How to Choose a Public Adjuster

1. Verify their license

Start here. Every legitimate public adjuster must be licensed by the state's Department of Insurance. You can verify online:

• Florida: MyFloridaCFO Licensee Search
• Texas: TDI Agent Lookup
• California: CDI License Search
• Other states: search for "[your state] department of insurance license lookup"

An unlicensed person offering public adjusting services is breaking the law. Don't hire them.

2. Look for experience with your claim type

Public adjusters tend to specialize. Someone who mostly handles hail damage may not be the right fit for a complex water damage or fire claim.

Ask about:

• How many claims like yours they've handled. You want dozens, not a handful.
• How recent that experience is, since policies and regulations change
• Whether they know your area. An adjuster familiar with local contractors, building codes, and repair costs will be more effective.

3. Understand the fee structure

Before you sign anything, nail down:

• What percentage they charge (a specific number, not a range)
• What it's calculated on: the total settlement, or just the amount above the insurer's initial offer
• When you pay, which is usually when you receive the settlement check
• Whether there are any additional costs. Legitimate adjusters rarely charge anything on top of the percentage.

Get all of this in writing. If they won't, walk away.

4. Check references and reviews

Ask the adjuster for references from past clients with similar claims, and examples of how much they improved over initial offers.

Also look at:

• Online reviews (Google, Yelp)
• Better Business Bureau rating and complaint history
• Whether they're a member of NAPIA (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters), which requires adhering to a code of ethics

5. Pay attention to how they communicate

You'll be working with this person during a stressful time. Notice whether they explain things clearly or make the process more confusing. Do they return calls quickly? Claims have deadlines. And do they ask about your situation before jumping to a pitch? Good adjusters listen first.

6. Ask the right questions

During your initial consultation:

• "How many claims like mine have you handled in the past year?"
• "What percentage fee do you charge, and what does it cover?"
• "How long do you expect my claim to take?"
• "Will you personally handle my claim, or will it be assigned to someone else?"
• "Can I cancel the agreement if I'm not satisfied, and what are the terms?"
• "Do you carry errors and omissions insurance?"

7. Watch for red flags

Avoid public adjusters who:

• Show up door-to-door after a disaster. Not always illegal, but often a sign of inexperience or predatory behavior.
• Ask for money upfront. Real public adjusters work on contingency.
• Guarantee a specific settlement amount. Nobody can promise that.
• Pressure you to sign on the spot. You have time to decide.
• Don't carry errors and omissions insurance, which protects you if they make a mistake
• Have complaints filed with the state insurance department. Check before hiring.
• Refuse to put terms in writing

Choosing well

Your choice of public adjuster directly affects how much money you recover. Verify the license, understand the fees, and trust your gut on whether this is someone you'd want in your corner during a months-long process.

Most legitimate public adjusters will do a free consultation where they review your situation and tell you whether they can help. Talk to two or three before deciding.