The best source to find a good public adjuster can be found through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. NAPIA will provide recommendations in every state that licenses public adjusters. An Public Insurance Adjuster is the only adjuster who is licensed to represent the insured in the event of a property loss. More than 43 states plus the District of Columbia require an adjuster to be licensed in order for them to be able to act on behalf of the insurance company.
A trained public insurance adjuster can serve as your advocate and help you navigate through the maze of insurance so that you can get the amount due to you under your policy. There are a few procedures to follow before you can be paid: valuing the loss, present it to the insurer and the negotiation of a settlement. Insurance policies are complicated and conditional, full payment for an unintentional loss isn't automatic.
A public adjuster can help 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 can be bombarded with offers and inquiries from general contractors, public adjusters and others offering assistance. This is the norm. Just because you are being contacted doesn't necessarily mean that they're doing anything wrong. But, you must be Public Adjuster cautious and do your due diligence before signing up to their services.
If the adjusters who represent you aren't affiliated with NAPIA, (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters) be cautious.. They might not have the insurance or legal expertise to effectively represent you. Here are a few danger indications:
1. They make huge promises but do not offer any guarantee.
2. The fees they charge are outrageous. Most legit Public Insurance Adjusters fees range between 5% and 12% and average 10%. Some public adjusters may be more expensive on smaller claims, or when they are hired midway through the claim process.
3. If you feel pressured to take a decision quickly take a break. Legitimate PAs recognize that this choice to have someone represent you to help you get your home and your life back together is a momentous 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 life. Make sure you take your time and be sure you feel at ease with the adjuster you employ.
4. Go to their website and address. If they don't have any documents other than a business card, be cautious. If their only address is a post office box, this may be another warning sign.
5. It is generally preferential to employ someone who is local. Someone who understands the local housing market and reconstruction costs, who is aware of the strengths of the community and how best to use them. Locally based PAs may also have worked with representatives of the major insurance firms in the region and might be capable of cutting through some of the bureaucracy and red tape in order to make sure that you receive what you owe to you more quickly.