Dealing with a home insurance adjuster is an essential part of the process when filing an insurance claim after a loss. For many, this can be an intimidating experience, especially if you have never dealt with a claims adjuster before. You may be wondering: is the adjuster looking for mistakes? How can you maximize the payout from your insurance company? What items are covered? And what should you do if you receive a lowball offer from the adjuster?

### What is a Home Insurance Adjuster?

When you file a home insurance claim, the insurance company sends a representative, called an insurance adjuster, to assess the property, evaluate the cause of the damage, and calculate the cost of repairs. This assessment helps the insurer decide the next steps in processing your claim.

These adjusters are either full-time employees of the insurance company or independent contractors hired by the insurer. Their role is to inspect the damage, use specialized software to analyze the situation, and determine the amount of compensation you’re entitled to based on the terms of your policy. The adjuster will likely be your main point of contact throughout the claims process.

Insurance adjusters may have different titles, such as analyst or representative, but their role remains the same: to evaluate your claim and aim to close it quickly, often for the lowest possible settlement. This can lead to friction between homeowners and adjusters, particularly if the homeowner suspects the initial estimate is too low.

If you’re having difficulty with your insurance adjuster or feel you're not getting a fair assessment, a **Public Adjuster** can provide expert assistance to ensure your claim is handled properly.

### Insurance Company Adjusters vs. Public Adjusters

There are two main types of insurance adjusters: insurance company adjusters and public adjusters.

1. **Insurance Company Adjusters**: These adjusters work for or on behalf of the insurance company. Their objective is often to settle the claim quickly and for as little money as possible, representing the interests of the insurance company rather than the policyholder.
   
2. **Public Adjusters**: These professionals work for the policyholder, not the insurance company. A public adjuster’s goal is to maximize the claim settlement, ensuring that the policyholder receives the compensation they deserve. Public adjusters review claims, assess the damage, and manage the claim process from start to finish, helping policyholders secure a fair outcome.

These two adjusters often have conflicting goals. Fortunately, **Public Adjusters** offer free consultations to determine if they can help with your claim.

### You and Your Insurance Adjuster Might Have Different Goals

While your insurance company’s adjuster may appear friendly, it’s important to remember that they represent the insurance company’s interests, not yours. Their job is to protect the company’s bottom line, which may mean paying you as little as possible for your claim.

In contrast, your goal as a homeowner is to secure a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your loss. You’ve paid for insurance to protect you when disaster strikes, and it’s only fair that your insurer covers the damages as promised.

Although the adjuster may be personable and sympathetic, their real duty is to the insurance company, and they may not act in your best interests. This is particularly true when the adjuster is subcontracted and has little control over what ultimately gets approved.

### How to Negotiate with Your Insurance Company’s Adjuster

Negotiating with an insurance company’s adjuster can feel daunting, especially if you have limited experience with insurance claims. However, negotiating may be necessary, as insurance companies often start with a low settlement offer. They anticipate that you may negotiate, hire a public adjuster, or accept the initial offer without pushing back.

We recommend the following tips when negotiating with your insurance adjuster:

- **Avoid giving a recorded statement**: Insurance companies may use this against you later.
- **Limit communication**: Speak to the adjuster only when necessary, and consider having a lawyer or public adjuster present.
- **Don’t sign documents without reviewing them**: Ensure you understand everything in the document before agreeing to it.
- **Avoid settling too quickly**: Take your time to ensure the settlement is fair.
- **Hire a public adjuster or attorney if needed**: If negotiations stall or if you believe the insurer is acting in bad faith, get professional assistance.
- **Be cautious with your words**: Insurance adjusters are skilled at negotiating claims, and what you say could be used to reduce your payout.
- **Ask for justification of low offers**: If the initial settlement seems unreasonably low, ask the adjuster to itemize the damages and explain how they arrived at the figure.
- **Get everything in writing**: If a settlement is reached, ensure you get it in writing to avoid discrepancies later.

### Two Advantages Policyholders Have When Dealing with an Insurance Adjuster

While the process may seem overwhelming, you do have some advantages as a policyholder:

1. **Your Insurer Must Act in Good Faith**: Insurance companies are legally obligated to process claims in a timely manner and meet their contractual obligations. If they stall, deny, or reduce your claim without a valid reason, they may be acting in bad faith.

2. **You Only Have One Claim to Focus On**: While the insurance adjuster may be juggling multiple claims, your only concern is your own claim. Use this focus to your advantage by becoming an expert in your specific situation and using this knowledge when negotiating with the adjuster.

### What Happens When Negotiations Fail?

In an ideal world, the insurance adjuster would offer a fair and reasonable settlement for your damages, and you would move forward with repairs. However, insurance claims rarely proceed without complications. Your insurer may dispute the cause of damage, claim certain damages aren’t covered, or provide a depreciated value for items that doesn’t align with your expectations.

If negotiations fail and you disagree with the insurance adjuster’s estimate, here’s what you can do:

- **Request a review**: Most insurance policies have a formal dispute process. You can request that another adjuster or a senior member of the insurance company review your claim.
- **Consider invoking appraisal or arbitration**: For disputes over the value of repairs, many insurance policies include appraisal and arbitration clauses.
- **Hire a public adjuster**: A public adjuster can represent your interests and fight to get you the settlement you deserve.

### Hire a Public Adjuster for Help Dealing With Insurance Adjusters

Many homeowners hire public adjusters to help manage their claims. Public adjusters work on your behalf to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.

Here’s what a public adjuster can do for you:

- **Manage your insurance claim** from start to finish.
- **Negotiate with your insurer** to secure the maximum payout possible.
- **Organize claim documentation** and present evidence to your insurer.
- **Represent your interests**, ensuring you receive the best settlement for your damages.

Public adjusters have the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of insurance claims, particularly when dealing with insurance adjusters from the insurance company. They understand the tactics insurers use to reduce payouts and can help ensure you get the compensation you’re owed.

For more information, or to schedule a free consultation with a public adjuster, contact **ClaimShield** today.