The Key Difference
After filing a storm damage claim, your insurance company dispatches an adjuster to assess the damage. This adjuster is employed by or contracted to the insurance company. Their job is to evaluate your claim fairly — but their employer's financial interests and yours are not perfectly aligned.
A public adjuster is an independent licensed professional who works exclusively for policyholders. They handle the entire claims process on your behalf — documenting damage, preparing the claim, negotiating with the insurer — in exchange for a percentage of the final settlement.
What Public Adjusters Do
- Conduct a thorough independent damage assessment
- Identify all damage the insurance adjuster may have missed
- Prepare and submit the claim with complete documentation
- Negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf
- Handle supplement claims when additional damage is discovered
- Manage the entire process so you don't have to
Do They Actually Get More Money?
Studies consistently show that public adjuster settlements are 20–747% higher than insurer-only settlements, with most analyses landing in the 20–40% range. This is because public adjusters are skilled at identifying all covered damage, documenting it thoroughly, and negotiating effectively — skills most homeowners don't have.
What They Cost
Public adjusters typically charge 10–15% of the final settlement. Some states cap their fees — in Florida, the cap is 20% for non-hurricane claims and 10% for hurricane declarations during the first year. Make sure you understand the fee structure before signing any contract.
When to Consider a Public Adjuster
- Your claim is large (over $10,000) — the percentage fee is worthwhile
- Your claim has been denied or significantly underpaid
- The damage is complex — multiple systems affected, interior damage, commercial property
- You don't have time to manage the process yourself
- You're unsure whether you're getting a fair settlement
When You Probably Don't Need One
- The claim is small and straightforward
- You have a cooperative insurer and a clear-cut covered loss
- Your contractor is experienced with insurance claims and can advocate effectively
Some contractors and public adjusters will ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB), transferring your insurance rights to them. This has been widely abused in Florida. Understand exactly what you're signing before transferring any rights. See our AOB guide for details.