The best place to find a good public adjuster would be through NAPIA, the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. NAPIA provides recommendations for every state that has licensed public adjusters. An Public Insurance Adjuster is the only type of adjuster that is qualified to represent the insured on a property claim. Currently more than 43 states as well as the District of Columbia require an adjuster with this license in order to represent the insured.
An experienced public insurance adjuster can serve as your advocate and help you navigate through the maze of insurance to ensure you get the full amount that you are entitled to under your policy. However, there are several procedures to follow before you are able to collect: valuing the loss, present it to the insurer and the negotiation of an agreement. Insurance policies can be complicated and conditional, full settlement of a loss is not automatic.
Public adjusters can help determine coverages and causes of the loss to evaluate the carrier's offer or denial.
After a fire or other disaster, victims often get besieged with offers and inquiries from general contractors, public adjusters and others offering assistance. This is the norm. Just because you are receiving a call does not suggest that they are doing something wrong. However, you need to be cautious and do your due diligence prior to signing up for their services.
If the public adjusters are not part of NAPIA, (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters) be aware.. 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% with an average of around 10%. Some public adjusters may charge more for smaller claims, or when they are employed midway through the process of settling claims.
3. If you are pressured to make a quick decision, run. Professional PAs are aware that the choice to have someone represent you in order to get your home and life back on track is an important one. It is not one that should be taken quickly. It could be one of the most expensive decisions you make in your lifetime. Make sure you take your time and be sure you are at ease Claims with the adjuster you are hiring.
4. Go to their website and address. If they don't possess anything other than an official business card, be very wary. If all they have is a post office box, this could be a red flag.
5. It is generally more beneficial to work with someone who is local. Someone who understands the local market for housing and rebuilding costs, who understands the strengths of the community and how to leverage these resources. A locally based PA may also have worked with representatives from the largest insurance firms in the region and could be in a position to cut through the bureaucracy and red tape in order to make sure that you receive what you owe to you faster.