When disaster strikes fire, water damage, storm, or theft filing an insurance claim is rarely simple. Commercial property owners often assume that their insurance company will guide them fairly through the claims process. But here’s the truth: your insurance carrier is protecting its bottom line, not yours.
That’s where a public insurance adjuster steps in. Unlike the adjuster assigned by your insurance company, a public adjuster works for you—the policyholder. And they do things your carrier won’t. Let’s break it down.
What Is a Public Insurance Adjuster?
A public insurance adjuster is a licensed professional hired by a policyholder to manage, negotiate, and settle property damage insurance claims. Their job is to ensure you get the full payout you’re entitled to under your policy. They don’t work for the insurance company they work for you.
1. Conduct a Thorough Property Damage Inspection
What carriers often do:
Carrier-assigned adjusters usually conduct a brief inspection to assess damage. Their goal? Settle quickly, often with minimal payout.
What a public insurance adjuster does instead:
A public insurance adjuster performs an independent, detailed inspection of the entire property not just the obvious damage. They document everything, including structural issues, water intrusion behind walls, smoke damage, and even code upgrades you may qualify for. They look at short-term and long-term impacts.
This deep dive ensures nothing is overlooked because overlooked damage often means unpaid damage.
2. Interpret Policy Language in Your Favor
What carriers often do:
Insurance policies are full of legal jargon, loopholes, and fine print. Carrier reps might “explain” your policy but rarely in a way that benefits you.
What a public insurance adjuster does instead:
A public adjuster understands policy language and interprets it in your best interest. They identify hidden coverage, endorsements, and exclusions you might miss. They know how to apply that language in a way that maximizes your claim not minimize it.
That can mean the difference between a denied claim and a six-figure payout.
3. Create a Complete, Itemized Estimate
What carriers often do:
Insurance companies may provide a generic estimate that misses specific repairs, labor costs, or specialty materials. They often lowball.
What a public insurance adjuster does instead:
They build a comprehensive, itemized estimate using industry-standard software, contractor input, and real-world data. This includes labor, materials, cleanup, and business interruption if applicable.
Their estimate reflects the true cost of recovery not the cost the insurer wants to pay.
4. Negotiate With the Insurance Company on Your Behalf
What carriers often do:
Your insurance company controls the process. You’re expected to accept their offer or dispute it alone, usually with little support.
What a public insurance adjuster does instead:
They take over all communication and negotiate directly with the insurance company. They back up your claim with documentation, expert reports, and policy arguments.
This takes the stress off your plate and levels the playing field. In many cases, their involvement results in a significantly higher settlement.
5. Fight for a Fair Settlement Even If It Takes Time
What carriers often do:
Insurers prioritize quick resolution often at the cost of accuracy. Once you accept their offer, it’s done. Even if you discover more damage later, reopening the claim can be tough.
What a public insurance adjuster does instead:
They’re in it for the long game. Public adjusters don’t rush unless it’s in your best interest. They work through disputes, request re-inspections, and gather expert opinions to build your case.
If needed, they can recommend legal action or appraisal processes. Their only job is to make sure you’re not shortchanged.
When you’re dealing with commercial property damage, every dollar counts. The insurance company has its own adjusters shouldn’t you?
A public insurance adjuster brings expertise, negotiation power, and strategy that insurance carriers won’t offer. They dig deeper, advocate harder, and aim higher when it comes to your claim.
If your business is facing property loss, don’t navigate the claim alone. Hire a public insurance adjuster to protect your investment, your operations, and your bottom line. It’s not just smart it’s essential.
