The best way to locate an experienced public adjuster can be found through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. NAPIA can provide referrals in every state that licenses public adjusters. A Public Insurance Adjuster is the only adjuster who is licensed to represent an insured in a claim for property. More than 43 states plus the District of Columbia require an adjuster with this license for them to be able to act on behalf of the insurance company.
A professionally trained public insurance adjuster will serve as your advocate and assist you navigate the insurance maze so that you can get the entire amount due to you under your insurance policy. There are a few steps that must be completed before you can be paid by the insurer. These include valuing the loss, presenting it to the insurer and making the settlement. Insurance policies are complex and conditional. Full payment on the loss is not guaranteed.
A public adjuster can help determine the extent of coverage and the cause of the loss in order to assess the insurer's offer or denial.
Following a fire, victims can be bombarded with inquires and offers from general contractors, public adjusters and others offering assistance. This is the norm. Just because you are receiving a call does not suggest that they are doing something wrong. However, you need to be cautious and do your due diligence prior to signing up to their services.
If the public adjusters are not part of NAPIA, (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters) be aware.. They might not have the legal or insurance expertise to effectively represent you. Here are some warning indications:
1. They make huge promises but do not offer any guarantees.
2. Their fees are outrageous. Most Insurance legit Public Insurance Adjusters fees range between 5% to 12 percent and average around 10%. Certain public adjusters charge more for smaller claims or when hired at the midpoint of the claim process.
3. If you feel pressured take a decision quickly take a break. Legitimate PAs recognize that this decision to hire someone to represent you in order to bring your home and your life back together is a momentous one. It is not one that should be taken quickly. It could be one of the most expensive decisions you make in your lifetime. Make sure you take your time and be sure you are at ease with the adjuster you are hiring.
4. Check their web site and address. If they don't possess anything other than the business card, you should be cautious. If their only address is a post office box, this could be a red flag.
5. It is generally more beneficial to work with someone who is local. Someone who understands the local market for housing as well as the costs of rebuilding, who knows the resources of the local community and how to make use of the resources. Locally based PAs may also have prior experience working with representatives of major insurance companies in the area and might be capable of cutting through some of the red tape and bureaucracy to ensure you receive the money owed to you quicker.