Independent Insurance Adjuster or Public Adjuster: What’s the Difference?

If you have suffered damages, or someone is claiming them against your insurance, it is important to find the right type of representation. What is the difference between an Independent Insurance adjuster and a public adjuster? Public adjusters work for the policyholder and negotiate for the claimant. Both positions have similarities, but an independent adjuster works for the insurance agency. Both types of insurance adjusters estimate the value of insured items. They also help to evaluate insurance claims. They work to determine the legitimacy of a claim, whether an insurance company has to pay out, and how much they should pay.

Independent Insurance Adjuster

An independent insurance adjuster is one who represents a firm that gathers information about a claim. They ensure that an insurance claim will be handled quickly and with fair financial restitution if the claim is determined to be legitimate. Typically they work with an insurance company to help inspect the damage that has occurred after an accident. Insurance adjusters also do follow-up research to determine how much should be paid for a settlement. Other tasks include consulting with experts, interviewing the claimants, and preparing the documentation for an examiner. 

Public Insurance Adjuster

Public insurance adjusters are responsible for evaluating how much damage has been caused after an incident. Public insurance adjusters are those who look into the property loss on behalf of a policyholder. They will also help them file insurance claims in exchange for a fee. They work for individuals and businesses rather than insurance companies. Jobs might include claims for flood, fire, smoke, wind, and hurricane damage. It can also mean damage due to other problems that are filed by the adjuster. 

Public insurance adjusters are experts when it comes to an insurance policy. They can aid you in filing and adjusting claims, and always have previous experience. Many public adjusters do not charge a fee for an appraisal but will charge a fee in order to file a claim.

Tasks of an Insurance adjuster

• Investigate, evaluate, and settle insurance claims
• Determine if the insurance policy covers the loss 
• Decide the amount that the insurance company should pay to the claimant
• Ensure that claims are not fraudulent
• Contact doctors or employers to get additional information 
• Offer legal counsel on claims when needed
• Keep claims files, such as records of settled claims and an inventory of claims requiring detailed analysis
• Negotiate settlements
• Authorize payments

Contact Us Today

Choosing the right independent insurance adjuster is an important decision. You need someone who understands the process, as well as the damages and what they are worth. We have assisted many different types of clients through this process and produced measurable results. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.