The best source to find an experienced public adjuster can be found through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. NAPIA provides recommendations for all states that have licenses for public adjusters. An Public Insurance Adjuster is the only type of adjuster that is qualified to represent the insured party in a claim for property. Currently more than 43 states plus the District of Columbia require an adjuster with this license representing the insurer.
A trained public insurance adjuster will serve as your advocate and assist you navigate the insurance maze so you can collect the full amount due to you under your insurance policy. There are a few steps to be taken before you can get paid: valuing the loss, presenting it to the insurer and making a settlement. Insurance policies can be complicated and conditional, full payment for the loss is not guaranteed.
An adjuster from the public sector can assist 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 often get besieged with inquires and offers from general contractors and public adjusters, as well as other companies offering to assist them. This is normal. The fact that you are being solicited does not suggest that they are doing something wrong. However, you need to be careful and to 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 wary.. They might not have the insurance or legal experience to properly represent you. Here are some warning indicators:
1. They make big promises, but without any assurances.
2. The fees they charge are outrageous. The majority of legitimate Public Insurance Adjusters fees range between 5% and 12 percent which is 10 percent. Some Claims public adjusters may charge more for smaller claims, or when they are employed midway through the process of filing claims.
3. If you feel pressured make a quick decision, run. The legitimate PAs understand that the decision to appoint someone to represent you to bring your home and life back on track is an important one. This isn't a choice that should be taken in haste. It could be one of the biggest financial decisions you make in your lifetime. Be patient and make sure you are comfortable with the adjuster you are hiring.
4. Visit their website and address. If they don't have any documents other than a business card, be extremely cautious. If the only address they have is a post office box, this may be another red flag.
5. It is usually better to hire someone who is local. Someone who knows the local market for housing and the costs of rebuilding, who knows the assets of the local community and how to use them. A local PA might also have prior experience working with representatives of major insurance companies in the area and may be in a position to cut through some of the bureaucracy and red tape to ensure you receive the money owed to you quicker.