What is a Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster (PA) represents the interests of the insurance policyholder in the preparation, presentation and settlement of first-party property insurance claims. A qualified PA has specialized expertise that can simplify and speed up this complicated process. A PA works only for you–not the insurance company, not the roofing company, not the general contractor–and serves as an important protection for your rights as a policyholder.

A PA is your representative in dealings with your insurance company adjuster and his or her consultants (engineers, construction experts, or forensic accountants). Hiring a PA can level the playing field and make a significant difference in the final determination of your loss.

A PA will relieve you of many time consuming, tedious and difficult matters related to preparing and filing your insurance claim–and help you get a prompt and fair settlement. The PA will prepare your claim, including all estimates, inventories and other factual information that may be required to prove your loss. Your PA will make sure your claim meets all of your insurance company’s filing requirements.

Responsible PAs often base their fees on a percentage of the final settlement–based on the time, energy and expertise required to properly and effectively represent their client. Much like accountants, realtors and other professional consultants, public adjusters offset their fees in the time they save their clients and in the amount of the claim recovery.

When you’re working with a NAPIA member, you can be assured you are working with one of the most knowledgeable and competent public adjusters in the business. Through its accreditation and training programs, NAPIA sets its own high standards for professional knowledge, competence and achievement. The association enforces a strict code of ethics to promote the highest standard of integrity and professionalism.

Most states require public adjusters to be tested and licensed. Licensed public adjusters must demonstrate significant knowledge and competence in a broad range of areas related to property insurance, claims settlement and pertinent laws and regulations. NAPIA strongly endorses licensing and supports the efforts of its members working to create licensing legislation in the few states where it is not already required.