When a hurricane strikes, it leaves behind a path of destruction, confusion, and the overwhelming task of recovery. For many Florida homeowners, the days following the storm are filled with cleaning up debris, contacting their insurance companies, and assessing the damage to their homes. In the midst of this chaotic time, one thing that many hurricane victims experience is an influx of calls from public adjusters. If you’ve found yourself wondering, “What does a public adjuster do?” or, “Why are they calling me so much?” this blog is here to provide clear, actionable advice to help you understand their role and whether hiring one is right for your situation.

A public adjuster is an independent claims professional who works on behalf of the policyholder, not the insurance company, to help you navigate the insurance claims process. Their primary role is to assess the damage to your property, document it thoroughly, and ensure that you receive a fair settlement from your insurance company. Unlike adjusters employed by your insurance provider, public adjusters represent your interests, working to maximize the payout based on your policy’s coverage.

Their expertise often includes:

• Evaluating damages caused by hurricanes, storms, and other natural disasters.
• Reviewing your insurance policy to understand the coverage limits.
• Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
• Managing the complex paperwork and communication involved in the claims process.

Public adjusters are licensed professionals who, for their services, typically receive a percentage of your claim settlement—this percentage can vary, but it’s often between 5% to 20%, depending on the complexity of the claim.

After a major storm, it’s common for homeowners to receive numerous unsolicited calls from public adjusters. These adjusters actively seek out individuals affected by the storm, offering their services with promises of higher settlements and quicker resolution times. While some of these adjusters are legitimate and provide valuable services, it’s important to be cautious. In the aftermath of a disaster, some unlicensed or unethical individuals may present themselves as public adjusters in an attempt to take advantage of distressed homeowners.

Here’s why you’re hearing from them:

1. Opportunity for Business: Natural disasters create an influx of insurance claims, leading public adjusters to proactively seek new clients. Many of these professionals are genuinely trying to help, but they are also running a business.
2. Vulnerable Homeowners: After a hurricane, homeowners often feel overwhelmed and confused, unsure of how to handle the insurance claims process. Public adjusters know this and reach out to offer assistance, especially to those who may not know where to begin.
3. Potential for Larger Payouts: Public adjusters claim they can help you receive a larger settlement from your insurance company, and in many cases, this may be true. They have experience negotiating claims and may spot areas where the insurance company’s adjuster overlooked damage.

The decision to hire a public adjuster can be a difficult one, especially when you’re already navigating the emotional and physical toll of a hurricane’s aftermath. Below are some key factors to consider when determining if hiring a public adjuster is right for you:

1. Expertise in Claims Process: Public adjusters are well-versed in the intricacies of insurance policies and the claims process. They can identify coverage in your policy that you may not be aware of, ensuring that no potential compensation is left unclaimed.
2. Maximized Settlements: Research shows that public adjusters may help policyholders receive larger settlements. In cases where damages are significant, a public adjuster may be able to negotiate a payout that covers repair costs more fully than what your insurance company initially offers.
3. Less Stress for You: The insurance claims process can be long and arduous, filled with paperwork, phone calls, and meetings. Hiring a public adjuster can relieve some of this burden, as they handle much of the legwork for you.
4. Faster Resolutions: An experienced public adjuster can expedite the claims process, helping to resolve disputes or delays that might arise if you were handling the claim on your own.

1. Fees Can Be Costly: Public adjusters typically charge a percentage of your insurance payout as their fee. Depending on the size of your claim, this could amount to a significant portion of your settlement, which means less money in your pocket to cover repairs and recovery.
2. Potential for Delays: While many public adjusters can expedite the process, inexperienced or overwhelmed adjusters may actually slow it down. If the public adjuster isn’t thorough in documenting your claim or negotiating with your insurance company, you may face unnecessary delays.
3. Unethical Adjusters: Unfortunately, not all public adjusters operate ethically. Some may inflate claims, leading to disputes with the insurance company that prolong the process or result in a claim denial. Others may mislead you about your policy coverage or the potential outcome, promising results that they can’t deliver.

Public adjusters have the potential to provide real value to policyholders, especially those facing significant damage and complex claims. However, whether they help or hurt largely depends on the individual adjuster and your specific situation.

Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Be Wary of Aggressive Sales Tactics: If a public adjuster is aggressively pressuring you to sign a contract, this could be a red flag. Legitimate adjusters will provide you with time to review your options and won’t try to rush your decision.
2. Check Licensing and Credentials: Before you hire a public adjuster, make sure they are properly licensed in your state. You can check their credentials with the Florida Department of Financial Services to ensure they are in good standing. A licensed adjuster will also carry liability insurance, which protects you if something goes wrong during the claims process.
3. Get Referrals and Read Reviews: If you’re considering hiring a public adjuster, ask for references from past clients. You can also check online reviews or ask friends, family, or your insurance agent for recommendations.
4. Understand the Contract: Make sure you fully understand the terms of the contract before signing. The adjuster’s fee should be clearly outlined, and you should have a good understanding of what services they will provide. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask questions.
5. Know Your Policy: It’s crucial to have a basic understanding of your insurance policy before you hire a public adjuster. This will help you assess whether the adjuster is providing accurate advice and ensure that you don’t leave money on the table.

Hiring a public adjuster can be beneficial, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. Before you make any decisions, it’s important to consider the following questions:

1. How Severe is the Damage? If your home sustained minimal damage, you may be able to handle the claims process on your own or with the help of your insurance company’s adjuster. However, for major damages, particularly those that require extensive repairs, a public adjuster may be worth the investment.
2. How Comfortable Are You With the Claims Process? If you’re familiar with your insurance policy and feel confident navigating the claims process, you may not need the services of a public adjuster. On the other hand, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the next steps, a public adjuster can provide valuable assistance.
3. Can You Afford the Fee? Remember that public adjusters work on a contingency basis, which means they are paid a percentage of your settlement. Make sure to weigh the potential benefits against the cost to determine if hiring an adjuster makes financial sense for your situation.
4. Have You Talked to Your Insurance Company? Before hiring a public adjuster, try reaching out to your insurance company directly. Many insurance companies are willing to work with policyholders to resolve claims, and they may provide additional assistance to help you navigate the process.

After a hurricane, homeowners face many difficult decisions, and choosing whether or not to hire a public adjuster is one of them. At Comegys Insurance Agency, we understand how challenging this time can be. We believe that the key to making the right decision is being informed. Public adjusters can be a valuable resource, but it’s essential to understand their role, their fees, and whether their services are truly necessary in your situation.

If you’re feeling unsure about how to proceed with your hurricane claim or need guidance, our team at Comegys Insurance is here to help. We have over 85 years of experience working with policyholders throughout Florida, and we can provide the advice and support you need during this difficult time. Before making any decisions, take the time to review your options, ask questions, and ensure that you’re making the best choice for your home and your future.