The best place to find an excellent public adjuster can be found through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. NAPIA can provide referrals in every state that has licensed public adjusters. An Public Insurance Adjuster is the only type of adjuster qualified to represent the insured party on a property claim. 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 professionally trained public insurance adjuster will serve as your advocate and assist you navigate the insurance maze so that you can get the full amount due to you under your policy. There are a few steps to be taken before you can get paid including valuing the loss and present it to the insurer and the negotiation of the settlement. Insurance policies are complicated and conditional, full settlement of an unintentional loss isn't automatic.
Public adjusters can help determine coverages and causes of the loss in order to assess the insurer's offer or refusal.
After a fire or other disaster, victims often get besieged with offers and inquiries from general contractors, public adjusters, as well as other companies offering to help. This is the norm. Just because you are being solicited does not mean they are doing something wrong. But, you must be careful and to do your research prior to signing up to their services.
If the public adjusters are not members of NAPIA, (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters,) be aware.. They might not Public Adjuster possess the necessary legal or insurance experience to properly represent you. Here are some danger indications:
1. They make huge promises but do not offer any guarantee.
2. The fees they charge are outrageous. Most legitimate Public Insurance Adjusters fees range between 5% to 12% which is around 10 percent. Certain public adjusters might charge more for smaller claims or when employed midway through the claim process.
3. If you are pressured to take a decision quickly, run. Legitimate PAs recognize that this decision to appoint someone to represent you in order to help you get your home and your life back in order is an important one. This isn't a choice to be taken quickly. This could be one of the most expensive choices you'll make in your life. Make sure you take your time and be sure you feel comfortable with the adjuster that you employ.
4. Go to their website and address. If they don't possess anything other than an official business card, be very wary. If the only address they have is a PO box, it could be a alarming sign.
5. It is usually better to hire someone who is local. Someone who knows the local market for housing and rebuilding costs, who understands the strengths of the local community and how to make use of them. A locally based PA may also have prior experience working with representatives of major insurance companies in the area and may be in a position to cut through some of the red tape and bureaucracy in order to make sure that you receive what you owe to you faster.