Should you hire a public adjuster for a homeowners claim?
Short answer. A public adjuster can be worth it on a large or complicated homeowners claim, such as a fire, a major water loss, or a claim with a long contents list, where professional documentation can raise the settlement by more than the fee. On a typical roof claim the fee often costs more than it adds, because the gap is usually missing line items that a qualified roofer can document.
Claims where a public adjuster often earns the fee
- Fire and smoke damage with a long contents inventory.
- Large water losses involving drywall, flooring, cabinets, and additional living expenses.
- Claims where the insurer disputes coverage on several parts of the house at once.
- Homeowners who cannot spend weeks managing paperwork and calls.
Claims where it often does not
- A hail or wind roof claim where the insurer accepted the damage but missed items like drip edge, starter, ice and water barrier, or steep charges. A supplement from a roofer with claim experience usually closes that gap.
- A claim already paid fairly, where a percentage would apply to money you would have received anyway.
Questions to ask before signing
- What percentage, and does it apply to amounts the insurer already offered?
- Are you licensed in Georgia, and is your contract form approved by the Commissioner?
- How will you be listed on the checks, and how fast do you release funds?
- Can I cancel, and what do I owe if I do?
Georgia's Insurance Commissioner warned in 2023 that public adjusters may charge up to 33 percent of a settlement and urged homeowners to check licenses before signing. Compare the options in public adjuster vs roofer in Georgia, and see the steps after a denied roof claim.