Handling a property damage insurance claim can be complex, time consuming and can turn your hair gray. For many, presenting a property damage claim is not something done on a regular basis. When faced with a claim, policyholders in most states have the right to hire a public insurance adjuster.

But the average residential homeowner or small business owner may have only one or two claims in lifetime, how can they know that public adjusters are available to present and adjust claims for them? And do they know what a public adjuster can do to level the playing field?

The National Association of Public Adjusters gives a great overview of the role of a public adjuster.

A Public Adjuster works for the property owner, not the insurance company. The highly stressful period following a loss is a difficult time for individuals and businesses. A Public Adjuster can take those major headaches away and let you get back to your home or business. A typical fire or flood policy contains hundreds of provisions and stipulations, constantly changing forms and endorsements, and many complex details such as inventory appraisals and real estate evaluations that are required in case of a loss. Most policyholders do not know that the burden of proof is theirs. Public Adjusters know the insurance business and are familiar with all procedures so they can work quickly to expedite payments.

Goggle search “public adjuster,” and within the top few results is a public adjuster directory for the U.S., which allows you to click on your state and find public adjusters for your region. The directory also provides a direct link to every state’s department of insurance webpage, and provides other valuable resource links that can assist an insured dealing with a property damage claim.

Insure.com has also posted information about the good work of public insurance adjusters. In Amy Danise’s article, “Secrets of public insurance adjusters: What they know about insurance companies that you don’t,” Ron Reitz was interviewed. A couple of Ron’s secrets: Don’t let your insurance company replace your Pottery Barn stuff with Walmart stuff; and If you’re evacuated, don’t sleep at a shelter!

As Dainse explained,

Hiring a public adjuster can put you on an even playing field with your insurance company. Your insurer may assign three different adjusters to work on your claim: one for "additional living expenses," one for your personal property and one for the building portion of your claim. A public adjuster will be able to explain the process and work on your behalf handling the countless meetings, e-mails, phone calls and paper documents that flow for a large claim.

Need a simple way to raise awareness about the role of public adjusters? Share this link on your
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