Public Adjuster Questions, Answered

Is hiring a public adjuster worth it?

Usually yes when the claim is disputed, underpaid, denied, or large enough that a few percent of error costs real money. A public adjuster documents the full scope of damage, prices it with a line-item estimate, reads the policy for coverage the carrier did not apply, and negotiates the settlement. Florida's own legislative research office (OPPAGA) found that policyholders who used a public adjuster received substantially higher payouts than those who did not. It is not worth it for a small claim that the carrier has already paid in full, and we will tell you so at the free inspection.

When should I hire a public adjuster?

The best time is before the carrier's adjuster inspects, so the damage is documented once, completely, and the claim is presented correctly from day one. The second-best time is the moment something goes wrong: a low estimate, a denial, a claim that has stalled, or an inspection that missed damage. You can hire a public adjuster at any point up to final settlement, and in Florida a claim can be supplemented or reopened within 18 months of the date of loss.

When should I not hire a public adjuster?

If the damage is minor, the carrier has paid the full replacement cost promptly, and your contractor agrees the estimate is complete, a public adjuster adds little. If the claim is already in litigation you need an attorney, not an adjuster. And if your only issue is a coverage question that turns on the policy language alone, an attorney or the state's consumer helpline may be the better first call. We give a straight answer on this at the free inspection.

Should I hire a public adjuster before or after filing my claim?

Before, if you can. Filing is only a notice of loss, but how the loss is described, what is photographed, and what the carrier's adjuster is shown all shape the outcome. A public adjuster prepares that presentation. If you have already filed, nothing is lost: we take over the claim where it stands and correct the record. Do file promptly regardless. Florida requires notice of a new claim within one year of the date of loss.

Should I wait to see what the insurance company offers first?

You can, and many clients do. The risk is that the first inspection sets the carrier's view of the loss, and everything after is an argument to change it. If you wait, at least document everything yourself before any inspection and do not sign anything that reads like a release. When the offer arrives, we will review it at no cost and tell you whether it is fair.

Can I handle my property insurance claim myself?

Yes. Nothing requires a policyholder to hire anyone. What a public adjuster brings is the same expertise the carrier's adjuster has, on your side: a licensed professional who inspects to code, writes a line-item estimate in the same software the carrier uses, knows which policy provisions apply, and handles every call and letter. Most people can manage a straightforward claim; most people are outmatched on a disputed one.

How much does a public adjuster charge?

A percentage of what the insurance company pays, and nothing up front. Florida caps the fee at 20% of the claim payment, and at 10% for claims arising from an event under a declared state of emergency during the first year after the declaration (Florida Statutes 626.854). Texas caps the fee at 10% of the settlement (Texas Insurance Code 4102.104). Other states set their own rules. Five Star's fee is written into the contract before any work begins and never exceeds the legal cap.

Do I pay anything upfront?

No. The inspection, the estimate, the policy review and the negotiation cost you nothing. Our fee is a percentage of the insurance payment, paid from the settlement when the carrier pays. No recovery, no fee.

Is the fee calculated on the entire settlement or only the additional money recovered?

It depends on when we are hired. On a new claim the fee applies to the claim payment. On a claim the carrier has already paid, Florida law limits the fee to the additional amount we recover above what was paid before we were retained (Florida Statutes 626.854). Either way the basis is stated in the contract, and you can see exactly what you will keep before you sign.

What happens if the public adjuster does not get me any more money?

You owe nothing. The contingency fee exists precisely so that our interest is the same as yours. That also means we are honest at the inspection: if the carrier's payment already covers the full scope of damage at today's repair cost, we will say so rather than open a file that cannot help you.

Are public adjuster fees different after a hurricane or declared disaster?

In Florida, yes. When the Governor declares a state of emergency, fees on claims from that event are capped at 10% for one year from the declaration, half the usual cap. The rule protects policyholders when demand for adjusters is highest. In Texas the 10% cap applies at all times.

Are there additional fees for engineers, estimators or other experts?

Sometimes a disputed claim needs an engineer, a roofing consultant, a mold assessor or a contents inventory specialist. When that is the case we tell you before anyone is engaged, explain why the report matters, and put any cost in writing. Nothing is added to your bill without your agreement.

What exactly does a public adjuster do?

A public adjuster is a state-licensed insurance professional who represents the policyholder in a property claim. We inspect and photograph the damage, read the policy for every coverage that applies, write a line-item repair estimate, prepare the contents inventory, submit the claim package, attend the carrier's inspections, answer their requests for information, and negotiate the settlement. You get a copy of everything and the final decision on any offer is yours.

See the six-step process →

What is the difference between a public adjuster and the insurance company's adjuster?

The insurance company's adjuster, whether staff or independent, is paid by the carrier and evaluates the claim for the carrier. A public adjuster is licensed by the same state, held to the same standards, and paid by you, so we work for you. Both write estimates; the difference is who is checking that nothing was missed, priced low, or excluded without basis.

What happens from the day I hire a public adjuster until the claim is resolved?

First we send the carrier a letter of representation, so their calls and letters come to us. Then we inspect, document and price the loss and submit the claim package. We attend the carrier's inspection and any re-inspection, respond to their requests, and negotiate any gap between their estimate and ours. If the carrier will not move, we advise on the policy's appraisal clause or refer you to an attorney. You receive updates at every stage and approve any settlement before it is accepted.

How do I know if my insurance company underpaid my claim?

The clearest sign is a gap between the carrier's estimate and a licensed contractor's estimate for the same repair. Other signs: line items priced below current local cost, damaged areas left off entirely, depreciation applied that the policy does not allow, code-required upgrades ignored, and matching of undamaged materials not addressed. We review the carrier's estimate line by line at no cost and tell you where it falls short and by roughly how much.

My insurance estimate is much lower than my contractor's estimate. What do I do?

Do not accept the carrier's number as final. Get both estimates in writing, note every item the carrier omitted or priced lower, and send us both. A public adjuster reconciles the two in the estimating software carriers use, documents the omitted damage, and submits a supplement with photographs and code references. Most gaps of this kind are resolved by a properly supported supplement rather than a fight.

Can a public adjuster help after my claim has been denied?

Yes, and it is one of the most common reasons people call us. A denial is the carrier's position, not a verdict. We read the denial letter against the policy, inspect the property ourselves, and gather what the carrier did not see: causation evidence, contractor or engineer reports, weather data, maintenance records. Then we submit a written request for reconsideration with that evidence. If the denial stands and the policy supports the claim, we refer you to an attorney who handles first-party insurance cases.

Can I hire a public adjuster after insurance has already paid me?

Yes. A payment closes nothing. In Florida a supplemental or reopened claim can be submitted within 18 months of the date of loss (Florida Statutes 627.70132), and other states allow it within their own limits. We compare what was paid with the full cost of repair and pursue the difference. Our fee then applies only to the additional amount recovered.

Can I cash my insurance check and still dispute the amount?

Usually yes. A payment for the undisputed portion of a claim is not a settlement of the whole claim unless the check or an accompanying document says it is a full and final release. Read the check and any letter before endorsing. If it references a release, or you are unsure, send it to us first. Depositing an ordinary partial payment does not waive your right to supplement.

What is a supplemental insurance claim?

A supplement is a request for additional payment on a claim the carrier has already adjusted, because damage was missed, costs were understated, or hidden damage appeared once repairs began. It is filed on the same claim number with supporting documentation. Supplements are routine; carriers expect them, and most of the money a public adjuster recovers on paid claims comes through them.

My carrier says the damage is wear and tear. What can I do?

Wear and tear is the most common reason for denying roof and water claims, and it is often wrong. The question is causation: did a sudden covered event, such as wind, hail or a pipe failure, cause this damage? We document the physical evidence of that event, obtain weather data for the date of loss, and where needed bring in an engineer or roofing consultant whose report addresses causation directly. A carrier's opinion is rebuttable with better evidence.

My insurance company keeps delaying my claim. What can I do?

Florida law sets deadlines: the carrier must acknowledge a claim within 7 days, begin its investigation promptly, and pay or deny within 60 days of receiving notice (Florida Statutes 627.70131). Texas has its own prompt-payment deadlines under the Insurance Code. A public adjuster keeps a dated record of every submission and follow-up, cites the deadline in writing, and escalates within the carrier. A documented delay is also grounds for a complaint to the state regulator.

When does a claim dispute require an attorney instead of a public adjuster?

A public adjuster handles the claim: documentation, valuation, negotiation and the policy's appraisal process. An attorney is needed when the dispute becomes legal: a denial that will not move on the evidence, a bad-faith pattern, a coverage question that turns on policy interpretation, or a suit limitation deadline approaching. We work alongside first-party insurance attorneys and refer you when the claim reaches that point, not before.

How do I choose a reputable public adjuster?

Check the licence with the state. Ask how many claims like yours they have handled and for examples with numbers. Read the reviews, and note whether the firm has a physical office in your state. Read the contract before signing; a reputable firm expects you to. Five Star has been licensed since 2007, has recovered more than $400 million for policyholders, and carries more than 1,500 Google reviews.

Our team, licences and reviews →

How do I verify a public adjuster's licence?

In Florida, search the Department of Financial Services licensee database for the adjuster's name or licence number. In Texas, search the Texas Department of Insurance agent and adjuster lookup. In Massachusetts, the Division of Insurance publishes licensee records. An adjuster who will not give you a licence number should not be given your claim. Five Star's principal licence is printed in the footer of every page of this site.

What are the red flags when hiring a public adjuster?

A promise of a specific payout. Pressure to sign at the door, especially after a storm. A fee above the state cap, or one that is not stated as a percentage in the contract. Any request for money up front. A contractor who also wants to adjust the claim; in Florida a contractor may not act as a public adjuster on the same job. And any reluctance to give you a licence number, a copy of the contract, or a copy of the estimate they submit.

What should I look for in the public adjuster contract before signing?

The fee percentage and what it applies to, the scope of the claim covered, and your cancellation right. Florida gives you at least 10 days to cancel without penalty, and longer after a declared emergency; Texas gives 72 hours. The contract should name the licensed adjuster, be signed by both parties, and never include a clause that lets the adjuster settle without your approval. Ours does not.

When should I hire a public adjuster after a hurricane?

As soon as you are safe and have made temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Carriers are overwhelmed after a landfall and first inspections are brief. Having the loss documented and priced before that inspection is the single biggest advantage you can give yourself. Remember that in Florida the fee cap drops to 10% for claims from a declared emergency, so representation costs less exactly when it matters most.

Hurricane damage claims →

What should I document immediately after a hurricane?

Photograph and video everything before touching it: every elevation of the roof from the ground, every room, the ceilings, the attic if it is safe, and the yard. Keep every damaged item until it has been photographed and listed. Keep receipts for tarps, board-up, water extraction and hotels; those are claimable. Write down the date and time the damage occurred and any sounds or events you noticed. Then make only the temporary repairs needed to prevent further loss.

Insurance says my roof damage is cosmetic. What does that mean?

It means the carrier accepts the roof was struck, usually by hail, but says the damage does not affect its function or lifespan and may point to a cosmetic-damage exclusion in the policy. Whether that is right is a question of fact: fractured or bruised shingle mat, granule loss exposing the substrate, and dents that will hold water on a metal roof are functional damage. We inspect, photograph at close range with test squares, and where needed bring a roofing consultant whose report speaks to function.

Roof damage claims →

Insurance wants to repair part of my roof instead of replacing it. What can I do?

Whether a partial repair is acceptable turns on three things: the policy language, whether replacement shingles can reasonably match the existing roof, and what the building code requires for the roof's age and construction. Florida's matching rule (Florida Statutes 626.9744) requires that repaired items reasonably match adjacent undamaged ones. We document the discontinued or unmatchable materials, the code requirements, and the extent of damage, and present the case for replacement where the facts support it.

What happens when the insurance company's engineer says there is no storm damage?

An engineer's report is evidence, not a ruling, and it can be answered. We read the report for what it actually inspected, how long the visit lasted, and what it assumed. Then we obtain the weather data for the date of loss, document the physical evidence the report did not address, and where the claim justifies it commission an independent engineer or roofing consultant to respond point by point. Many engineer denials do not survive a properly supported rebuttal.

Should I hire a public adjuster after a major pipe or water loss?

For a large water loss, yes. Water claims are where carriers most often dispute cause, apply wear-and-tear or long-term-seepage exclusions, and underestimate the drying, demolition and rebuild. A public adjuster documents the source and the extent of saturation, coordinates with the mitigation company so nothing is removed before it is recorded, and prices the full rebuild including matching flooring and cabinetry.

Water damage claims →

What should I photograph before water mitigation begins?

The source of the water, the failed part if there is one, the water line on walls and cabinets, every affected floor and room, and the underside of any flooring that is lifted. Keep the failed pipe, valve or appliance part; the carrier may want to examine it. Ask the mitigation company for their moisture map and daily logs. Once the drywall and flooring are gone, photographs are all that remains of the loss.

Does insurance cover mold after water damage?

Often, but with a limit. Most Florida homeowner policies cover mold that results from a covered water loss, but cap it, commonly at $10,000 unless a higher limit was purchased, and exclude mold from long-term leaks or neglect. The key is showing the mold followed a sudden covered event and acting quickly on remediation. We read the policy's mold provision and structure the claim so the limit is applied correctly.

Mold damage claims →

Can a public adjuster help with temporary housing or additional living expense claims?

Yes. If a covered loss makes the home unlivable, the policy's additional living expense coverage pays the reasonable extra cost of living elsewhere while it is repaired: rent, hotel, extra mileage and meals above your normal spend. Carriers often cut this off early. We document why the home is uninhabitable, the reasonable period of restoration, and the expenses, and keep the coverage open until the repairs are actually done.

Should a business hire a public adjuster for a commercial property claim?

For any significant loss, yes. Commercial claims involve building, contents, business income and extra expense coverages that interact, and the carrier's adjuster is not preparing your business income worksheet for you. A public adjuster documents the property loss, works with your accountant on the income claim, manages the carrier's consultants, and keeps the claim moving so the business can reopen.

Commercial claims →

Should an HOA or condo association hire a public adjuster after a hurricane?

Associations almost always should. The master policy covers the buildings and common elements across many units, the board has a fiduciary duty to the owners, and the claim is large enough that the carrier will assign its own consultants. A public adjuster gives the board a licensed professional who documents every building, prepares one coordinated claim, reports to the board and its manager, and negotiates with the carrier's team on equal footing. We have represented associations across Florida.

How is business interruption calculated?

Business income coverage pays the net income the business would have earned plus normal continuing expenses, including payroll where covered, for the period it reasonably takes to restore the property. Extra expense coverage pays the additional cost of operating during that period. The calculation rests on financial records: prior-year revenue, margins, seasonality and continuing expenses. We prepare the worksheet with your accountant and defend the period of restoration, which is usually where the carrier pushes back.

How are lost rents documented after apartment or commercial damage?

With the rent roll and leases in force at the date of loss, the vacancy history, the units made uninhabitable and for how long, and the ledger showing what was actually collected during the restoration. Rental value coverage pays the rent you would have received. We tie each unit to the repair schedule so the period claimed is defensible, and include the cost of relocating tenants where the lease or the policy requires it.

How long does a claim take after hiring a public adjuster?

A straightforward residential claim is often resolved within 60 to 90 days of a complete submission. Disputed claims, large commercial losses and claims after a major storm take longer, mainly because of the carrier's workload and any appraisal or engineer review. What a public adjuster controls is the completeness of the submission and the speed of every response on your side, which removes the delays that are otherwise yours.

Will hiring a public adjuster slow down my insurance claim?

Not in our experience. A complete, correctly documented claim moves faster than one the carrier has to keep asking about. What can take longer is getting the right amount rather than the first amount, and that is a choice you make with the numbers in front of you. We never hold up an undisputed payment to argue a disputed one.

Can I still speak directly with my insurance company after hiring a public adjuster?

Yes. It is your policy and your claim. Once we send the letter of representation the carrier will direct correspondence to us, which is what keeps the record consistent, but nothing stops you from calling them, and some carriers will confirm details with the policyholder directly. We simply ask that anything the carrier tells you be passed to us so nothing is lost.

Who receives the insurance checks after I hire a public adjuster?

The checks are made payable to you, the policyholder, and to any mortgagee named on the policy. Our fee is paid from the settlement under the contract you signed, and you see the accounting. No one at Five Star has authority to settle or release the claim without your written approval.

What happens if my mortgage company is listed on the insurance check?

The lender must endorse the check before it can be deposited, and on larger claims will usually hold the funds and release them in draws as repairs are inspected. It is a normal step, but a slow one if the paperwork is not right. We tell you what the servicer will ask for (the adjuster's estimate, the contractor's agreement, a W-9, proof of licence and insurance) and help assemble it so the release is not the reason your repairs wait.

Can a public adjuster review my insurance estimate and tell me if it is too low?

Yes, at no cost and with no obligation. Send us the carrier's estimate and any contractor estimate you have, plus photographs of the damage. We review it line by line for omitted items, low unit pricing, missing code upgrades and depreciation the policy does not allow, and tell you whether it is worth pursuing. If it is fair, we say so.

Request a free claim review →

What documents does a public adjuster need to review my claim?

Your policy declarations page (the full policy if you have it), the claim number, any estimate or letter the carrier has sent, contractor estimates, photographs of the damage, receipts for emergency repairs or temporary housing, and, for a denial, the denial letter. Do not worry if you are missing some of this; we can request the policy and the claim file from the carrier once you retain us.

Can a public adjuster take over a claim that is already in progress?

Yes. Most of our clients come to us mid-claim. We send the carrier a letter of representation, request the complete claim file including their estimate and photographs, inspect the property ourselves, and pick up from wherever the claim stands, whether that is a pending inspection, a low offer, a denial, or a claim that has gone quiet. Nothing you have already done is wasted; it becomes part of the record.