The best source to find an experienced public adjuster can be found through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. NAPIA can provide referrals in all states that have licenses for public adjusters. The Public Insurance Adjuster is the only adjuster who is licensed to represent the insured party in a claim for property. More than 43 states plus the District of Columbia require an adjuster with this license in order representing the insurer.
A professionally trained public insurance adjuster will serve as your advocate and assist you navigate through the maze of insurance so that you can get the full amount due to you under your insurance policy. There are a few steps that must be completed before you can get paid by the insurer. These include valuing the loss, giving it to the insurance company and making the settlement. Insurance policies are complicated and are conditional. Therefore, full payment for a loss is not automatic.
A public adjuster can help determine the extent of coverage and the cause of the loss to assess the value of the offer or refusal.
After a disaster, fire victims are often bombarded by offers and inquires from general contractors and public adjusters and others offering to help. This is normal. If you're being solicited does not suggest that they are doing something wrong. But, it is important to be cautious and do your due diligence prior to making a decision to sign up for their services.
If the adjusters who represent you are not affiliated with NAPIA, (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters) be aware.. They might not have the insurance or legal experience to properly represent you. Here are a few danger signs:
1. They make big promises, but without any guarantee.
2. Their charges are exorbitant. Most legit Public Insurance Adjusters fees range between 5% to 12% with an average of around 10%. Certain public adjusters be more expensive on smaller claims or when employed midway through the process of filing claims.
3. If you feel pressured to take a decision quickly take a break. Legitimate PAs recognize that this choice to have someone represent you in order to get your life and home back in order is an important one. This isn't a choice that should be taken quickly. It could be one of the most expensive choices you'll make in your lifetime. Make sure you take your time and be sure that you feel comfortable Insurance with the adjuster that you hire.
4. Go to their website and address. If they don't have any documents other than a business card, be extremely cautious. If the only address they have is a PO box, this could be a alarming sign.
5. It is usually preferential to employ an individual who is local. Someone who understands the local housing market and reconstruction costs, who is aware of the resources of the community and how best to make use of them. Locally based PAs may also have worked with representatives of the major insurance companies in the area and may be able to cut through the bureaucracy and red tape to ensure you get what is owed to you faster.