IMAGE: Public Adjusters secure higher settlement offers

Why consider hiring a Public Adjuster for your wildfire claim? They can increase your settlement by an average of 747%.

With expert knowledge of policy language, the insurance claims process, and typical carrier practices, Public Adjusters know how to avoid common issues that cause claims to be denied or underpaid. Having a Public Adjuster on the claim makes it harder for insurance companies to undercut you. 

Hire A Public Adjuster
IMAGE: Public Adjuster provides the Best Outcome

Public Adjusters are insurance claim experts that fight for the best possible outcome for your wildfire claim.

You’re not alone in facing the challenges of wildfire damage to your property—with a Public Adjuster, you can focus on recovering while they put you on the path to rebuilding.  

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Public Adjusters Help Policyholders With Wildfire Claims

Fire damage to your property is disruptive and upsetting, but the ordeal of filing an insurance claim only exacerbates the emotional and psychological stress. A Public Adjuster can be a trusted guide that assists with understanding your insurance coverage and navigating the claims process.

You Need an Advocate

The insurance adjuster aims to pay as little as possible and may perform an incomplete damage inspection. Whether they simply don’t look at everything, fail to document thoroughly, or deny or downplay subtle signs of damage, the insurance adjuster is not working on your behalf. Their goal is to save the insurance company money on your claim settlement.

Public Adjusters can help you accurately evaluate damage to your home. They will complete a thorough damage assessment, documenting both visible and hidden damages to present compelling evidence to your insurance company. They know common policy exclusions and understand the insurance carrier’s lingo, so they can craft expert arguments to advocate for your position on the claim. 

"[Wildfire] survivors are often navigating a fog of grief, shock, and profound disorientation. In these early moments of loss, the [Public Adjuster] becomes more than a handler of policies…everybody in the claims recovery business become[s]…’second responders,’ tasked with not only initiating financial recovery but also, crucially, supporting emotional recovery." —​Chip Merlin, Merlin Law Group
 

Licensed Public Adjusters in California

In order to legally adjust claims, Public Adjusters must be licensed and bonded in their state of operation. You should always ask for a license number and check that it is a valid license before signing a contract with a Public Adjuster. 

California Public Adjusters are licensed by the State of California. You can verify a Public Adjuster’s license on the California Department of Insurance website. 

Note that many contractors assert that they can help you negotiate with your insurance company, but contractors are not allowed to adjust claims without a Public Adjuster license and cannot serve as both the contractor and the Public Adjuster on a claim. 

"Hiring a Public Adjuster to represent you can completely streamline your insurance claim process. We delve into the nitty-gritty of your 30-60 page policy document so you don’t have to, we handle the damage documentation and claim compilation, and we keep following up with your insurance adjuster to push your claim ahead."​

—CEO & Founder Ted Patestos, Tiger Adjusters®

INFOGRAPHIC: Non-branded Public Adjuster Duties


Public Adjuster Ethics

A trustworthy Public Adjuster will never encourage you to lie or misrepresent your claim (this is illegal). The job of a Public Adjuster is simply to help the policyholder get the coverage they are entitled to under their insurance policy. No more, and no less. A Public Adjuster is well-versed on the guidelines governing public adjusting in his or her state of operation and serves as a valuable consumer advocate for California wildfire victims. 

How Are Public Adjusters Paid?

Public Adjusters are paid on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they succeed in getting you additional settlement money on your claim. Most Public Adjusters are paid a percentage of the claim settlement amount, ranging from 10-35%. However, in California there are no fee caps for the percentage that a Public Adjuster can charge for services. Always clarify the fee structure before signing a contract.