Claim Insight: Who’s Adjusting Your Claim? (Spoiler: It Might Be Someone With Zero Real Experience)

You’ve just suffered a property loss — maybe a pipe burst, a storm took your roof, or your kitchen caught fire. You’re dealing with stress, disruption, and mounting questions. So when your insurance company assigns an adjuster to your case, you assume, reasonably, that they’re sending a seasoned pro.

Unfortunately, that assumption could cost you.

Many insurance carriers are now hiring adjusters with little or no real-world experience to handle homeowner claims. These individuals may have passed basic state licensing exams (some of which are shockingly easy), or they're operating under temporary emergency licenses, which fast-track them into the field without a true understanding of construction, valuation, or — perhaps most crucially — insurance law.

Here’s why that matters for your property claim — and how to protect yourself.

 

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🏗️ Experience Matters — Especially When Your Home’s on the Line

Adjusting a property claim isn’t just about jotting down damages. It requires:

• A deep understanding of construction practices and repair costs,
  
  

• The ability to recognize hidden or secondary damage,
  
  

• Accurate valuation of complex losses (especially in major events like hurricanes or fires),
  
  

• And knowledge of legal obligations carriers have to you, the policyholder.
  
  

But when underqualified adjusters are assigned to claims, you might get:

• Incomplete estimates,
  
  

• Missed damage (especially inside walls, subfloors, or attics),
  
  

• Denials based on incorrect interpretations of your policy,
  
  

• Delays, frustration, and... more damage while you wait.
  
  

 

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⚖️ Good Faith... in Name Only?

Every insurer is bound by a “duty of good faith” — meaning they must handle your claim fairly, promptly, and transparently. But if they hire undertrained adjusters or push people into the field under emergency licensing laws, that duty can quickly erode.

These emergency provisions may fulfill technical legal compliance, but not the spirit of fair dealing. And many new adjusters have no real knowledge of what constitutes breach of contract, bad faith handling, or even the specifics of the policy they’re trying to apply.

That’s not just frustrating. It’s dangerous for the homeowner — especially if you're relying on your payout to rebuild.

 

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🧭 Tips to Navigate an Inexperienced Adjuster

If you think you’re dealing with someone green, don’t panic — but don’t stay quiet, either. Here’s how to stay in control:

1. Ask About Their Background

You have every right to ask:

“How long have you been adjusting claims?”
“Do you have experience with this type of loss?”

If they stumble or avoid the question, that’s a red flag.

2. Document Everything

Take photos, keep notes, and ask for written copies of their estimate and any justifications. Underqualified adjusters often rely on templated forms — and those can leave out major items.

3. Get a Second Opinion

Don’t accept the carrier’s estimate as gospel. Hire a contractor, estimator, or — best of all — a public adjuster to provide a fair, independent assessment of the damage.

4. Know Your Policy

You shouldn’t need a law degree to read your insurance policy, but you do need to understand the basics. Focus on terms like:

• Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
  
  

• Coverage exclusions
  
  

• Deductible types (especially hurricane or wind)
  
  

• ALE (Additional Living Expenses) coverage
  
  

5. Push Back — Professionally

If something feels wrong, ask for a reinspection or escalation. You’re not being “difficult” — you’re protecting your home and financial future.

 

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🚤 A Tug from Tugboat: You Deserve a Pro in Your Corner

At Tugboat Claims, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when unqualified adjusters write lowball estimates or overlook critical damage. We’ve also seen the difference it makes when someone steps in with knowledge, skill, and your best interests at heart.

Interested in more content related to this subject? Check out our founder's thoughts on this topic on Instagram and Youtube. 

Don’t let your claim be a training exercise for someone else. If your adjuster seems unsure, inconsistent, or under-informed — it’s okay to question, escalate, and advocate.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed? That’s exactly why we’re here.

Disclaimer:

Tugboat provides guidance and support but does not operate as a licensed public adjuster or attorney. Tugboat does not negotiate or adjust claims on your behalf. The information provided is intended to empower you in managing your own claim, but it is fully your responsibility to pursue and handle the claim. Tugboat is not responsible for claim outcomes. Any tools and resources provided are based on the information you provide, which may be incorrect or incomplete.

Need expert guidance on a homeowner’s insurance claim? Tugboat Claims is here to help!