Public adjusters in Florida are an unfamiliar concept to many homeowners; if you need any guidance about hiring one after experiencing damage to your property, look no further. Here is your resource!
Do you need help with insurance claims? We receive many inquiries about the insurance industry from our readers, with questions like the following. Continue to read on for answers to their most commonly asked questions and expert tips to make your insurance claim successful! If we do not answer it here, please reach out – our expert claims adjusters can assist you with any questions!
ClaimsPro USA proudly serves Florida Residents. We do our best to ensure you get the claim settlement owed to you, just as thousands have before you. Let us streamline your insurance claim journey now.
Before Hiring A Public Adjuster in Florida, You Should Ask The Following Questions:
#1. Why Hire a Public Adjuster?
Being insured, you are solely responsible for proving any loss you incur to your insurer, and Public Adjusters represent your case on your behalf.
ClaimPro USA’s team of specialists has the skill, experience, and know-how to maximize the amount you receive from your claim. We understand your rights and insurance policies, forms, and endorsements; our priority is representing you.
Imagine being involved in a legal case; rather than representing yourself, you would hire an attorney as your representative. Insurance claims follow suit with this concept – adjusters working for insurance companies will aim to safeguard their interests first. At the same time, Public Claim Adjusters serve your needs first.
#2. Who Will Be Handling Your Claim?
Sometimes the person you speak with initially may not be responsible for handling your claim; therefore, you should inquire during your first meeting to prevent this scenario from playing out. Many companies use call centers to receive the initial call. At ClaimsPro USA, all calls are handled in-house by our staff. Ensuring the company you hire knows your case from start to finish helps to ensure a successful outcome.
#3. What Is The Processing Time For My Claim?
In Florida, you should receive your initial check from your insurer within 90 days (this amount is the undisputed sum). However, the insurance company could take up to three months or longer, depending on how your contract dictates the settlement of your claim.
#4. What Do Public Adjusters Charge For Their Services?
Public adjusters in Florida typically charge between 5%-20% of your settlement as their fee; hourly or flat rates may also be available in some instances. At ClaimsPro USA, we do not charge any upfront fees, and we will only get paid once our clients get paid!
#5. What Are My Rights If The Insurance Company Doesn’t Pay The Amount We Think Is Sufficient To Settle My Claim?
When a policyholder is unsatisfied with the insurance company’s settlement offer, they often look to public adjusters for assistance. They want to know how ClaimsPro USA can help them negotiate or mediate the dispute.
#6. What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Working With A Public Adjuster?
Here are some pros and cons to consider if you need help deciding whether to hire a Public Adjuster.
Benefits of working with a public adjuster:
– Makes The Claim Process Easier
Damages covered by insurance that affect your personal property or belongings can be disturbing and emotionally wrenching, making dealing with your insurance provider even worse. Doing it alone may need to be more convenient and comfortable. Working with an experienced public adjuster could relieve stress in this challenging insurance claim process.
– Helps You To Fight A Lowball Deal
Only accept the settlement offer made by your insurer after consulting with an independent public adjuster if it seems inadequate. They will help you get a higher settlement offer or negotiate better terms if an inferior offer has been extended.
– Saves Your Time
Handling an intricate or large insurance claim may seem overwhelming; from filing paperwork and attending meetings to dealing with contractors – hiring a public adjuster to manage this insurance claims process could save considerable amounts of your valuable time and energy.
– Cheaper Than Hiring a Lawyer
When things don’t go as expected when filing an insurance claim, many homeowners feel that hiring an attorney will be their only viable solution. Unfortunately, this option can be more costly than expected as most attorneys charge between 33%-40% as contingency fees, which is significantly more than public adjuster services which usually cost between 5%-15% and can’t ask for more than 20% as per the Florida State Law.
– Negotiates For You
Dealing with insurance company adjusters can be challenging and time-consuming. Insurance adjusters tend to understand all aspects of claims processes thoroughly and possess years of experience, making negotiating only possible with comparable expertise on both sides. Working with Florida insurance adjusters who regularly deals with insurers and their adjusters could prove invaluable – it gives your public adjuster more power in negotiation than you!
– Helps Resolve Claims Faster
Public adjusters are adept at quickly and successfully settling claims rapidly; they get it right the first time.
– Probability Of Receiving a Higher Settlement Offer
Public adjusters can help you secure a more satisfactory settlement. They understand all of the nuances in your insurance policy and have the skills, experience, and knowledge to negotiate for fair outcomes on your behalf.
– No Payment In Advance
Public adjusters don’t require upfront payments from clients – only when your insurance claim payment arrives will you owe anything back. Public adjusters will only get something if it comes as planned!
CONS:
– Do Not Accept Small Claims
Managing insurance claims can be time-consuming and challenging, which makes hiring a public adjuster even harder. They may need more resources or time for small claims – like when trying to claim only several hundred dollars at once, for example – which they may be unable to add much value towards managing.
#7. What Distinguishes An Independent Adjuster From A Public Adjuster?
There are three primary differences between independent adjusters and public adjusters.
- Insurance companies typically hire independent adjusters. Public adjusters are available for insurance policyholders.
- Public adjusters represent policyholders’ interests, while independent adjusters represent insurers.
- Independent adjusters typically receive payment directly from insurance providers.
Here’s a more detailed look:
Classification of Insurance Adjusters
Many states use various classifications of adjusters. Insurance adjusters who work for insurance companies typically go by names like Property & Casualty Adjuster, General Lines Adjuster or All Lines Adjuster; their duties involve investigating claims to collect necessary data to adjust insurance companies.
Insurance adjusters generally fall into three main categories.
“Staff or Company” Adjuster
Staff or company adjusters work full-time for an insurance company and investigate and adjust claims on their behalf, helping reduce liability to represent its interests best.
Independent Adjuster
An independent adjuster does not stand on their own two feet despite what their name may imply; insurance companies pay independent adjusters to investigate and settle claims on their behalf.
Independent insurance adjusters near me are hired on contract by multiple insurers when necessary – typically when:
- Staff shortage is rendering them incapable of processing claims correctly.
- An expert claims adjuster must be available to manage a particular claim effectively.
- Certain areas need more staff.
Public Adjuster
Public adjusters (also known as private adjusters) tend only to be known to most policyholders after receiving inadequate settlement offers from their insurance carrier and suspecting possible gameplay in these fair settlements.
Public insurance adjusters operate much like companies or independent adjusters: they investigate and adjust claims, but unlike them, they work solely on behalf of policyholders to help maximize and obtain maximum insurance settlement offers for policyholders.
Conclusion
Public adjusters are only needed for some claims; most property owners can handle more minor, straightforward claims. But managing large claims like fire damage claims, hurricane damage claims, etc., may prove complex or challenging to take on your own; therefore, it may be beneficial to consult a public adjuster when filing or managing them.
We advise consulting one as soon as possible for better outcomes. ClaimsPro USA is an experienced Public adjuster Florida. We have assisted numerous clients in obtaining optimal settlements from their insurance carriers. For you as well, we would be more than happy to do so. If any questions still need to be addressed here, feel free to contact us – we are ready and willing to assist!
