Find a public adjuster
who works for you
Browse our directory of licensed public adjusters, independent professionals who represent you, not the insurance company, to help maximize your property damage claim settlement.
higher average settlement
upfront cost
Browse by state
Public adjuster regulations, fees, and availability vary by state. Select yours to find licensed professionals in your area.
Browse by claim type
Different types of property damage require different expertise. Find adjusters who specialize in your claim.
Hurricane Damage
Hurricane claims tend to involve multiple types of damage at once: wind, water intrusion, roof damage, and structural issues. Insurance companies often try to classify damage as flood (which may not be covered) rather than wind-driven rain (which usually is). A public adjuster who knows hurricane claims can sort through these distinctions and document everything properly.
Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most common homeowner claims, but also one of the most under-documented. The visible damage is usually just the start. Moisture behind walls, under flooring, and in ceilings can lead to mold and structural problems that aren't obvious during an initial inspection. A public adjuster can make sure the full scope gets captured before the insurance company locks in a number.
Fire Damage
Fire claims are usually the most complex because the damage comes from multiple sources: the fire itself, smoke, and the water used to put it out. On top of structural repairs, you may be owed for lost personal property, temporary housing, and additional living expenses. A public adjuster can itemize all of these losses and push for what your policy actually covers.
Hail Damage
Hail damage is easy to underestimate. A roof might look fine from the ground but have hundreds of impact points that shorten its lifespan. Siding, gutters, windows, and outdoor equipment all take hits too. Insurance company adjusters sometimes miss damage points or attribute wear to age rather than hail, which is where a public adjuster with hail experience pays for itself.
Wind Damage
Wind damage from storms and severe weather can affect roofs, siding, fences, and structures. A common dispute is whether the damage was caused by wind (covered) or pre-existing wear (not covered). Insurance companies sometimes lean toward the latter. A public adjuster documents the damage with evidence that ties it to the storm event.
Flood Damage
Flood claims are tricky because they often involve both federal flood insurance (NFIP) and private policies, each with different rules and coverage limits. FEMA documentation requirements add another layer. A public adjuster who handles flood claims regularly can sort through the paperwork and make sure you're getting what both policies owe you.
Roof Damage
Roof claims are among the most frequently denied or underpaid. Insurers often argue that damage is cosmetic or caused by age rather than a covered event. The difference between a repair and a full replacement can be tens of thousands of dollars. A public adjuster provides an independent assessment and makes the case for what the roof actually needs.
Mold Damage
Mold claims get denied more often than almost any other type. Many policies cap mold coverage or exclude it entirely unless it resulted from a covered event like a burst pipe. The key is proving what caused the mold and when. A public adjuster can establish that connection and document the extent of the problem to argue for proper remediation.
Tornado Damage
Tornado damage can range from missing shingles to a total loss of the structure. These claims often involve debris removal, temporary housing, and replacing everything inside the home. When an entire community is affected, insurance companies are processing hundreds of claims at once, and individual policyholders can get lost in the shuffle. A public adjuster keeps your claim from falling through the cracks.
Wildfire Damage
Wildfire claims can drag on for months or even years. They often involve total loss of a home, smoke damage to nearby properties, and long-term displacement. Documenting what you owned before the fire is one of the hardest parts. A public adjuster handles the inventory, coordinates with contractors for rebuild estimates, and keeps the claim moving when the insurance company stalls.
Residential
Residential claims cover single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and rental properties. Most homeowners file maybe one or two claims in their lifetime and aren't familiar with the process or their policy's fine print. A public adjuster reads the policy, documents the damage, and handles the back-and-forth with the insurance company.
Commercial
Commercial claims involve businesses, office buildings, warehouses, retail spaces, and industrial properties. The stakes are usually higher because the claim includes not just the physical damage but also lost revenue, damaged inventory, and equipment replacement. A public adjuster who works on commercial claims knows how to calculate business interruption losses and document them in a way insurers will accept.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a public adjuster?
- A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who works exclusively for policyholders, not insurance companies, to help file, negotiate, and settle property damage insurance claims. They inspect damage, review your policy, prepare claim documentation, and negotiate with your insurance company to maximize your settlement.
- How much does a public adjuster cost?
- Public adjusters typically charge a percentage of the insurance claim settlement, usually between 5% and 20%. Some states cap fees. For example, Texas caps at 10% and Florida caps at 20% (10% for emergency-declared events). You generally pay nothing upfront; the fee comes from the settlement amount.
- Are public adjusters worth it?
- Research shows that policyholders represented by public adjusters receive higher settlements, often 40% to 700% more than those who handle claims themselves. For large or complex claims (typically over $10,000-$15,000), the increased settlement usually far exceeds the adjuster's fee.
- What is the difference between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster?
- An insurance adjuster (also called a company adjuster or staff adjuster) works for the insurance company and represents their interests. A public adjuster is independently licensed and works exclusively for you, the policyholder. Their goal is to maximize your claim settlement, while the insurance company's adjuster aims to minimize the payout.
- When should I hire a public adjuster?
- Consider hiring a public adjuster when your claim is large or complex, has been denied or underpaid, involves extensive damage from a natural disaster, or when you feel the insurance company's offer is unfair. The sooner you hire one, the better, ideally before filing or early in the claims process.
- Do public adjusters need to be licensed?
- Yes, in most states public adjusters must be licensed by the state's Department of Insurance. Licensing requirements vary by state and typically include passing an exam, background checks, and continuing education. A few states (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas) do not allow public adjusters.