What is a public adjuster?

Your insurance company provides an adjuster at no charge to you. Adjusters who have no relationship with your insurance company and charge a fee for their services also may contact you. These are known as public adjusters. You may use a public adjuster to help you in settling your claim.

1. Public adjusters may charge you as much as 15 percent of the total value of your settlement for their services. The fee isn't covered by your insurance policy. Sometimes after a disaster, your state’s insurance department sets the percentage that public adjusters may charge.
2. If you decide to use a public adjuster, first check his or her qualifications by calling your state insurance department. Ask your agent, a lawyer or friends and associates for the name of a professional adjuster they can recommend. Avoid individuals who go from door-to-door after a major disaster, unless you are sure they are qualified.