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Q
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What
is a public adjuster?
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A
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A
public adjuster is a professional claims adjuster that represents
ONLY the policy holder (insured) at the time of loss. Unlike
insurance company adjusters, the public adjuster is loyal
and dedicated to serving only the insured.
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Q
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Can
I negotiate my own property loss?
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A
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Certainly,
but it might not be in your best interest to do so. Often
property owners are not completely familiar with the terms
and conditions of their insurance policy, nor with their rights
and obligations in the event of a loss.
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Q
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Why
can’t my agent handle the loss for me?
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A
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Your
agent is trained, and paid for determining your insurance
needs. He is not trained to adjust claims. Your insurance
agent is actually working for the insurance company. When
you ask someone to divide his loyalties you usually compromise
his position.
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Q
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Why
can’t I expect the insurance company adjuster to fairly
handle the adjustment for both the company and myself?
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A
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As
mentioned, the company adjuster is paid by the insurance company.
He may offer, or even dictate his assistance in the adjustment
of your claim, but his primary purpose is to represent the
interest of the insurance company.
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Q
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Why
can’t I use a contractor who assures me he will make
the repairs, as well as handle the details of the adjustment?
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A
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There
are those contractors who claim to be experts in the field
of claim adjustments, but, do they hold an adjuster’s
license issued by the State Board of Insurance? Probably not.
They are usually only able to collect enough money to make
repairs as they see them. Without the prper training these
contractors can jeopardize your claim, especially if they
are not aware of other important facets of your claim, such
as additional living expenses, loss of rents, depreciation,
and other avenues.
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Q
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Will the public adjuster’s fee
be included in my claim?
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A
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No,
the public adjuster’s fee is offset by securing an appropriate
settlement in excess of what the insured can obtain for himself.
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Q
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I have a leaking shower pan that has
caused damage to my home, is this loss too small for a Public
Adjuster to handle?
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A
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Absolutely
not. Property damage can occur from leaking air conditioning
pans, broken water pipes, a high wind storm, or hail. These
losses can be as frustrating to deal with as a major property
loss. A public adjuster provides assistance on any size damages.
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Q
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What
is NAPIA?
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A
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NAPIA
stands for the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters.
NAPIA members have joined together for the purpose of professional
education, certification, and promotion of a code of professional
conduct.
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