If you are like most people experiencing property damage firsthand, you may be feeling a bit panicky, and your first instinct is probably to rush to the phone, speed dial your insurance company, and start the process of filing a claim. But wait!
What if we told you that doing that would likely end up with you receiving a settlement payment two to three times lower (on average) than what you deserve? And what if we told you that you can actually get way more money for your property damage claim in Wisconsin if you hired a public adjuster?
Well, we’re not just telling you—it’s the truth. Public adjusters can maximize your payment and simplify the claims process, saving you time, money, and stress. Read on to learn more about the job of a public adjuster and how they can help
What is a Public Adjuster?
Public adjusters are insurance professionals who work on behalf of you, the policyholder, and not the insurance company. They’re employed and paid by you, and therefore your best interests are at the forefront of everything they do. They’re experts in all things relating to the claims process, and they not only understand all the complicated ins and outs of insurance policies and its technical jargon, but they can also anticipate what tricks insurance companies will pull to try to minimize your settlement.
In the event that you submit a claim, your insurance company will try to send their own representative or try to assign you an independent adjuster. An independent adjuster is different from a public adjuster because they are contracted out by the insurance company, and are therefore working under their thumb.
It may seem like you have to work with the insurance representative or independent adjuster, but this is not true. Just because it’s the free option, doesn’t make it the better one. A public adjuster can get you two to three times more money, with a fee typically ranging around only 10% to 15% of the claim. All in all, public adjusters are more trustworthy and have a duty to protect your financial interests.
What Exactly Does a Public Adjuster Do?
Simply put, public adjusters help level the playing field to get you the biggest property insurance settlement possible. Let’s say, for example, that there was a fire at your home, and your property and belongings are severely damaged. However, when you go to submit a claim, your insurance company offers you a measly settlement payment that doesn’t begin to help you recoup what you lost. Instead of giving up and accepting the money, a public adjuster will step in and:
Evaluates the Damage
A public adjuster will come to your property and inspect and assess the extent of the damage. Due to their experience in handling claims, they have lots of experience identifying losses, and can guarantee that nothing is overlooked. They can also spot damage that might otherwise be undetectable to the untrained, ensuring a thorough and accurate assessment of the true costs of the damages.
Reviews Your Policy
Let’s face it—insurance policies are confusing! And this is done on purpose by your insurance company in order to make them difficult to read and purposefully disorient you. However, this method does not work on public adjusters. They’re well-versed in insurance jargon, and will be able to accurately review your policy and interpret the terms and coverage so you know exactly what you’re entitled to. (This helps prevent underpayment!)
Prepares for the Claim
Before your claim can even be processed by your insurance company, evidence needs to be gathered to support it! This is where a public adjuster will step in and help you prepare. They’ll do things like compile necessary documentation, take pictures and videos, and get repair estimates. All of this will be critical to ensuring that your claim isn’t denied due to “lack of evidence”. Once everything has been arranged, they’ll submit the forms and paperwork for you.
Negotiates on Your Behalf
Just because all the paperwork has been submitted, doesn’t mean the fight is over yet! One of the most critical roles of a public adjuster is their ability to negotiate with the insurance company. They’ll lead by communication efforts by going back and forth with the insurance company on your behalf.
Settles the Claim
A public adjuster will stay involved in your case until your claim is finally (and fairly) settled! They’ll make sure that you receive the funds you deserve based on the damages and your policy details. They’re in it for the long haul, and won’t leave your side until all the dust has cleared.
How Do Public Adjusters Help in a Time of Need?
So now that you know exactly what a public adjuster actually does, why is all of that such a good thing? Well, here’s why hiring a public adjuster is beneficial:
Maximizes Your Property Insurance Claim
We’ll keep repeating this one so you understand that you can receive over twice the settlement amount that you would working by yourself—with the help of a public adjuster, of course. Property insurance claims are the most costly expenses for insurance companies, so they are much less likely to give you a fair settlement. So how do we get you a better property insurance settlement?
We are experts in understanding how insurance companies put a value on property damage and what loopholes they try to find in your coverage. Our knowledge allows us to see potential problems right away and appraise the damage correctly, giving the power back to you as the policyholder.
Protects and Supports You During the Claim Process
Insurance companies know that the average policyholder doesn’t understand their policy much. They know that you likely signed up for your policy years ago and haven’t put much thought into it since. Because of that, they feel that they can take advantage and confuse you with complex jargon and fine print.
Not on our watch! We are there to be in your corner and show your insurance company that you demand a fair settlement on your insurance claim. Just knowing that you are working with a public adjuster is enough for most insurance companies to know that they can’t take advantage of you.
Oversees Construction and Restoration
So now you have your settlement check in your hand… now what? How do you start getting yourself and your property back to normal? We are still there to help! Public adjusters can go beyond just settlement negotiation and help you get back on track with construction, contractors, restorations, and clean-up.
With over 20 years of experience in the home restoration industry, we can help you get quotes from different companies to make sure you put your settlement to good use and get the biggest bang for your buck.
When Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?
So, now that you understand what a public adjuster does and why they’re helpful, you may be wondering when exactly you should hire one. Although not every claims process necessarily needs the assistance of a public adjuster, there are a few instances when you should seriously consider hiring one.
You should hire a public adjuster if…
- The claim is complex: If your claim is complicated or involves significant damages (like natural disasters, fires, or water damage), a public adjuster can simplify the process.
- Your claim is disputed or denied: When there’s a disagreement with the insurance company over your settlement, a public adjuster can help mediate and negotiate for a fair resolution.
- You’re limited on time: If you have a busy schedule and lack the time to handle the claims process effectively, a public adjuster can save you time and stress.
- You’re confused: If you find insurance terminology confusing and need someone to decipher your policy for you, a public adjuster can help translate.
How to Find a Public Adjuster
When choosing a public adjuster, don’t just settle for the first one that you come across! Make sure to do your due diligence and find an adjuster that actually gets the job done. Take the time to:
- Ensure that they have the necessary license and certifications
- Check to see if they have experience handling cases like yours
- Read their online reviews and look at their website
- Ask around to see if they have a good reputation
Before hiring, make sure you understand the terms of the contract, including the fee structure and any additional costs. Any public adjuster should be willing to explain how they are paid and any additional fees that are to follow.
Wisconsin’s Most Trusted Public Adjuster
At Fortitude Public Adjusters, we uphold the core values that Wisconsin was built upon: hard work, integrity, and fairness. Our goal is to ensure that no one is treated poorly by their insurance company and that you, the policyholder, receive what you rightfully deserve.
Dealing with property damage can be incredibly stressful for homeowners due to the multitude of tasks that arise. We aim to alleviate some of this stress by handling the claim process for property owners in Wisconsin locations like Brookfield, Brown Deer, Greenfield, Mequon, Wauwatosa, West Allis, and more and allowing you to focus on getting your life back to normal. Contact us today for a free consultation, and enjoy the reassurance that comes with working alongside a public adjuster you can trust.
