A fierce storm rolls through. Shingles fly, water seeps in, and now you're left staring at a battered roof and wondering what comes next. You call your insurance company of course, but should you go it alone when it's time to settle the claim?
It’s a question many homeowners in Georgia and beyond are asking after extreme weather events. And the answer isn’t always straightforward.
Understanding Who’s on Your Team – And Who Isn’t
After you file a claim, your insurance company sends someone to assess the damage. That person is known as a staff adjuster. They're trained professionals, but they work for the insurance company, not for you.
Their job is to evaluate the damage, estimate the cost of repairs, and issue a settlement. Most of the time, that process goes smoothly. But not always.
Sometimes, homeowners feel shortchanged. Maybe the settlement doesn’t fully cover roof replacement, or the timeline is dragging. That’s where a public adjuster can change the game.
Unlike staff adjusters, public adjusters do work for you – not your insurance company. Their sole job is to represent your best interests and get you the fairest possible settlement.
What a Public Adjuster Actually Does
Think of a public adjuster as your personal claim negotiator. After inspecting the damage, they create an independent repair estimate and submit it to your insurance company. If there’s a dispute, they advocate on your behalf to resolve it, ideally in your favor.
And their fee structure is simple: they typically take a 10% cut of the final settlement amount, meaning they’re financially motivated to increase your payout. No increase, no big payday for them.
Hiring a public adjuster might be the right move if:
- Your insurer’s offer seems low or doesn’t cover everything
- The claim involves major damage or multiple systems (roof, walls, interior)
- You’ve hit a communication roadblock with your insurance company
- You just don’t have time or confidence to manage the process alone
In short, if there's friction, confusion, or frustration… call for backup.
When to Bring in the Big Guns
Here’s the truth: not every claim needs a public adjuster. If the damage is minor, straightforward, and your insurer is responsive and fair, there may be no reason to complicate the process.
But storm damage, especially to roofs, is often anything but simple. Hidden water intrusion, code upgrades, and mismatched shingles can all throw wrenches into the claim process.
If you're staring at a check and thinking this doesn't feel right, trust your gut. That's the time to pick up the phone and talk to a licensed public adjuster.
You can search for reputable adjusters through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) or speak with trusted local contractors who regularly work with them.
Final Thought: Advocate for Yourself, Even If That Means Hiring One
Insurance is meant to protect you in moments like this. But navigating claims, especially after a storm, can quickly feel like a second job. Public adjusters exist to take that burden off your shoulders and help ensure you get what you’re owed.
Don’t wait until frustration turns into financial loss. Know your rights, know your options, and be ready to act.
Need trusted pros to help repair storm damage or guide you to a licensed adjuster?
Visit TrustDALE.com to find vetted professionals in your area.
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