Using a Public Adjuster vs. Managing Your Own Insurance Claim

Hiring a public adjuster to handle your property damage claim makes a difficult time much less stressful and has a direct impact on how much you ultimately collect from your insurer. The claims adjusters who work for your insurer are highly-trained professionals who determine how much your covered loss is worth. Keep in mind, though, that they make their determination from the insurance company’s perspective. A public adjuster represents your interests and has one objective: to obtain the best settlement possible for you.

The old wisdom, "Good things come to those who wait" doesn’t necessarily apply when you’re ready to settle your property damage claim. When your repairs are near completion and contractors are waiting for their money, it’s just not a good idea to wait for the insurance company adjuster to call. You've lived through a catastrophe. You've been patient while your home was being restored. You've worked through a complicated claim process. You deserve to know where you stand for an offer on your claim.

Licensed and bonded public adjusters are regulated by their state’s rules and policies, and work only for the public, such as homeowners like you. They have no ties to any insurance company and as an expert in the insurance field, are employed directly by you. Their sole interest is in getting you the maximum settlement possible on your loss claim. If mistakes have been made on your insurance claim, or your insurance company refuses to settle your claim for what you feel you are entitled to, hiring an expert such as a public adjuster can be your best option.

When your home is damaged by fire, windstorm, or some other insured peril, you must work through your Homeowners insurance company’s claims process to get the money you need for repairs. Whether your damage is minor or extensive, both you and your insurance company must navigate through a maze of policy procedures, guidelines, and rules; but there is one major difference. Insurance companies have highly trained property adjusters to handle claims and protect their interests. They realize that it's crucial to have an expert to represent them, yet no insurance company spokesperson is likely to suggest that you hire an expert of your own. No one will explain that hiring a public adjuster will get you a better settlement.

Insurance claims are complicated. Understanding the process may be even more frustrating. Following are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the role of a public adjuster after filing an insurance claim in Illinois.

In the Chicago metropolitan area, roof damage is a common occurrence when temperatures when the winter weather sets in with snow, ice, and cold. A Midwest winter presents exceptional challenges that that can prove costly, so it pays to have a local Chicago Public Adjuster on your side when Mother Nature makes the decision to throw a one-two combo. Property damage claims on average are escalated through the winter.

Is your insurance company really looking out for your best interest? What are your options after suffering a loss and filing an insurance claim? Do you understand your insurance policy? Check out this video where FOX 11 Investigates insurance companies in Wisconsin and why paying good money to insure your property doesn’t mean they will have you back. FOX 11 also highlights why hiring a Public Adjuster may give you the representation you need to ensure you are getting the most out of your insurance claim.

Disputes over a property settlement claim are not uncommon. Insurers often turn down a homeowner’s first submission. One of the most common areas of dispute is the overhead and profit portion of your contractor’s bill. Insurers will question whether overhead and profit is owed at all on your claim, and whether initial payments should include this up-front expense. If your insurance company won’t pay, there are ways to negotiate this difference of opinion.

Personalizing your home into a comfortable, enjoyable space takes a lot of time and effort. When a fire or other insured peril causes damage, you want the repairs to restore your home back to its pre-loss condition. To accomplish this goal, you need uniform and consistent repairs with no mismatched colors or contrasting textures across repaired and undamaged surfaces.

Saying haste makes waste can be aptly applied when you decide to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance provider. Filing a claim before you take certain steps often results in delays or denials. The best way to avoid having that happen is by not filing your claim haphazardly. Here are five steps you can take to can avoid having a delay hold up your claim.