In the aftermath of property damage, you have the option to hire a Public Adjuster to step in as your advocate. In many cases, hiring a Public Adjuster can improve your settlement outcome and help make the entire claims process smoother. However, some claims may not warrant their assistance, or will be ineligible for their services.
Public Adjusters handle property damage claims for both residential and commercial properties. This includes “the adjusting of claims on behalf of insureds for fire and allied coverages, burglary, flood, and all other property claims, both real and personal, including loss of income” (Shulz, n.d.). Other claim types that Public Adjusters are licensed to assist with are wind, hail, and contents (insured personal property and belongings) claims.
Public Adjusters are licensed professionals who assist policyholders in preparing, filing, and managing insurance claims. They work exclusively for the policyholder, unlike an adjuster who represents the insurance company. This distinction is crucial, highlighting their commitment to securing your best possible settlement. By leveraging their expertise, Public Adjusters can often secure higher settlements compared to what policyholders might achieve on their own.
Typically, they are asked to represent homeowners with a property damage claim. This can range from minor issues like water leaks to major catastrophes like fire or hurricane damage. They assess the extent of the damage, document it thoroughly, and submit a detailed claim to the insurance company to cover all necessary repairs.
When a disaster renders your home uninhabitable, the cost of living elsewhere can quickly add up. Hotel costs have risen in recent years and are estimated to average more than $150 per day (Statista, 2024). If your policy includes coverage, Public Adjusters can assist in filing claims for additional living expenses (ALE), ensuring you are reimbursed for hotel stays, meals and other necessities while your home is being repaired.
Public Adjusters can also quantify the financial impact of business interruptions due to damage, including lost revenue and additional expenses incurred. They then negotiate with the insurance company for adequate compensation for your business.
While Public Adjusters can handle a wide range of claims, there are certain circumstances where they may not be able to offer assistance.
Public Adjusters typically handle property damage claims, but they can also handle vehicle insurance claims depending on the state, though it is less common (Office of Public Insurance Counsel, n.d.). Navigating an auto loss can be very different from a home or commercial property insurance claim. It’s important to review the experience of any Public Adjuster to be sure they are able to represent your interests effectively. The team at Tiger Adjusters does not take on auto claims.
Similarly, Public Adjusters do not handle medical insurance claims or personal liability claims (Texas Department of Insurance, n.d.).
It’s also important to keep in mind that since a Public Adjuster’s fee is typically a percentage of the claims settlement, small claims with minimal damage may not be the best fit for hiring a Public Adjuster.
Tiger Adjusters is Ready to Fight for You
While we may not always be the solution policy holders are searching for, Tiger Adjusters is ready to answer your questions and advocate for you when we can. If you think your claim could benefit from the expertise of our team, contact one of our talented team members today.
Office of Public Insurance Counsel (n.d.). What are claims adjusters? Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.opic.texas.gov/auto-insurance/first-party-claims/claims-adjusters/
Shulz, K. (n.d.). What Public Adjusters Can and Cannot Do Under Texas Law. Journal of Consumer & Commercial Law. Retrieved September 4, 2024 from http://www.jtexconsumerlaw.com/V24N1/V24N1_Adjusters.pdf
Statista (2024, January 4). Forecast average daily rate of hotels in the United States from 2022 to 2024 (in U.S. dollars). Retrieved August 26, 2024 from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1318040/average-hotel-room-rate-forecast-in-the-us/
Texas Department of Insurance (n.d.). Public adjusters: What to know before you hire one to help with your claim. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/public-adjusters.html
