Public Adjuster FAQs and Fire Damage Claims Help

What Is A Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster is a claims handler who represents you in filing and negotiating your insurance claim. While the insurance company’s adjuster is accountable to his or her employer, a public adjuster is a licensed professional claims handler whose priority is to advocate for the policyholder in the claims process. Cleveland Public Adjusters offers top-rated public adjuster services for fire damage claims.

Why Should I Hire A Public Adjuster?

Filing a property claim can be complicated and overwhelming. Too often, property owners accept a lower claim value than what the insurer should provide, and are unsure of their position to negotiate for more. On average, property claims handled by a public adjuster are funded 30% higher than those that are not! A public adjuster represents your best interests, not the insurance company’s, and brings expertise to the handling process and ensuring you get what you deserve.

What Is The Difference Between An Insurance Company’s Adjuster And A Public Adjuster?

After you have suffered damage to your home or business property and submit a claim to the insurance company, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. He or she will assess the damage and work with the insurance company (his or her employer) to determine a payout based on your policy. A public adjuster, on the other hand, does NOT work for the insurance company. We represent and work for YOU. Therefore, our approach and interests are different because we work to get the maximum amount on your behalf (not the minimum!)

What Is A Loss Adjuster?

There are a variety of names and terms for public adjusters. Loss adjuster is a term you might hear. A public insurance claims adjuster is common too. This is not to be confused with an insurance company adjuster (employed by the insurance company) or an independent adjuster (hired by the insurance company on a contractual basis). You want to hire a public adjuster who works and represents you, not the insurance company.

Will It Be Expensive To Hire A Public Adjuster?

We only collect if and when you collect. You pay nothing upfront or out of pocket. For our time and services handling your claim, Cleveland Public Adjusters receives a reasonable percentage of the insurance company’s overall payout.

Why Can’t I Submit A Claim Myself?

You can, but like accountants submitting tax documents to the IRS on your behalf to maximize your return, public adjusters can submit insurance claims on your behalf to maximize your policy’s payout. Within a fire insurance claim, there could be hundreds of provisions and details that a policyholder might be unfamiliar with. Cleveland Public Adjusters is well-experienced in filing fire claims and will work to get the maximum amount of dollars per your coverage.

Do Public Adjusters Act As Lawyers? 

No, Cleveland Public Adjusters does not offer legal advice. However, we do partner with third-party lawyers, at times, should you need those services as part of your negotiations with your insurance company.

Do Public Adjusters Act As Contractors? 

No, Cleveland Public Adjusters does not offer construction or contracting services. Though our work is directly related to the cost and type of work needed to restore or repair the damages to your home or business property, we do not perform that restoration or repair work ourselves. We understand and identify those costs and work with your insurance company to help you get paid.

Do Public Adjusters Need To Be Licensed?

Most states require public adjusters to be licensed to ensure they are well-educated in the field, are behaving ethically, and are acting responsibly on behalf of policyholders. In addition to being licensed by the state of Ohio (and neighboring states), Cleveland Public Adjusters is an active member of NAPIA (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters). 

I’ve Had A Fire. What Should I Do Now?

If you’ve suffered a fire to your home or business, you should immediately reach out to a trusted public adjuster licensed in your state. If in Ohio or neighboring states, contact Cleveland Public Adjusters. We can help you arrange all your next steps. We’ll coordinate a time to review the damage to your property and help you submit your fire damage claim to get the maximum payout. For safety guidance following your fire, visit FEMA for helpful information.

I Already Submitted My Claim, Is It Too Late To Hire A Public Adjuster?

No, it’s not too late! No matter where you are in the process, you can consult with Cleveland Public Adjusters. We can help you re-open your claim and resubmit after a thorough review of your case and assessment of the fire damage to your home or property.

What Types Of Claims Does Cleveland Public Adjusters Handle? 

We manage a variety of residential and commercial insurance claims. We work on behalf of property owners experiencing damage related to water, storm, wind, fire, and other related accidents and natural disasters. We have a wealth of experience in the field, especially to process fire damage claims.

Why Should I Work With Cleveland Public Adjusters?

We are consumer advocates licensed by the Ohio Department of Insurance. Our president and founder worked inside the big insurance industry for years and started Cleveland Public Adjusters to be on the side of property owners. As an active member of NAPIA (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters), he understands every aspect of the claims process from the insurance company’s perspective, giving him the insight and experience to successfully negotiate your claims.

What Makes Cleveland Public Adjusters Different Than the Competitors?

You may be presented with other options when deciding which public adjuster to go with after suffering fire or damage to your home or business. At Cleveland Public Adjusters, you’re not just a number. And your claim isn’t just shuffled to the bottom of the pile. Consider the difference in purchasing from a mom-and-pop shop compared to a national chain. With us, you’re our #1 priority. We treat each of our customers with care and we offer expertise and personal attention in every claim we handle.