Why Public Adjusters Call in the Experts

Picture this: your house gets hammered by hail the size of tennis balls. Or maybe a pipe bursts, turning your living room into an indoor pool. Your insurance company? They’re already warming up to play the “We’re Not Paying That” card. But a Public Adjuster knows the game. They bring in experts to science the heck out of your claim and prove damage isn’t just cosmetic or "wear and tear" nonsense.

"When you’re putting together an estimate, it’s not just about getting the numbers right. You’ve got to make sure that your estimate can hold up under the toughest scrutiny, because you never know when it might end up in the middle of a legal battle."

Public Adjuster, Brendan Steinbrecher

Why Public Adjusters Use Experts

Material lab tests and expert testimony backs up the claim estimate for your Public Adjuster created. Expert testimony makes it crystal clear to the insurance company why a Public Adjuster included certain costs and helps to avoid disputes.

Here is a sample of experts a Public Adjuster may reach out to in order to verify costs on a Loss Estimate:

• Structural Engineers: These are the bloodhounds of the building world. They sniff out hidden structural issues—cracks, shifts, or that one tiny weak spot you’d never find on your own. Plus, because of their advanced educational degree, the insurance carrier cannot easily dismiss an engineer's findings.
• Roofing Specialists: Is it storm damage or just your roof aging faster? These pros know the difference.
• Plumbing Experts: When insurance tries to say your flooded basement is your fault, a plumbing expert can assist in refuting the insurance company's assertion.
• Elevator Technician: An elevator expert specializes in assessing costs and diagnosing issues in vertical transportation systems. They evaluate problems related to cable integrity, sensor malfunctions, and control panel failures.

Experts = credibility.

Why Public Adjusters Use Third-Party Labs

Now, let’s talk about the nerd squad in lab coats. Why do Public Adjusters ship off chunks of your roof, siding, or drywall to a lab? Because science doesn’t lie, and insurance companies can’t argue with hard data.

• Material Testing: Need proof that your shingles are compromised by hail or heat damage? Labs can analyze the material and prove those scars didn’t come from "age" but from Mother Nature having a tantrum.
• Moisture and Mold Analysis: That funky smell isn’t your imagination. A lab can pinpoint if water damage led to mold growth, proving it’s a covered loss and not just your poor cleaning habits.
• Asbestos and Hazardous Materials: If your house is older than disco and your ceiling crumbles, labs confirm whether you're breathing asbestos. Hello, extra coverage!

"I take samples of flooring and certain building grade materials and send them out to a lab. The lab will provide the correct pricing for those materials, the manufacturer, if the material is still made, etc. Flooring is particularly tricky when establishing the type of material used and third party verification prevents carrier disputes."

Public Adjuster, Brendan Steinbrecher

Why It Matters

Insurance companies love playing the “prove it” game. Public Adjusters? They’ve got nothing to hide. With third-party labs and experts in their corner, they deliver undeniable evidence that damage isn’t just in your head—it’s in your walls, roof, or wherever Mother Nature decided to throw a fit.

And here's the kicker: using independent experts and labs keeps everything neutral. This isn’t some adjuster cooking the books in a backroom; it’s cold, hard facts. Insurance companies hate that. And you? You get the payout you deserve.

Fee Disclosure

Remember that your Letter of Representation with your Public Adjuster outlines the terms for payment for an expert team-up. Spoiler: It’s usually you, but your Public Adjuster asks for approval before incurring expenses. And in some instances, the Public Adjuster will be able to charge your insurance carrier.  

"Before signing on with a Public Adjuster, be sure to clarify whether there are additional costs beyond the percentage fee. Some adjusters may charge extra for specific services, such as outside testing or experts, so it's best to discuss any other potential expenses upfront."

Public Adjuster, Ted Patestos

The Wrap-Up

So there you have it. Public Adjusters aren’t just running around with a clipboard and hope. They’re assembling an Avengers-level team of experts and scientists to go toe-to-toe with insurance companies. When the Public Adjuster shows up with lab results and expert testimony, it’s game over for lowball offers and claim denials.