sure you feel comfortable with the adjuster you hire.
4. Visit their website and address. If they don't have any documents other than a business card, be extremely cautious. If the only address they have is a PO box this may be another alarming sign.
5. It is usually better to hire someone local. Someone who is familiar with the local housing market and reconstruction costs, who is aware of the assets of the community and how best to use these resources. A local PA might also have previous experience working with representatives of the major insurance firms in the region and may be in a position to cut through a lot of the bureaucracy and red tape in order to make sure that you receive what you owe to you more quickly.