What does an insurance adjuster do on a home claim?
Short answer. An insurance adjuster investigates a claim for the insurer: confirms the policy and the event, inspects and documents the damage, writes an estimate of what the repair costs, applies the deductible and depreciation, and settles the payment. On a roof claim the adjuster also decides whether the roof needs repair or full replacement.
The adjuster's job, in order
- Coverage check. Is the policy active, is the peril covered, are there exclusions or special deductibles, and does the date of loss fall within the policy period?
- Contact and scheduling. Reach you, take your account of the event and set the inspection.
- Inspection. Photograph and measure. On a roof that means test squares, wind creases, collateral damage and interior stains.
- Estimate. Price the work line by line, usually in Xactimate, using local pricing.
- Settlement. Apply the deductible and depreciation, issue the first payment and explain what remains to be paid after the work, if anything. See ACV vs RCV.
- Follow-up. Review supplements, reinspect when needed, and release recoverable depreciation once the work is complete and invoiced.
Who the adjuster works for
A company or independent adjuster works for the insurer. A public adjuster is the one type licensed to work for you, for a fee. Your roofer documents damage and scopes the job but, in Georgia, cannot negotiate the claim on your behalf. The differences are laid out in public adjuster vs roofer.
What adjusters do not do
They do not repair your roof, and they do not choose your contractor; you can pick your own. They also do not write the policy. The policy decides what is covered, and the adjuster applies it. Georgia licenses adjusters and holds insurers to its unfair claims settlement practices law, which requires prompt, reasonable handling.