What is a property damage adjuster?
The main types
- Staff adjuster: an employee of the insurance company.
- Independent adjuster: works for an adjusting firm the insurer hires, common after big storms. Still represents the insurer.
- Field adjuster: the one who comes to the house.
- Desk adjuster: handles the claim from photos, reports and estimates without visiting, and often approves payments.
- Catastrophe adjuster: travels in after major weather events.
- Public adjuster: licensed to represent the policyholder for a fee, usually a percentage of the settlement.
How to tell who you have
Ask directly: are you employed by my insurer, hired by an adjusting firm, or working for me? The business card and email address usually answer it too. Whatever the type, the claim belongs to your insurer, and the insurer makes the decision.
Licensing in Georgia
Adjusters handling Georgia claims are licensed through the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, and you can ask for a license number. Georgia does not allow a roofing contractor to act as your public adjuster, so your roofer's role is to document damage, prepare the scope and meet the adjuster, not to negotiate the claim. See public adjuster vs roofer in Georgia.
What a good one does on a roof claim
Inspects every slope, documents hail hits and wind damage with clear photos, measures accurately, and explains the estimate line by line. See what roof adjusters look for for the specifics.