When your property suffers damage from water, mold, or a hurricane, the first step is usually to contact your insurance company.
But what many people don’t know is that, at that moment, you can also count on an ally who works exclusively for you: the home insurance adjuster, also known as a public adjuster.
Below, we explain how it works, what your rights are, and how to avoid falling into the wrong hands.
What does a public insurance adjuster do?
A home insurance adjuster is a licensed expert who represents homeowners (not insurance companies) in cases of damage covered by insurance policies.
Their duties include:
- Assessing the actual damage to your property
- Reviewing your policy coverage
- Preparing and filing the claim correctly
- Negotiating with the insurer to ensure fair payment
- Accompanying you every step of the way until you receive compensation
The big difference between an insurance adjuster and a public adjuster is that the former works for the company, while the latter works for you.
What should a valid contract with a public adjuster include?
Before hiring a public adjuster, make sure the contract includes:
- The adjuster’s full name and license number
- A description of the damage
- The agreed-upon fee percentage (must be in large print)
- The type of claim (hurricane, fire, water, etc.)
- Signatures of both parties and clear date
- Cancellation clause within 10 business days, or 30 if there is an emergency
If any of these elements are missing, the contract may not be valid.
Your rights as a consumer
When you hire a public home adjuster, the law protects you. These are your main rights:
- Cancel the contract without penalty within the legal time frame
- Receive a copy of the contract and the damage estimate
- Refuse to allow contractors or third parties to be included without your authorization
- Be informed transparently about fees and payments
- Be treated ethically and without pressure
What a public adjuster cannot do
There are clear legal limits to protect you from fraud and malpractice. A home insurance adjuster must not:
- Make misleading promises about what you will receive
- Submit false or inflated claims
- Make binding agreements with contractors without your permission
- Offer you loans, gifts, or payments to persuade you
- Sign repair contracts without your knowledge
How to file a home insurance claim with professional help
Here we explain step by step what the process is like when you work with a public adjuster:
- Policy review: Analyze whether the damage is covered.
- Damage inspection: A detailed technical assessment is carried out.
- Documentation: Visual evidence, inventories, and estimates are prepared.
- Claim submission: It is formally sent to the insurance company.
- Negotiation: The adjuster speaks on your behalf and defends your compensation.
- Case closure: Once accepted, you receive payment and the case is closed.
Important: Public adjusters only charge if you get paid.
You don’t have to pay anything up front.
Rates and limits according to Florida law
- In normal situations, fees are usually between 10% and 20% of the total amount recovered.
- In declared states of emergency, the law sets a maximum of 10%.
- They cannot charge you for payments you had already received before signing the contract.
How to know if a home insurance adjuster is trustworthy
Before signing with anyone, follow these steps:
- Verify their license on the Florida Department of Financial Services (FLDFS) website.
- Ask for references or look for reviews online.
- Make sure the contract is clear and transparent.
- Never sign under pressure or miraculous promises.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster?
The insurance adjuster works to protect the interests of the insurance company. The public adjuster represents your interests as the insured party.
When should I hire a public adjuster?
When the damage is significant, the insurance company refuses to pay, or the offer is very low.
What if I have already received an insurance payment?
You can still hire an adjuster if you feel the amount was insufficient.
Can I cancel the contract if I change my mind?
Yes. You have 10 business days (or 30 if there is an emergency) to cancel without penalty.
What if the adjuster is not licensed?
Do not sign anything. You could be exposed to fraud or illegal practices.
Do you need help with your claim?
At The Claim Partner, we are licensed, experienced, and committed home insurance adjusters.
We ensure that you don’t have to face this process alone or lose your compensation due to mistakes or lack of support.
Contact us or download our app to start your case.
We work for your rights. You focus on recovering, we focus on claiming what you are entitled to.