Do I Need a Public Adjuster?
Not hiring a public adjuster is like letting the IRS do your taxes. When filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim, your insurance company..
What Does a Public Adjuster Do?
Most private adjusters in Westchester County are a “one man show” who chase fire trucks instead of settling your claim. They look like a well staffed company online but over-promise and under-deliver.
Atlas Adjustments focuses on superior customer service by delivering truth and impressive results. Our numbers don’t lie. Adjusting your claim is our full time job and we take it very seriously. We are conveniently located in downtown White Plains. Stop by and say hi!
- Verify all insurance coverages and start working on your claim IMMEDIATELY.
- Book and Pay for Emergency Temporary Housing (modern hotel for all qualified tenants of home)
- Make sure any broken windows are boarded up and secured to prevent trespassing and/or further damage.
- Request an advance payment to get started with repairs without having to wait until the claim settles.
- Send our team of inventory specialists to create an itemized list of damaged property including age and price of EVERYTHING lost in the peril.
- Write our own Xactimate building estimate separately from the insurance company and negotiate a quality settlement.
- Handle EVERY meeting, all paperwork and phone negotiations. No need to take off of work. We are licensed and insured to manage the claim and settle with your approval.
- Recover any “holdback” depreciation money that the insurance carrier may be holding.
Should I Hire A Public Adjuster?
A homeowner may want to hire a public adjuster for several reasons, such as:
- Expertise and Knowledge: Public adjusters are licensed professionals who specialize in navigating the complex insurance claims process. They have in-depth knowledge of insurance policies, coverage, and claim procedures. They can help homeowners understand their policy and ensure that they receive a fair settlement for their claim.
- Time-Saving: Filing an insurance claim can be a time-consuming and stressful process, especially if the homeowner is not familiar with the process. A public adjuster can handle the entire process on behalf of the homeowner, saving them time and effort.
- Maximize Settlement: Public adjusters work on behalf of the homeowner, not the insurance company. Their goal is to help the homeowner receive the maximum settlement possible for their claim. They can help document and quantify the loss, negotiate with the insurance company, and ensure that the homeowner is compensated fairly.
- Claims Denial: If an insurance company denies a claim, a public adjuster can help the homeowner navigate the appeal process. They can review the policy and documentation, identify any errors or discrepancies, and provide expert testimony to support the homeowner’s claim. Did you know that renting out a property with a homeowners policy could lead to denial?
Overall, a public adjuster can be a valuable resource for homeowners who are navigating the insurance claims process, especially for complex or high-value claims.
How Do I Pay My Public Adjuster?
Public adjusters typically get paid on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they are successful in obtaining a settlement for the policyholder. The fee is usually a small percentage of the total settlement amount, and it is agreed upon in advance between the public adjuster and the policyholder.
The percentage of the fee can vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the amount of work involved. It is typically between 5% and 12.5% of the settlement amount, although some states have laws that limit the maximum fee percentage that a public adjuster can charge.
When a public adjuster is hired, they will typically perform an initial inspection of the damage, assess the policyholder’s coverage, and review their insurance policy to determine the best strategy for the claim. The public adjuster will then negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of the policyholder to ensure that they receive the maximum settlement amount possible.
Once a settlement has been reached, the insurance company will issue a check directly to the policyholder, and another directly to your public adjuster for their fee.