Property damage from storms and household accidents isn’t something any homeowner wants to think about. The unfortunate reality, however, is that damage does happen, especially during the South Florida hurricane and tropical storm seasons.
And while you can protect your home to the best of your ability, storm debris may break a window or damage your roof—or worse. Your home insurance policy means that you won’t have to pick up the pieces by yourself, but insurance claims can be complex to file. Having a public insurance adjuster on your side can make the entire process easier.
Public Adjusters in South Florida
What public adjusters do
Public adjusters are not employed by or affiliated with an insurance company, which means that their only responsibility is to you. Their job is to represent your interests in all dealings with your insurance provider and help you navigate the claims process.
Insurance adjusters who are employed by an insurance company, on the other hand, must represent the company’s interests as they settle your claim. These insurance adjusters may not be experts in the type of damage your home has sustained, and they may miss hidden damage during their inspection, which can negatively impact the amount of your settlement.
A public adjuster will:
- Visit your home to assess the damage to your property
- File all paperwork related to the claim
- Handle all communication with your insurance provider
- Ensure that the final settlement amount is fair based on the specifics of your claim
Keep in mind that public adjusters are not general contractors, so they are not qualified to assist with restoration work or coordinate home service providers.
Hiring a public adjuster
Making major decisions while dealing with the aftermath of a home disaster isn’t ideal, so if possible, interview public adjuster companies when you purchase your home or when hurricane season isn’t in full swing. This way, you’ll have a company in mind to call in the event of property damage.
Here are a few things to consider as you compare firms:
- Licensure. The public adjuster or firm you choose must be licensed by the state of Florida to handle insurance claims. Reciprocal licenses with another state are not sufficient.
- Experience. Ask about the firm’s or the individual adjuster’s level of expertise in the major types of property damage claims: water damage, fire and smoke damage, and storm damage.
- Fees. In most cases, public adjusters charge their fees via a portion or percentage of the settlement amount you receive from your insurance company. Clarify this detail, and request the specifics in writing.
Gather this important information and consult the Best Pick Reports guide to help you find the best company to work with.
The Best Picks for Top-Rated South Florida Public Adjusters
Property damage is every homeowner’s nightmare, but a qualified, experienced public adjuster can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that your outcome is satisfactory. For the best public adjuster companies, turn to Best Pick Reports. Our survey team contacts South Florida homeowners each year to identify the highest-quality public adjusters in your area.
All Best Pick companies are fully vetted on an annual basis to ensure that they provide high-quality work and outstanding customer service. We verify all state-required licenses and insurance every year, too. Our company qualification process means that companies listed in our guide and on our website are the best of the best, and we’re proud to present the results of our surveys in a clear, easily accessible format.
Best Pick South Florida public adjusters will handle your claim, your questions, and your concerns with skill and empathy so that you can get your house and your life back to normal. You’ll be satisfied with your experience from beginning to end—we guarantee it.