Should I use a public adjuster?

Anyone who wants to file a property insurance claim should think about hiring a public adjuster, especially if the claim is for a large amount. As a policyholder, you have little to lose: Many public adjustment firms will visit properties free of charge, to help determine the severity of damage and whether an insurance claim should be filed.

Even if a policyholder is confident in the dollar value of their property loss, it's good practice to get a second opinion. Adjusters often find that a policyholder's loss estimate is far too low upon visiting the property. A policyholder might forget, or not be aware, of all the costs they can include in a claim, but public adjusters are professionals and they're unlikely to overlook any cost.

For example, if part of a roof is destroyed by wind, a homeowner is likely to miscalculate the cost of a new roof, and may even neglect major expenses like the cost of removing the damaged roof.

Submitting an accurate, detailed claim is crucial to getting the right amount of money from your insurer, and being able to cover the full property loss. Remember, even the best homeowners insurance companies never voluntarily pay more than the amount claimed. Policyholders need to be confident they are claiming the correct amount, and hiring a public adjuster is the best way to get it done.