Claim Insight: What and who is a public adjuster?

Dealing with a property insurance claim can feel like a full-time job, especially when you're navigating a complex or denied claim. If you're feeling overwhelmed or like the insurance company isn’t offering a fair settlement, you might have heard the term “public adjuster” and wondered if they can help. Understanding what a public adjuster does and how they differ from other adjusters can help you decide if you need their services. Plus, we'll talk about how Tugboat can support you throughout the claims process, whether you're just starting as a homeowner with insurance or are already facing challenges with a property claim.

Who Is a Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster is an independent professional hired by you, the policyholder, to help manage and negotiate your insurance claim. Unlike adjusters working for the insurance company (company adjusters) or independent adjusters contracted by insurers, a public adjuster works solely for you to make sure you get the maximum payout for your covered losses.

Their primary job is to assess the damage, review your policy, prepare your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. In short, they represent your interests throughout the claims process.

What Does a Public Adjuster Do?

Here are some of the key tasks a public adjuster performs:

1. Evaluates the Damage: A public adjuster will conduct their own inspection of your property to assess the extent of the damage. They’ll take detailed notes, photos, and measurements to ensure nothing is overlooked.
2. Review Your Policy: They will carefully go through your insurance policy to understand what is covered, what is excluded, and the limits of your coverage. This helps them determine the maximum settlement you’re entitled to.
3. Prepares and Files the Claim: Public adjusters handle the paperwork and documentation required to file a claim, making sure all the necessary evidence and reports are submitted correctly.
4. Negotiates with the Insurer: Once the claim is filed, the public adjuster acts as your advocate, negotiating with the insurance company’s adjuster to secure the best possible payout.
5. Helps Resolve Disputes: If there is a disagreement between you and the insurance company—whether it's about the value of your claim or coverage—your public adjuster will work to resolve the dispute on your behalf.

Can a Public Adjuster Help Me?

If you feel your insurance company isn’t offering a fair settlement, or if your claim has been denied or undervalued, hiring a public adjuster can be a smart move. Here’s when a public adjuster can be particularly helpful:

• Large, Complex Claims: For major claims involving extensive damage, like after a fire or a storm, a public adjuster can ensure that all aspects of your loss are properly documented and that you get a full settlement.
• Disputed Claims: If your insurance company disputes your claim or offers a payout lower than expected, a public adjuster can help negotiate a fairer settlement.
• Time-Consuming Claims: If you're busy and don’t have time to handle the back-and-forth with your insurance company, a public adjuster can manage the process for you.

Tip: Public adjusters typically charge a fee based on a percentage of the settlement amount, usually ranging from 5% to 20%. Be sure to understand their fee structure upfront so there are no surprises later.

What about Tugboat? Can Tugboat Help Me with a Claim? Yes!

At Tugboat, we offer proactive and reactive support for homeowners dealing with property claims, helping you manage the process from start to finish. Regardless of if you’ve never had to file a claim (and hopefully never will!), filing a new claim, or struggling with an ongoing one, we can provide the guidance and advocacy you need.

Tugboat can help you understand the process and advocate for yourself so you don’t need a public adjuster as a middle man. We would not communicate with the insurance company for you like a public adjuster would, but we can empower you to effectively and knowledgeably communicate for yourself. If we see that your claim is particularly complex and may really benefit from a public adjuster, we can recommend someone trusted, but first we do everything for you to help yourself.

Here’s how Tugboat can help:

1. Proactive Support: Not sure if you should file a claim? We can help you review your situation and determine the best course of action before you even contact your insurance company. We’ll guide you through preparing for the claim, ensuring all your documents, evidence, and estimates are in order. We also offer other services for proactive claim support, like policy reviews, home/property inventories, and access to a network of experts in the claim industry. 
2. Reactive Support: If your claim is already in progress or has been denied, we step in to provide expert advice and help resolve disputes. Whether you need assistance negotiating with your insurer or feel overwhelmed by the process, Tugboat can navigate it for you.
3. Active Professional Guidance: We understand insurance policies inside and out to help interpret your coverage, ensuring you get the maximum benefits from your policy.
4. Advocacy on Your Side: Similar to a public adjuster, Tugboat acts as your advocate, helping you secure a fair settlement. However, we focus on simplifying the process for you, so you can effectively advocate for yourself without a public adjuster.
5. No Surprises: Tugboat believes in transparency. We’ll clearly outline any costs or fees upfront, so you know exactly what to expect. We offer a subscription based service; for just $60/year, or $5/month, you’ll have access to our proactive claim support. 
6. Access to Tugboat’s Network: If Tugboat works on your claim but we discover it’s especially complex, it may require more professional help, and we can refer you to a trusted public adjusting firm for your claim. We can also refer you to other experts and vendors relevant for your claim within our trusted Tugboat network, like local mitigation or restoration companies. 

Tip: If you’re unsure whether you need help with your claim, it never hurts to ask for a second opinion. Tugboat’s team can provide you with an assessment of your situation, helping you determine the next best step.

Should I Hire a Public Adjuster or Work with Tugboat?

Deciding whether to hire a public adjuster or use Tugboat’s services depends on your specific situation. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

• Public Adjuster: Ideal if you want a dedicated professional to handle the entire claims process for a large or complex claim. They work on a commission basis, usually a percentage of your settlement.
• Tugboat: Perfect for homeowners who want proactive guidance for their home insurance and claim support without the full cost of a public adjuster. Tugboat offers personalized, expert advice to help you navigate the claims process, fight denied claims, or negotiate settlements, making it easier for you to handle your claim while still getting expert-level support.

Conclusion: Get the Help You Need for a Successful Insurance Claim

Whether you’re handling a claim on your own or need extra help, it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through the process alone. Public adjusters can be valuable allies when navigating a complex or disputed insurance claim, but if you’re looking for comprehensive support without the high fees, Tugboat is here to guide you every step of the way.

With the right help, you can ensure your property insurance claim is handled fairly and that you get the compensation you deserve to restore your home.