What are public insurance adjusters (PA’s)?

A Public Adjuster is an authority on loss adjustments who can be retained to assist you in preparing, filing, and adjusting of your insurance claims. Public Adjusters work for the insured, not the insurance company. Each state in New England and most other states license Public Adjusters.

What kinds of claims do PA’s deal with?

A Public Adjuster will adjust virtually any property damage claim such as fire, windstorm, explosion, or other insured losses such as inland marine, business interruption, rental income, improvements and betterments, and additional expense.

Why not just rely on the insurance company's adjuster?

Insurance company adjusters are trained professionals who represent the interests of the insurance company that employs them. The insured can protect his interest by retaining an accredited Public Adjuster. Public Adjusters, with their expertise and knowledge, present a more comprehensive claim in the most favorable light for the insured, and thereby obtained a better settlement.

Why do I need a PA to get what’s rightfully due to me?

The technical language of an insurance policy and the complicated procedures an insured must follow to comply with the policy’s terms are often complex and confusing. Many important terms are not even defined in the policy. A Public Adjuster gives the insured the advantage of expertise derived from representing thousands of insureds who have faced similar technical problems. A Public Adjuster relieves the insured of time-consuming and difficult issues associated with preparing and filing a claim. The result: a prompt and fair settlement.

Most insurance company representatives prefer to work with an experienced, accredited Public Adjuster. An accredited Public Adjuster must adhere to a strict code of ethics established by the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA). We are members of NAPIA, the Massachusetts Association of Public Adjusters, the Better Business Bureau and several other associations.

Why can’t I rely on my Insurance Agent to handle my claim?

An agent or broker is a representative of the insurance company. They’re not generally trained in the preparation and resolution of a claim.

How does a PA determine the insured’s actual loss?

A Public Adjuster will take a physical inventory, obtain all pertinent appraisals, and confirm that all provisions of the insured’s policy have been considered. The process involves numerous steps that the inexperienced insured is unaware of. These steps will significantly impact the final settlement.

Why retain a PA before getting an offer from the ins. company?

Insurance companies pay close attention to their bottom line. After an insurance company adjuster has formed his initial impressions of a loss and filed a report to the insurance company, it can be difficult to change that opinion of the loss and obtain a higher settlement. When a Public Adjuster is retained initially, each potentially thorny issue can be discussed and negotiated without such difficulty.

Why not simply submit a contractor’s estimate?

Contractors are usually not insurance experts and policy issues are not usually considered in their bids. Their bids are often low and inadequate for replacement costs because they are trying to remain competitive. Contractors often don’t replace everything that should be allowed at the appropriate quality.

How much do PA’s charge for their service?

Public Adjusters work on a contingency basis and are paid a percentage (as specified by each state's insurance commissioner) of the insurance company's payment. This fee is generally more than offset by a significantly higher settlement.