People are often reluctant to hire a public adjuster in regard to an insurance claim. They mistakenly think that their insurance company has their best interest at heart and everything will be fine – after all, they have an insurance policy. The major difference between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster is for whose benefit they’re working.

An insurance adjuster works for the benefit of the insurance company, with an eye to saving them money whenever possible. They adhere to the letter of the insurance policy, but they’re also motivated by the insurance company to find information that can be used to deny a claim or reduce the payout.

Insurance adjusters often try to pressure people into settling a claim quickly and are prepared to write a check on the spot. When faced with a home disaster or the need for medical care after an accident, that check can seem like a godsend. However, it may not cover the full extent of the damage or injuries, and some types of damage only becomes obvious at a later date.

In contrast, a public adjuster works exclusively for the policy holder. They have the same knowledge, experience and expertise as adjusters that work for insurance companies. A public adjuster can have a claim reopened and negotiate on their client’s behalf for additional reimbursement from the insurance company. They expedite claims and are often able to have claims settled for additional reimbursement in as little as 30 to 90 days.

A public adjuster is hired by the individual that’s filing a claim, generally for a percentage of the settlement. Public adjusters handle all of the paperwork involved in a claim, which can be extensive, and are able to recognize a weak claim or an insufficient reimbursement. They maintain a level of separation for their clients from the insurance company for peace of mind.