Property damage claims can be stressful, time-consuming, and overwhelming. In the event of severe storm damage caused by a hurricane, tornado, wind, hail, water, flood, fire, you know the devastation involved in property loss and the massive toll it takes on your life and business.
When you file an insurance claim, a representative from the insurance company reviews your claim and estimates your payout based on the damage. Unfortunately, an insurance carrier may attempt to underpay or even deny your claim altogether. The solution to getting a fair and accurate insurance claim payment may be to hire a Public Adjuster. Public Adjusters use their experience and expertise in the insurance industry to ensure a claim is properly handled and achieves a fair outcome, and that you receive a fair settlement amount.
What Is A Public Adjuster?
Public Adjusters are independent, licensed professionals that help policyholders settle insurance claims. A Public Adjuster is well versed in the complexities of insurance policies, property loss adjustments, claims, and supporting documentation, and can work efficiently to ensure that your settlement is expedited. Policyholders may hire Public Adjusters to help them process their insurance claims. Unlike Insurance Adjusters who work for the insurance company, Public Adjusters advocate on your behalf. They have no relationship with the insurance company. The only time a Public Adjuster corresponds with the insurance company is regarding the policyholder’s insurance claim.
What A Public Adjuster Does For You
A Public Adjuster handles the entire claim process on your behalf, whether it’s a claim for flood, fire, smoke, wind, water, tornado or hurricane damage, or any other property disasters that can damage your property. They will visit your property to survey the damage, conduct a comprehensive review of your claim, handle all of the confusing paperwork and legalese, keep you informed every step of the way and collaborate with any necessary industry-leading experts to submit the necessary details to process your claim efficiently.
Typical Duties of a Public Adjuster Include:
- Free Insurance Policy Review
- Property Damage Claim Assessment
- Insurance Company Correspondence & Communications
- Meetings & Communications with Insurance Adjusters
- Meetings & Communications with General Contractors
- Management, Collection and Submission of Paperwork, Reporting, Photos, Damage Assessments, Measurements
- Collaboration with Industry-Leading Experts
- Confer with Legal Counsel
How To Choose A Public Adjuster
1. Check Their Credentials Ensure They are Licensed
Public Adjusters are required to hold a license in their state. You can ask for proof of license or contact the Insurance Department in your state to verify their license is in good standing.
2. Ask For References
Ask for references, recommendations and testimonials. Calling their former customers is a great way to ask questions about their experience and if they would use the public adjuster again.
3. Look At Their Online Reviews
You can learn a lot just by searching on Google. Check their website and social media platforms for reviews. Examine them to identify any common complaints. If a review causes concern, ask the Public Adjuster about it to see if they respond professionally.
4. Look Through Your Contract
Make sure to take the time to read and understand your contract with the Public Adjuster before you sign.
How Much Does A Public Adjuster Cost?
A Public Adjuster does not get paid unless you do, depending on which state you’re residing in. By law, we follow terms set forth by each state’s department of insurance. Fees typically range from 10-15% of the insurance settlement. In Louisiana, where we’re headquartered, we’re required to bill our time accordingly per the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
We Work For You. Not The Insurance Company
At CJ Claim Services, we know how devastating damage to your property can be. With over 15 years of experience, we know insurance claims inside and out. Our expert team helps property owners with insurance claims due to hurricane, water, fire, hail, wind, flood and other major weather events and natural disasters. We walk you through the process, every step of the way, to ensure you get a fair settlement. Our CEO and Licensed Public Adjuster, Christopher Johnston, knows the insurance claim process, inside and out. Chris has over 15 years of experience and an extensive background in public adjusting, insurance adjusting, construction, restoration, emergency services, estimating, supplementing, large loss claims, and project management. Check out our reviews!
Damaged? Denied? Underpaid? Contact Us For a Free Claim Review!
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