How Public Adjusters Help You Receive a Higher Settlement

Navigating insurance claims can feel overwhelming, especially when insurers prioritize profits over policyholders. Many assume that insurance company adjusters work on their behalf, but in reality, they represent the insurer’s interests—not yours. This is where public insurance adjusters step in. As independent advocates, public adjusters specialize in securing fair settlements, ensuring that property owners receive the compensation they deserve rather than being shortchanged.

Public insurance adjusters assess damage, interpret policy terms, and negotiate with insurers to hold insurers accountable to pay insureds what they are owed. Given the widespread issues of delayed, denied, and underpaid claims, hiring a public adjuster is a strategic move for commercial property managers, contractors, and facility owners seeking financial protection after a loss. There is actually a high cost to property owners trying to manage and settle their own insurance claims–this is due to the fact that, on average, property owners receive over 700% more in settlement funds when utilizing a Public Insurance Adjuster.

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How Public Insurance Adjusters Strengthen Your Claim

Public insurance adjusters provide a range of services designed to counteract insurer tactics and ensure fair settlements. Their expertise includes:

Independent Damage Assessments

Unlike insurance company adjusters, who assess losses with the insurer’s financial interests in mind, public adjusters conduct thorough, unbiased evaluations. This process involves a meticulous on-site inspection, where they document all damage using high-resolution photographs, detailed reports, and expert analysis. Every aspect of structural, water, and fire-related losses is carefully recorded to ensure an accurate representation of the extent of damage.

Cost estimation is another crucial step. Public adjusters use advanced industry-standard software to generate detailed repair or replacement estimates. These calculations ensure that nothing is overlooked and that policyholders receive the full compensation necessary for restoration.

An in-depth policy review follows, where public adjusters analyze coverage terms, exclusions, and endorsements. Insurance policies are often complex and filled with technical jargon that can lead to misinterpretation. Public adjusters clarify these terms, ensuring that policyholders fully understand their entitlements and that insurance companies cannot exploit vague wording to deny coverage.

Expert Negotiation for Higher Payouts

After completing the damage assessment, public adjusters take the lead in negotiating with insurance companies. This process requires a strategic approach, beginning with presenting comprehensive claim reports backed by documented evidence. Public adjusters leverage this information to counteract attempts by insurers to undervalue claims.

Challenging underpayment tactics is a key aspect of the negotiation process. Insurance companies may intentionally downplay damages or argue that certain repairs are unnecessary. Public adjusters, equipped with industry knowledge and expertise, push back against these tactics to ensure policyholders receive fair settlements.

Additionally, they maintain persistent follow-up throughout the claims process, preventing unnecessary delays. Many insurers use stalling techniques, hoping that policyholders will grow frustrated and accept a lower payout. Public adjusters keep the pressure on, ensuring timely claim resolution and maximum compensation.

Common Claim Scenarios Where Public Insurance Adjusters Are Essential

Certain types of claims particularly benefit from public adjuster involvement:

Water Damage Losses

Water damage claims are among the most frequently filed, yet insurers often dispute coverage or attempt to minimize payouts. Whether the issue stems from a burst pipe, a plumbing failure, or an appliance leak, public adjusters ensure that all damage is accounted for, including secondary issues like microbial contamination.

Fire and Smoke Damage

Fire-related losses are complex, involving structural and water damage, smoke contamination, and extensive restoration work. Insurers may underestimate the scope of required repairs or fail to account for long-term effects like lingering smoke damage.

Vandalism and Theft Losses

Vandalism and theft claims often face scrutiny from insurance companies, which may deny coverage due to alleged insufficient proof or missing documentation. Public adjusters help compile the necessary evidence, including police reports, security footage, and detailed damage assessments, strengthening the claim and maximizing the likelihood of approval.

Velocity Public Insurance Adjusters is certified through the IICRC in fire damage, smoke damage, water damage, and structural drying, ensuring that policyholders have expert guidance when navigating these claims. This expertise prevents policyholders from accepting settlements that fall short of actual recovery costs.

The Hidden Challenges of the Claims Process

Insurance companies use various tactics to limit their financial exposure, often to the detriment of policyholders. Public adjusters help clients navigate these challenges by addressing common issues such as:

• Depreciation Adjustments: Insurance carriers may reduce payouts based on depreciation, arguing that damaged property has lost value over time. However, many policies include replacement cost coverage, which should compensate for the full cost of repairs or replacements. Public adjusters ensure that policyholders receive the compensation they are entitled to.
• Confusing Policy Language: Insurance policies contain technical language that can be misinterpreted or used to deny claims. Public adjusters clarify these terms and advocate for coverage where applicable.
• Delayed Responses: Insurers may intentionally delay claims processing, creating frustration and financial strain for policyholders. Public adjusters expedite the process by maintaining pressure on the insurance company and ensuring that all deadlines are met.

Jay M. Feinman’s book Delay, Deny, Defend highlights how these tactics are common strategies used by insurers to minimize payouts. By working with a public adjuster, policyholders can counteract these unfair practices and secure a fair resolution.

Why Insurance Company Adjusters Don’t Work for You

Insurance adjusters employed by the carrier have one primary responsibility: protecting the insurance company’s financial interests. As a result, policyholders often experience:

• Lowball Settlement Offers: Insurers may intentionally undervalue claims, assuming that policyholders will accept the first offer.
• Claim Denials Without Justification: Coverage exclusions and vague policy interpretations are used as excuses to reject claims.
• Excessive Documentation Demands: Insurers may require policyholders to provide unnecessary paperwork, prolonging the claims process and creating roadblocks.

The Role of Consumer Advocacy Groups

Organizations like the American Policyholders Association (APA) and the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) actively work to hold insurance companies accountable for unfair claim practices. They provide resources, research, and advocacy to support policyholders in claim disputes.

Additionally, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) oversees insurance industry regulations and offers guidance for consumers dealing with claim issues. Policyholders can use these organizations as additional support when facing insurer pushback.

Take Control of Your Claim with Public Insurance Adjusters

Policyholders have rights, and working with a public insurance adjuster is one of the most effective ways to protect those rights. By hiring an advocate with industry expertise, property owners can avoid common pitfalls, maximize claim payouts, and ensure that insurers fulfill their obligations.

Insurance companies have a vested interest in minimizing payouts, leaving many policyholders at a financial disadvantage after property damage. Public insurance adjusters provide critical support by conducting independent assessments, negotiating higher settlements, and ensuring claims are handled fairly.

If you suspect your claim is being undervalued, don’t navigate the insurance process alone. Contact Velocity Public Insurance Adjusters today to learn how we can help you secure the settlement you deserve.