If you need the services of a public adjuster, it’s crucial to remember that you’re the one paying for their expertise, and not vice-versa. Therefore, you have to be in control of the entire process, including interviewing several candidates and asking the right questions. We’ve highlighted eleven crucial questions you should ask a public adjuster before doing that handshake and signing on the dotted line.

WHY SHOULD YOU HIRE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

Before we jump into how to hire a public adjuster, let’s first talk about why you would need to hire one. Well, it’s one of those services you pray to never need. However, if your business or home incurs any damages, you would naturally have to file an insurance claim. This essentially means coming up with an estimate of any damages or losses you incurred. If the insurance company believes that your claim is too large, or they can find a way to haggle their way into paying less, they will have their insurance adjuster evaluate the loss and draw up their estimate.

In this scenario, there are three practical options you can take. First, you can agree with the insurance company’s offer. However, this option almost always means that the actual cost of the damages will be deflated. Secondly, you can choose to sue the insurance company. Again, this option leaves you with a ton of legal fees to cover, and in court you would also have to contend with some of the best corporate lawyers. And your property would remain in bad shape for the entire duration of the legal proceeding. Thirdly, you can hire a public adjuster to file a counteroffer.

Hiring a public adjuster is the ideal compromise. Usually, they can help you get a more favorable settlement, and you don’t get to pay them up front or out of your own pocket. Find out more about when to contact a Florida public adjuster here.

Below are eleven crucial questions to ask any public adjuster in Florida before you hire them.

1. HOW LONG HAVE THEY BEEN PLYING THEIR TRADE?

There’s nothing bad about being new to the game. Nearly all the top firms had a small and humble beginning with only a handful of clients. However, if the adjuster is just starting their firm, be sure to find out if they have prior experience at another firm. If the answer is no, don’t hire them. 

2. DO THEY WORK SOLO OR AS A TEAM?

Regardless of expertise, there is only so much that a single person can know or do. A team of adjusters is your best bet, as they can pool their resources and get better results for you, the client.

3. ARE THEY LICENSED IN FLORIDA?

This should apply regardless of where you are based. An unlicensed public adjuster is breaching the law by practicing without a valid license. Also, they could be putting your whole case at risk, as they are probably not certified or competent either.

4. HAVE THEY HANDLED CLAIMS LIKE YOURS IN THE PAST?

For most certified public adjusters, south Florida hurricanes is a good benchmark. However, when you are dealing with an unusual claim (such as a car running off the road and slamming into your garage) you’ll want to be confident that your public adjuster is savvy enough to handle everything – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

5. HOW DO THEY GET PAID?

The golden rule is; they only get paid when you get paid, not before. Once a public adjuster has won your claim, they are entitled to a percentage of the claim. Anything other than this payment arrangement is a no-no. It’s unethical and unfounded.

6. HAVE THEY DEALT WITH MORTGAGE LENDERS IN THE PAST?

Depending on the circumstances, you may still be struggling with fulfilling your financial obligations to your mortgage lender, and they will probably be calling to collect in the middle of your insurance claim tussle. Some public adjusters know their way around some of these situations and can step in to allay the concerns of your mortgage lender.

7. WHO WILL PREPARE MY CLAIM?

The irony of working with a small team is that you may wind up working with a large firm that ends up outsourcing your work to third-party contractors. So you may be paying for a big name, but not get excellent service. Therefore, ensure that your public adjuster will be directly involved in preparing and negotiating your claim. 

8. CAN I REMAIN INVOLVED WITH MY CLAIM?

Depending on the public adjuster, you may or may not be allowed to communicate with the insurance company. Some adjusters prefer you don’t, while others are happy to allow you to maintain contact. However, what’s important is that both you and your potential adjuster agree on your involvement moving forward.

9. CAN THEY PROVIDE LOCAL REFERENCES AND TESTIMONIALS?

On average, most people may require the services of a public adjuster only a couple of times. Therefore, it’s rare that they will forget one that did a great job. So, ask your prospective public adjuster for testimonials and references. If they can’t come up with anything concrete, step on the brakes and move on.

10. HOW MANY CLAIMS ARE THEY CURRENTLY HANDLING?

Usually, after a natural disaster, public adjusters can become swarmed with a plethora of claims. In situations like this, finding a competent licensed adjuster may be hard, and if you find one, they may be too busy to give your case the attention it requires.

11. WHAT IS THEIR ERRORS AND OMISSIONS POLICY?

In the insurance industry, an errors and omissions policy is the industry’s version of malpractice insurance. This policy ensures that if your public adjuster makes an error that costs money, they will compensate you out of their pocket. Every qualified and licensed public adjuster should have a similar policy of their own. If they happen to be tight-lipped about this information, then tell them you’ll hire them when pigs begin to fly.

Contact us for more information, call (954) 588-7416.