What Is a Public Adjuster and What Do They Do?
A public adjuster is a state-licensed insurance claim professional who represents the policyholder — not the insurance company. They inspect the damage, read the policy for every available coverage, write a line-item repair scope, document contents and living expenses, and negotiate the settlement. Public adjusters work on contingency; our fees average 6-12% and New York caps them at 12.5%. Call 516-410-0164 for a free claim review.
Public Adjuster Meaning
"Public" in public adjuster means the adjuster serves the public — the policyholder — rather than the insurer. It is a licensed profession regulated by the state, with its own exam, continuing education, and fee limits.
There are three kinds of adjusters on a property claim. A staff adjuster is an employee of the insurance company. An independent adjuster is a contractor hired by the insurance company. A public adjuster is retained by the property owner and is the only one of the three whose duty runs to you.
What a Public Adjuster Actually Does
When a Public Adjuster Helps Most
Small, simple claims often do not need one. A public adjuster earns their fee on large or complex losses — fire, major water, structural collapse, extended displacement — and on claims that have been denied, delayed, or paid at an amount that will not actually rebuild what was lost.
If the carrier has already sent an estimate and it feels short, that is the moment to get a second set of eyes on the scope before you sign anything.
Quick Facts
- Licensed by NY Dept. of Financial Services
- Works only for the policyholder
- Paid on contingency, not hourly
- NY fee cap: 12.5% of recovery
- Our average: 6-12%
Public Adjuster Questions
Role, licensing, cost, and how public adjusters differ from company adjusters.
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