A public adjuster is a professional claims handler who advocates for the policyholder in appraising and negotiating an insurance claim. Unlike adjusters from an insurance company, who represent the interests of the insurer, public adjusters work exclusively for the policyholder. Here's how they differ:

• Representation: Public adjusters are hired by you, the policyholder, and therefore represent your interests exclusively. They aim to ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible under your policy terms. In contrast, insurance company adjusters are employed by the insurance company and are tasked with minimizing the payout from the insurer's perspective.

• Compensation: Public adjusters are often paid a percentage of the claim settlement, aligning their financial interests directly with the policyholders’—the higher the settlement, the better for both the policyholder and the adjuster. Insurance company adjusters are salaried employees who might receive bonuses based on the amounts saved through claim adjustment processes.

• Focus and Expertise: Public adjusters typically handle fewer cases at a time compared to insurance company adjusters, allowing them to give more attention and resources to each case. This can be critical in complex claims where detailed assessments and negotiations are required to fairly value the loss.

In summary, while both types of adjusters manage insurance claims, a public adjuster's role is to advocate for the policyholder, ensuring the most favorable outcome for them rather than the insurance company.

Hiring a public adjuster can be greatly beneficial when preparing an insurance claim for several reasons:

• Expertise in Insurance Policies: Public adjusters are experts in the language and details of insurance policies. They understand the complex terms and conditions, which can help to uncover often overlooked stipulations that could benefit you, ensuring that you fully utilize the coverage you've paid for.

• Maximizing Your Settlement: Public adjusters have the skills and experience to accurately document and value all losses related to a claim. They work to make sure that no legitimate part of your claim is underpaid or denied, which often leads to a higher settlement than what might be offered initially by an insurance company's adjuster.

• Reducing Stress: Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster can be extremely stressful. A public adjuster takes on the burden of managing the claims process, from detailed documentation and submitting claims to negotiating with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on recovery and rebuilding.

• Advocacy on Your Behalf: Unlike adjusters from an insurance company, public adjusters work solely for you, advocating for your interests. They are equipped to negotiate aggressively with the insurance company to fight for fair compensation based on your coverage and the damages incurred.

• Speeding Up the Claim Process: Experienced public adjusters can often expedite the claim process by avoiding common pitfalls and delays that can occur when policyholders file claims on their own. They know how to efficiently navigate the claims process, which can help to receive your compensation faster.

• Handling Complex Claims: In cases of major losses, the details and complexities of the claim process can be overwhelming for the average person. Public adjusters handle these kinds of claims regularly and can manage them with a level of professionalism and thoroughness that ensures all aspects are properly addressed.

Essentially, a public adjuster serves as your knowledgeable advocate in ensuring that your insurance claim is fully and fairly assessed and compensated, relieving you from the detailed demands of the claims process and helping to secure a better outcome.

Hiring a public adjuster can significantly benefit you when preparing an insurance claim, mainly due to their specialized skills and qualifications that typical policyholders may not possess. Here’s why their expertise is crucial:

Special Qualifications of a Public Adjuster

• Professional Licensing: Public adjusters are required to be licensed in the states where they operate. This licensing process typically involves passing rigorous state-administered exams that cover a wide range of knowledge regarding insurance laws, the handling of claims, and consumer protection. This ensures they are well-qualified to handle your claim according to professional standards.

• Expert Knowledge of Insurance Policies: Public adjusters have in-depth knowledge of the terms, conditions, and complexities of insurance policies. They understand how policies can be interpreted and applied to various loss scenarios, which is a critical skill set that most policyholders lack.

• Experienced in Damage Assessment: They are trained to accurately assess property damage and understand construction costs and the complexities of building codes, which are essential for preparing a detailed and justified claim submission.

• Skilled in Negotiation: Public adjusters regularly negotiate with insurance companies. They know the tactics that insurers might use to minimize payouts and are experienced in countering these strategies to maximize their clients’ settlements.

• Regulatory Knowledge: They are also well-versed in the local and state regulations affecting claims, which can be pivotal in ensuring claims are compliant and handled appropriately according to the legal framework.

• Dedication to the Client’s Interests: Unlike insurance company adjusters who are employed by the insurer to protect the company's interests, public adjusters work exclusively for the benefit of the policyholder. This focus helps ensure that claims are not only treated fairly but are also aggressively pursued to secure the best possible outcome for the client.

Why You Need a Public Adjuster to Prepare Your Claim

• Comprehensive Claim Preparation: They can thoroughly document your loss and prepare the claims filing in a way that comprehensively represents all aspects of the damages. This thorough preparation helps to avoid delays and disputes over claim details.

• Mitigation of Underpayment Risk: With their expertise, public adjusters can identify and argue for the full scope of damages, significantly reducing the risk of underpayments on claims.

• Efficient Claim Handling: They manage the entire claims process, from documentation through to final negotiations, which can be incredibly time-consuming and complex for an individual to manage effectively on their own.

In essence, a public adjuster brings specialized expertise and dedicated advocacy to the insurance claims process, providing you with the best chance to receive a fair and full settlement. This is particularly valuable in the face of significant property damage where navigating the claims process can be as challenging as dealing with the aftermath of the damage itself.

Insurance agents and brokers do play a role in assisting clients with their insurance needs, including acting as intermediaries with insurance companies. However, their role and responsibilities differ from those of a public adjuster, especially when it comes to handling claims. Here’s how:

Roles of Insurance Agents and Brokers

• Agents and Brokers as Salespeople: The primary role of insurance agents and brokers is to sell insurance policies. Agents represent one or more insurance companies and sell their products, while brokers represent clients and shop around to find them the best insurance policies. Their main expertise lies in understanding and explaining insurance product offerings, not necessarily in handling claims.

• General Advocacy: While agents and brokers do act on your behalf, their ability to advocate in a claims scenario can be limited. They can help file claims and might liaise with the insurer about the status of a claim, but they typically do not conduct in-depth negotiations or dispute resolutions regarding claims settlements. Their involvement generally ends once the claim is filed.

• Conflict of Interest: Insurance agents, in particular, might face a conflict of interest because they are paid by the insurance companies they represent. This can sometimes affect their motivation to push for the highest possible claim payment, as maintaining good relations with the insurer may be a priority.

Why a Public Adjuster is Different

• Specialized in Claims Handling: Unlike agents or brokers, public adjusters specialize in the claims process post-incident. They are specifically trained and licensed in claims handling, damage assessment, and negotiation specifically for claim settlements.

• Dedicated Claims Advocacy: Public adjusters are hired directly by the policyholder and paid a percentage of the claim settlement, aligning their interests directly with those of the client. They work exclusively to maximize the client’s compensation, which includes deploying strategies to counter low settlement offers from insurance companies.

• Expertise in Claims Negotiation: Public adjusters bring specialized knowledge and experience in negotiating insurance claims. They understand the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payments and are skilled at countering these to benefit the policyholder.

• Handling Complex Claims: In cases of significant damage where claims are complex and involve large sums, public adjusters are equipped to handle the detailed process required. They ensure that every element of the claim is properly documented and justified, which goes beyond the basic filing assistance a broker or agent might provide.

While your insurance agent or broker can initiate claims and provide basic support, for thorough, dedicated claims handling and advocacy, especially in complex or high-value cases, a public adjuster is uniquely equipped to manage the process and maximize your financial recovery. This distinction makes them invaluable in navigating the often contentious and complex claims process.

Lesser and Company, as a public adjusting firm, has a specific set of responsibilities aimed at helping policyholders navigate the insurance claims process effectively. Here are the key responsibilities they typically handle:

• Claims Evaluation and Review: Lesser and Company evaluates all aspects of a client's insurance claim. This includes reviewing the insurance policy in detail to understand coverage limits, exclusions, and conditions. They assess the damage thoroughly to ensure that all losses are accurately documented.

• Expert Documentation: The firm gathers and prepares necessary documentation to support the claim. This can include photos, repair estimates, and reports from independent experts like engineers, contractors, or specialists in fields relevant to the claim (e.g., water damage, structural issues).

• Claim Filing and Processing: They handle the entire claims filing process, ensuring that all forms are completed correctly and submitted on time. This also involves keeping track of claim progress and ensuring that deadlines are met.

• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: One of their core responsibilities is to negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the policyholder. Lesser and Company uses its expertise to argue for the maximum possible settlement under the policy terms, countering any attempts by the insurance company to underpay the claim.

• Client Representation: They act as the policyholder’s representative in all interactions with the insurance company. This includes attending meetings, handling correspondence, and advocating for the client’s interests throughout the claims process.

• Advising on Settlement Options: Lesser and Company advises clients on the feasibility of settlement offers from insurance companies. They help policyholders understand the implications of accepting a settlement and can also assist in decision-making about whether to accept a settlement or pursue further negotiations or legal action.

• Resolution of Claim Disputes: If disputes arise about the claim, whether related to coverage, damage assessments, or settlement amounts, Lesser and Company works to resolve these issues. This might involve additional negotiations, mediation, or advising the client on legal options.

• Educating Clients: They also have a role in educating their clients about the claims process, their rights as policyholders, and what they can expect at each stage of the claim. This helps clients make informed decisions and eases the stress associated with dealing with major property losses.

Overall, Lesser and Company's responsibilities are designed to alleviate the burden of the claims process from the policyholder, ensuring that they receive fair and just treatment from their insurance provider and the best possible outcome for their claim.