What is a public adjuster, and how do they differ from an insurance adjuster?

A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. They help you file and negotiate claims to get a fair payout. Insurance adjusters, on the other hand, work for the insurance company and try to minimize the amount they pay you.

Do I need a public adjuster?

If your insurance claim is large, complicated, or has been denied, a public adjuster can help make sure you get the full amount you’re entitled to. They also save you time by handling paperwork and negotiations.

How do public adjusters get paid?

Most public adjusters work on a contingency fee, meaning they take a percentage (usually 5–15%) of the final claim payout. You don’t pay anything upfront, and they only get paid if you do. But here at Anderson Bettencourt we are very flexible and can develop custom payment plans for every case.

How long does the claim process take?

It depends on the complexity of the claim. Simple cases may take a few weeks, while complex commercial or high-value claims can take months. Public adjusters work to speed up the process as much as possible.

What happens if my claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, a public adjuster can review it, find errors or missing information, and help you file an appeal. Many denied claims are overturned with the right evidence and argument.

Can you reopen an old insurance claim?

Yes, in many cases, if you believe you were underpaid or the insurance company overlooked damages, you can reopen the claim. Public adjusters can help with this, but there are time limits based on your policy and location.

Can I file a claim on my own without a public adjuster?

Yes, you can, but you may not get the maximum payout. Insurance companies have experts working for them, so having a public adjuster on your side levels the playing field.

How much more can a public adjuster get me compared to my insurance offer?

On average, policyholders who use public adjusters receive significantly higher payouts—often 30–70% more—because adjusters know how to document losses and negotiate effectively.

When should I hire a public adjuster? Right after a loss or later?

It’s best to hire one as soon as possible, ideally before filing the claim. They can help gather the right documentation and prevent mistakes that could hurt your claim.

Does hiring a public adjuster delay my claim?

No. In fact, public adjusters often speed up the process by managing paperwork, following up with insurers, and making sure everything is submitted correctly the first time.

How can a public adjuster help my business recover from a large-loss claim?

They make sure your claim covers not just repairs, but also business interruption losses, temporary relocations, and hidden damages. They negotiate aggressively to get you the highest settlement possible.

What types of business claims do public adjusters handle?

They handle claims for fire, floods, storms, theft, vandalism, business interruption, and equipment damage. They also help with complex claims involving multiple locations or supply chain disruptions.

How do I know if my business is underinsured?

If your policy doesn’t cover all potential risks (like floods or business interruption), or if your coverage limits are too low, you may be underinsured. A public adjuster can review your policy and help identify any gaps in coverage.

Expert Public Adjusters
Who Fight for Policyholders

Public Adjusters Who Fight for Policyholders

Not for Insurance Companies

With 80+ years of experience, we’re the trusted advocates for commercial property owners, homeowners, industrial operators, and farm businesses facing complex insurance claims.

Our Mission

Insurance companies profit by underpaying claims. We make sure they don’t underpay yours.

At Anderson Bettencourt, we believe policyholders deserve fair treatment, fast settlements, and full payouts.

Our mission is simple: to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation their policy allows—without delay, denial, or unnecessary stress.

Who We Are

Industry Leaders in Insurance Claims, Settlement Negotiation, and Dispute Resolution.

Founded by Gary Anderson and Susan Bettencourt, Anderson Bettencourt is built on decades of experience in insurance law, claims handling, risk management, and qualified loss assessment.

We’ve worked inside the insurance industry, we know their tactics, and we know how to beat them.

What We Do

We take over the claim, in whatever stage it is in, and fight for every dollar you are legally entitled to.

We specialize in high value and/or complex property losses over $200,000 and well in excess of $5 million.

Whether your claim has been denied, delayed, or undervalued, we have the expertise to challenge insurers and secure the full settlement you’re owed.

Insurance Companies are Experts at Minimizing Claims.

We’re Experts at Maximizing Them.

Unlike average public adjusters, we bring assertive negotiation tactics, legal-backed claim structuring, and qualified expertise to every case we work on.

Our clients trust us because:

We win bigger settlements. Our clients receive 2X–5X more than insurer initial offers.
We handle everything — paperwork, inspections, negotiations, and follow-ups — so you can focus on your life or business without the stress of dealing with insurers.
We only get paid when you do. No upfront fees, no hidden costs—we win when you win.
We know insurance tactics inside and out. We’ve worked on the inside, and we use that knowledge to fight back.

We haven’t just worked in insurance — we’ve trained the industry.

Gary, as a former CEO and President, and Susan, as a Claims Director, National Property Manager, and Insurance Institute Instructor, have taught insurance company staff and independent adjusters how to do their jobs.

Now, that expertise works for you.

Testimonials

We’ve Secured Millions for Policyholders Like You

After a fire at my cottage left a lingering smoke smell despite insurance repairs, I knew to call a Public Adjuster when my barn later caught fire. Susan at Anderson Bettencourt helped me avoid a co-insurance penalty and secured a major settlement for my damaged crop and a full barn replacement.

Anderson Bettencourt truly cares about their clients. With deep insurance industry knowledge, Susan explains every option clearly, stands firm against insurers, and ensures you collect all the money owed. Whenever I face insurance issues, I want Susan on my side!

After a major fire at my parents' home, the insurance company delayed payment for nearly a year, claiming ongoing investigations. Hiring Anderson Bettencourt was the best decision — Susan has been a true angel, keeping us informed and fighting for us. We've already recovered far more than we ever expected, and she’s still pushing for more so we can rebuild. We’re incredibly grateful we found her.

I’m a medical professional paying high home insurance. After wrongly blaming my autistic son for a fire, my insurer denied my claim. Anderson Bettencourt fought hard, overturned their decision, and helped me recover nearly $2 million — and I haven’t even begun rebuilding. They’re truly the best.

Meet The Team

Co-Founder

Gary Anderson

With over 40 years in the insurance industry, Gary brings a rare blend of frontline experience, investigative expertise, and executive leadership.

Starting his career in underwriting and claims, he quickly advanced to handling large, complex commercial losses and served in a Special Investigations Unit. He later spent two decades as an insurance technology consultant with firms like Accenture and CSC, advising companies across North America and the Caribbean on claims systems and operations.

In 2019, Gary became CEO of Nova Mutual, where he led a full organizational transformation. Now, as co-founder of Anderson Bettencourt, he applies his deep industry knowledge to advocate for policyholders with clarity, integrity, and purpose.

Co-Founder

Susan Bettencourt

With over 40 years of experience in claims, construction, and property risk assessment, Susan brings unmatched insight to complex residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural losses.

A graduate of Mohawk College’s Insurance and Building Design programs, she built her career as a multi-line adjuster, risk manager, and reinsurance expert. Known for standing up for clients and colleagues alike, Susan transitioned into public adjusting after seeing firsthand how unfairly policyholders were treated.

Since then, she’s built a reputation for overturning denied claims and securing strong results for clients. Susan co-founded Polaris Advocates (formerly Queen Adjusters) with long-time colleague Gary Anderson, combining their strengths to deliver strategic, high-impact claim advocacy.

Marketing Director

Carlos Rios

Carlos Rios brings over 20 years of strategic marketing expertise to Anderson Bettencourt, specializing in brand positioning, digital strategy, and high-trust professional services.

With a proven track record of elevating industry leaders in complex, high-stakes markets, Carlos ensures Anderson Bettencourt’s message reaches those who need it most—policyholders facing devastating losses and unfair claim practices.

His role is to ensure that every communication—from educational content to digital campaigns—reinforces Anderson Bettencourt’s mission: to empower clients with knowledge and support as they fight for the settlements they deserve.

Contents Specialist

Crystal Whittingstall

Crystal has over 17 years of experience in the restoration and insurance industry, specializing in contents handling, appraising, and cleaning.

She holds IICRC certifications in Water, Fire & Smoke, Mould, Asbestos, Odour Control, and Contents Handling. Her work has taken her across Canada and parts of the U.S., assisting communities after major catastrophes including tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes.

She has also volunteered with organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross, American Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, and the CIBC Run for the Cure, contributing to disaster management, search and recovery, and community rebuilding efforts.

Crystal studied at the University of Toronto, served with the Canadian Armed Forces Infantry Division, and continues to bring discipline, compassion, and technical expertise to her work.

Your Insurance Claim is Time-Sensitive
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Your Insurance Claim is Time-Sensitive Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

We only get paid when you do—no risk, only results.

We take on a limited number of cases per month.

Don’t let insurers delay your payout—schedule your free consultation now.

Frequently Asked Questions

? Why are insurance claim denials increasing in Canada?

Insurance companies are tightening their policies due to rising payouts from climate disasters. Many claims are denied due to technicalities, poor documentation, or underinsurance.

? What are the biggest risks for businesses and homeowners in Canada’s current insurance market?

The top risks are wildfires, flooding, underinsurance, premium hikes, and labor shortages slowing claims processing.

? How do I verify if a public adjuster is properly licensed in Canada?

Check with your provincial insurance regulator (like FSRAO in Ontario) to confirm their credentials before hiring them.

? What are the top mistakes business owners and homeowners make in the claims process?

Common mistakes include waiting too long to file, missing paperwork, accepting the first offer, and not hiring a professional to review the claim.

? How do I ensure my claim is handled discreetly?

Work with a public adjuster experienced in handling high-net-worth clients. Ask about NDAs and ensure sensitive details are not shared unnecessarily.

? What are common coverage gaps in luxury home insurance policies?

Many policies don’t fully cover high-end features like custom pools, smart-home systems, wine cellars, or antiques. A public adjuster helps prove their value in a claim.

? What specialized coverage options should I consider for my home?

You may need additional policies for high-value assets, cyber protection, climate-proofing, and extended liability coverage for guests and events.

Still have questions?

Two women collaborating at work with coffee in hand, while team members discuss in the background.

Smiling professional woman reviewing documents with clients during a consultation.

ABOUT COMPANY

Creating a better future for your loved once

Nullam eu nibh vitae est tempor molest sed ex.

Quisque dignissim maximus ipsum, sed rutrum tincidunt et. Sed eget tincidunt ipsum. There are many passages of psum available, but the majority have alteration in some by injected humour, or randomised words look believable.

David Hardson

Founder of insur

TESTIMONIALS

What our happy customers are talking about our insurance company

Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus netus et malesuada fames ac turp egestas. Aliquam viverra arcu. Donec aliquet blandit enim feugiat mattis.