License: Creative Commons 3 – CC BY-SA 3.0; Attribution: Alpha Stock Images – https://alphastockimages.com/; Original Author: Nick Youngson – link to – https://www.nyphotographic.com/; Original Image: https://www.thebluediamondgallery.com/handwriting/q/questions.html; Increased size.
A licensed Public Adjuster can be your advocate and representative. They help in the process of getting your claim “adjusted” and “settled”, or in other words processed and paid. The key is to find an experienced public adjuster once you decide you want to hire claim help. A good licensed public adjuster will have good references and a fair price. It’s important to check references carefully and hire someone you feel comfortable working with and trust.
Here are some questions to ask before hiring a licensed public adjuster.
6 Questions to Ask
- So you have a public adjuster license in my state? Make sure you are hiring a licensed Public Adjuster. Ask to see their individual Public Adjuster’s license.
- Will you be handling my claim personally?
- How many other claims have you signed up in this area since Hurricane Michael? You won’t get the attention and care you need if a public adjuster takes on more claims than he/she can handle.
- Tell me about your construction estimating and claim adjusting skills, experience, and credentials.
- Please provide at least three references of local clients who were satisfied with your work.
- Let’s talk about the fee contract. Most Public Adjusters work on contingency fees, ranging from 10% to 20% of the monies paid on your claim, depending on the type of loss.
Other Things to Consider Before Hiring a Licensed Public Adjuster
Here are some things to consider.
- Is the adjuster a good fit? You may be working closely with this person for an extended period of time. They will be representing you with your insurer, so you should be comfortable with their personality and communication style.
- Do they have good references? Are they genuine? Call and talk directly with at least two of their references before hiring a licensed public adjuster.
- Don’t be rushed into hiring someone before you are ready to. You may be hit with aggressive sales pitches from contractors, adjusters, and others, especially after disasters like Hurricane Michael. Resist the pressure and make an informed decision. Ask as many questions as you need to until you feel confident in your decision. They will be part of your insurance process for as long as it takes to settle the claim and recover all the financial benefits.
- Contractors may not represent you in insurance claim negotiations, nor are they professionally licensed or regulated by your state insurance department/agency to do so. A lawyer can represent you in claim negotiations, but generally speaking, it doesn’t make sense to hire one to adjust your loss.
Navigating and documenting a catastrophic property loss is time-consuming and burdensome, no matter how much insurance you have. It is hard for you to know whether you are getting all that an insurance company owes you. Your policy might give you extended coverages beyond the limits and way more than the insurer offers you. Aftermath Adjusters and Consulting can be a strong voice for you in this process. We can also offer negotiating leverage on your final insurance settlement that you might not have on your own. Hiring a licensed public adjuster can help you receive the best possible settlement.
Call Aftermath Consulting & Adjusters today! We have the experience needed to get you the settlement you deserve!