The best way to locate an excellent public adjuster can be found through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. NAPIA can provide referrals in every state that licenses public adjusters. The Public Insurance Adjuster is the only adjuster who is licensed to represent the insured in a claim for property. 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 will serve as your advocate and help you navigate through the maze of insurance so that you can 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 are conditional. Therefore, full settlement of a loss is not automatic.
An adjuster from the public sector can assist determine coverages and causes of the loss to assess the insurer'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 affiliated with NAPIA, (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters) be aware.. They may not have the legal or insurance expertise to effectively represent you. Here are some danger indications:
1. They make BIG promises without any guarantees.
2. The fees they charge are outrageous. Most legit Public Insurance Adjusters fees range between 5% to 12% with an average of 10 percent. Some public adjusters may charge higher fees on 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 together is a momentous one. It is not one that should be taken quickly. It could be one of the most costly decisions you make in your lifetime. Make sure you take your time and be sure you are at ease with the adjuster you are hiring.
4. Check their web site and address. If they don't possess anything other than an official business card, be cautious. If their only address 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 the costs of rebuilding, who knows the resources of the local community and how to leverage the resources. Locally based PAs may also have prior experience working with representatives from the largest insurance companies in the area and might be able to cut Insurance through some of the red tape and bureaucracy to ensure you receive the money owed to you quicker.