Public Adjuster v. Independent Adjuster
Have you ever worked with a public adjuster or an independent adjuster in the context of handling an insurance claim? If you have suffered a loss and would like to maximize the benefits of your insurance proceeds, it is imperative that you know the differences between public and independent adjusters.
Public Adjuster: A public adjuster is hired by the insured, and works solely for the insured in appraising and negotiating a claimant's insurance claim. A public adjuster is hired by the insured to interpret the insurance policy, assess the damage and how much it will cost to repair, and negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of the policyholder until the claim is settled. Since a public adjuster is hired by the insured to protect their interests, public adjusters are compensated solely by the insured.
Independent Adjuster: Alternatively, an independent claims adjuster is hired by an insurance company on a contract basis to represent the insurance company's interest in the settlement of the claim. Don't let the name fool you: independent adjusters are "independent" because they are typically 1099 independent contractors rather than salaries employees of the insurance company. Nonetheless, insurance companies hire independent adjusters to interpret the applicable insurance policy, and formulate solutions to ultimately save the insurance company money when handling claims. Independent adjusters are compensated by the insurance company, and are hired to protect the interests of the insurance company, often times at the expense of the insured.
If you have suffered from a loss and are in the process of filing a claim with an insurance company, be mindful of the difference between public and independent adjusters, as the names can often times be misleading. Make certain that you are represented by knowledgeable professionals that are familiar with the nuances of the insurance industry.
Save yourself time, stress, and money by contacting the experienced team at Ball & McCann, P.C., who will work hard to ensure that your insurance company treats you fairly throughout the claims process and provides you with the maximum financial restitution for your claim.
