Should homeowners hire a public insurance adjuster?
Short answer. A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents you, not the insurer, preparing and negotiating your claim for a fee that is usually a percentage of the settlement. On a straightforward roof claim many homeowners do fine without one, while large or complicated losses such as a fire, major water damage, or a heavily disputed claim are where a public adjuster tends to earn the fee.
What a public adjuster does
- Reviews your policy and identifies every coverage that may apply.
- Documents the damage, including contents and additional living expenses.
- Prepares a detailed estimate and proof of loss.
- Negotiates with the insurer's adjuster and can handle appraisal.
Georgia protections
Public adjusters must be licensed by the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, use a contract form the Commissioner has approved, and state the fee in writing. You can rescind the contract within three business days of signing. A roofer cannot act as your public adjuster.
When it tends to be worth it
- A fire, a major interior water loss, or a large contents claim.
- A very large or complex dwelling claim.
- A claim that has stalled despite good documentation.
When it often is not
On a typical hail or wind roof claim, the disagreements are usually about scope details: line items, measurements, matching and code items. A roofer who documents the roof carefully, meets the adjuster, and submits supplements can often settle those without a percentage coming out of the money meant for your roof. If the claim was denied outright, read what to do after a denial before deciding.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What is your Georgia license number?
- What is your fee, and does it apply to money the insurer already offered?
- Who will actually work my file, and how often will I hear from you?
Compare the roles in public adjuster vs roofer in Georgia.