Public adjuster questions, answered.

A public adjuster, sometimes called a public insurance adjuster, represents the policyholder in a property insurance claim. We read your policy, inspect and measure the damage, price the repairs, prepare the claim and negotiate with the carrier for you, from first notice of loss to final payment.

The company adjuster is employed or hired by the carrier and writes the estimate the carrier will pay. A public adjuster is licensed by the state to represent you, the policyholder, and works for you, not the insurer.

An independent adjuster is hired by insurance companies to handle claims for them. A public adjuster is hired by the policyholder. Only the public adjuster works for you.

Not every claim does. Small, clear losses often settle fine alone. Large, disputed or complex losses are where an adjuster tends to matter most. You are never required to hire one, and we will tell you honestly which yours is.

Yes, in most cases. Send us the estimate and the denial or offer letter and we will review the gaps. Policy deadlines still apply, so do not wait.

Carriers work with public adjusters every day. Filing a valid claim through a representative is your right as a policyholder.

You choose your own contractor. We do not select or direct who does your repairs, and we disclose in writing any financial interest we have in a repair or construction firm, as state law requires.

No. Public adjusters represent policyholders in property claims but do not provide legal advice. If your situation calls for an attorney, we will tell you.

We provide public adjuster services in Idaho and Arizona. Estimating services and claims support are available nationwide.

Yes. We are also licensed as an insurance producer (NPN 20251583) and offer policy reviews and coverage advice before a loss.

Claim services start at $750. On replacement cost (RCV) policies, the fee is up to 15% of the amount recovered over the insurer's initial estimate, on a sliding scale that falls as the claim grows, to no less than 5%. Other percentage-based work is up to 20%. Your exact fee is stated in a written contract before we begin.

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Yes. The first review is free and there is no obligation. We read your policy and the carrier's letters and tell you where you stand.

Yes. Your contract spells out your cancellation rights, which vary by state. In Idaho you have three business days after signing to cancel by written notice.

Appraisal services are $750. Umpire services and argumentation are $500 to $2,000, depending on how much argumentation your appraisal requires.

It depends on the size of the loss and the carrier. Many settle within a few months; larger or disputed claims take longer. We keep you updated at each stage.

First, stop further damage: shut off water, tarp the roof, board openings, and keep every receipt. Second, photograph and video everything before cleanup, and do not throw damaged items away yet. Third, report the loss, then call us before you give a recorded statement or accept an offer.

Whatever you have of the following:

• Your policy and declarations page
• Any claim number and adjuster contact
• Estimates, denial or offer letters
• Photos and video of the damage
• Receipts for emergency repairs

Many policies include an appraisal clause for when you and the carrier agree the loss is covered but disagree on the amount. Each side chooses an appraiser, and an umpire settles any differences between them. We support you through the process.

You do. Once you have reviewed the settlement, you choose your own contractor to make the repairs.

Xactimate is the estimating software most insurance carriers use to price repairs. An estimate written in the same format is easier for the carrier to review and easier to compare line by line.

Estimate-only work is a $250 base fee plus 1% of the estimate total over $5,000. For example, a $10,000 estimate is $300 and a $50,000 estimate is $700.

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Yes. Contractors can order single estimates or use a monthly plan, starting at $500 a month.

See contractor plans

Yes, when an estimate needs one. Hover, EagleView and GAF QuickMeasure reports are priced per report, based on the size and complexity of the property.