Do I Need a Public Adjuster or Appraisal?

Please note: this article is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal or claims advice. If you have questions to see if we can assist you with your specific claim, please contact us.

Understanding the Difference

Public Adjusting: Public adjusting is comprehensive claim representation. A public adjuster manages your entire claim from start to finish—documenting damage, reviewing your policy, preparing your claim, and negotiating with your insurance company.

Appraisal: Appraisal is a specific dispute resolution process for valuation disagreements. It comes into play when you and your insurance company can't agree on how much your damage is worth.

When You Might Need a Public Adjuster

You might consider a public adjuster when:

• Your claim is just beginning and you want professional representation from the start

• Damage is extensive or affects multiple areas of your property

• You're unfamiliar with insurance claim procedures

• You don't have time to manage the claim yourself

• Your policy language is complex or confusing

• You're not sure what your policy covers

• You want someone to handle all communications with your insurer

• Your claim involves business interruption or additional living expenses

• Initial offers don't seem to address all damage

Public adjusters work throughout the entire claim process, from initial loss through final settlement.

When You Might Need Appraisal

You might consider appraisal when:

• Your insurance company acknowledges coverage but disputes the repair cost

• You've already filed a claim and reached an impasse on value

• The disagreement is specifically about how much damage costs to repair

• You want a binding resolution without going to court

• Your insurance company has invoked appraisal

• Coverage isn't in dispute—only the dollar amount

Appraisal addresses a specific valuation dispute, not the overall claim management.

Can You Need Both?

Yes. Some situations require both services at different stages:

Example scenario: You hire a public adjuster to manage your fire damage claim. The public adjuster documents the damage, reviews your policy, and negotiates with your insurance company. The insurance company agrees coverage exists but disputes the scope of repairs needed. At this point, appraisal might be invoked to resolve the valuation disagreement. Your public adjuster might also serve as your appraiser in the appraisal process, or you might hire a separate licensed appraiser.

Questions to Help You Decide

Ask yourself:

• Has my claim already been filed, or am I just starting?

• Do I need help with the entire claim process, or just a valuation dispute?

• Does my insurance company acknowledge coverage?

• Is the disagreement about whether damage is covered, or how much it costs to fix?

• Do I understand my policy and what I'm entitled to?

• Do I have time to manage documentation and negotiations myself?

Cost Considerations

Public Adjusting: Typically contingency-based (percentage of claim settlement). You pay nothing upfront and only pay if your claim settles.

Appraisal: Usually hourly or flat fee. You pay for your appraiser's services regardless of outcome. The umpire's fee is typically split with the insurance company.

Getting Professional Guidance

If you're unsure which service you need, contact a licensed public adjuster for a claim review. Many public adjusters offer complimentary consultations where they can assess your situation and recommend the appropriate course of action.

Remember that your claim situation may change over time. You might start handling a claim yourself and later decide you need professional help. Or you might hire a public adjuster early on and find that appraisal becomes necessary later if valuation disputes arise.

Two Different Tools for Settling Property Insurance Claim Disputes

Public adjusting and appraisal serve different purposes in property insurance claims. Understanding the difference helps you get the right help at the right time. When in doubt, a conversation with a licensed professional can clarify which service fits your situation.