The best way to locate an excellent public adjuster is through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. NAPIA will provide recommendations in all states that have licenses for public adjusters. A Public Insurance Adjuster is the only type of adjuster qualified to represent an insured in the event of a property loss. There are currently 43 states and the District of Columbia require an adjuster to hold this licensure representing the insurer.
A trained public insurance adjuster will act as your advocate, and help you navigate through the maze of insurance so you can collect the 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 for 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 value of the offer or refusal.
Following a fire, victims can be bombarded with inquires and offers from general contractors, public adjusters as well as others who offer to assist them. This is the norm. The fact that you are being solicited does not necessarily mean that they're doing anything wrong. But, you must be careful and to do your research prior to signing up to their services.
If the adjusters who represent you are not members of NAPIA, (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters) be wary.. 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 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 they are hired at the midpoint of the process of filing claims.
3. If you feel pressured take a decision quickly then run. The legitimate PAs understand that the decision to appoint someone to represent you to help you get your life and home back together is a momentous one. This is not a decision that should be made quickly. This could be one of the most costly choices you'll make in your life. Take your time and make sure that you feel comfortable with the adjuster that you employ.
4. Visit their website and address. If they don't have anything other than a business card, be extremely cautious. If the only address they have is a PO box, it could be a warning sign.
5. It is Claims often better to hire someone local. Someone who knows the local housing market and reconstruction costs, who is aware of the assets of the community and how best to use these resources. A local PA might also have previous experience working with representatives of the major insurance firms in the region and may be in a position to cut through a lot of the bureaucracy and red tape in order to make sure that you receive what you owe to you more quickly.