Navigating the homeowners' insurance process after a flood, fire, or any loss event is stressful and often overwhelming. In many cases, working with a licensed public insurance adjuster accelerates the recovery process by ensuring a timely response and maximizing your claim's value.

Learn how public adjuster companies work, the pros and cons of hiring a public adjuster, and how to find a licensed insurance agent in Cape Cod.

What Is a Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster is a licensed and bonded insurance professional who represents the policyholder (typically the homeowner or business owner) to file claims and negotiate a fair settlement. After experiencing a fire, storm, or water damage, public adjusters represent the property owner’s best interests, not those of the insurance company.

What Does a Public Adjuster Do?

After a loss, the public adjuster will assess and document the damage to your home. Based on their experience, modeling, and other factors, they will determine how much your claim is worth under your insurance policy. They will estimate the total cost of fixing the damage and communicate directly with your insurance company on your behalf.

The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Public Adjuster

Working with a public adjuster isn’t necessary for every claim.

Pros of working with a public adjuster

› May get you a larger settlement

› Saves time and stress

› Simplifies the claims process

Cons of working with a public adjuster

› Not necessary for straightforward claims

› Limits total payout

› Not available in all states

Most public adjusters charge a fee based on the total settlement amount, typically between 5% and 20%. In Massachusetts, fees are capped at 10% of the settlement amount.

3 Key Factors to Consider When Hiring a Public Adjuster

1. Is the claim large enough to warrant additional help and costs?

2. Is the claim too complex for you to handle yourself?

3. How likely is it that the public adjuster will get more from the settlement?

It’s important to remember that your policy is likely capped at a certain amount; it is extremely unlikely that even the best public adjuster will get you more than your policy’s maximum coverage. If the initial offer is close to the maximum, an adjuster’s fee will only lower your payout.

When Is It Too Late to Hire a Public Adjuster?

As long as you haven’t signed the final settlement release, you can likely still get a public adjuster’s help. It’s more beneficial to hire an adjuster immediately after a loss to document damage and establish an independent estimate of settlement.

Even if the claims process has already started, you should consider hiring an adjuster if:

› Your claim was denied, or the settlement offer is very low

› The damage is worse than estimated by your insurance company

› The claims process is moving too slowly

Massachusetts Public Adjuster Laws

Every state that allows public adjusters has its own laws governing how they interact with property owners. Public adjusters in Massachusetts operate with a few relatively unique requirements, including:

› Non-reciprocal: Massachusetts does not honor out-of-state licenses, making it very difficult for adjusters from nearby states to operate.

› Cap on fees: Licensed public adjusters in Massachusetts can only charge up to 10% of the final settlement payout, and they cannot charge a fee if the insurer offers a settlement at the full policy limit within 30 days of loss.

› Ethics standards: Public adjusters must follow the specific Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics, a separate statute from other insurance-related rules.

In many cases, residential and commercial public adjusters deliver superior outcomes for clients, helping property owners get their lives back on track quickly. For recommendations on the best public adjusters in Cape Cod and the surrounding areas, contact our team.

Trust Cape Cod’s Flooring Experts

Floor Coverings International® of Cape Cod offers an unmatched selection of residential and commercial flooring. We work with homeowners, contractors, and public adjusters to quickly and conveniently replace damaged flooring, serving property owners from Provincetown to Wareham and everywhere in between. Start your project by scheduling a free, in-home consultation or calling (774) 228-5527 today.