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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About
Public Adjusters & Insurance Claim Settlements

Everything You Need to Know About Public Adjusters & Insurance Claim Settlements

Insurance claims are a complex financial transaction. The industry uses various tactics to minimize your settlement and reduce your payout.

We’re here to answer your most important questions so you can make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your settlement.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us at support@myclaimadjuster.ca

General Questions

? 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.

? 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.

? 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.

For Business Owners

? 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 to identify gaps.

? Can a public adjuster help speed up the claims process?

Yes. They ensure all documents are submitted correctly, push the insurer for faster responses, and handle all negotiations to avoid unnecessary delays.

? How do public adjusters negotiate with insurance companies?

They use industry data, damage assessments, and legal knowledge to challenge lowball offers. They also bring in specialists like engineers or accountants if needed.

? How can I ensure my claim includes hidden damages?

Public adjusters inspect your property thoroughly, looking for structural damage, water intrusion, mold, and other issues that may not be immediately visible.

? What documentation do I need to strengthen my insurance claim?

You need photos, videos, receipts, repair estimates, financial records (for lost income claims), and any communication with the insurance company. A public adjuster helps organize and submit this.

? How do public adjusters charge for commercial claims?

They usually charge 5–15% of the final settlement, depending on the size and complexity of the claim. For large commercial claims, their fee may be lower due to high claim amounts.

For Home Owners

? How can a public adjuster help with high-value home insurance claims?

They ensure your claim covers everything from structural repairs to luxury furnishings, fine art, and custom home features that may be undervalued by the insurer.

? 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.

? How do public adjusters ensure my luxury assets (art, antiques, collectibles) are properly valued?

They work with appraisers who specialize in high-end assets to ensure you receive fair compensation.

? Can a public adjuster help with privacy concerns in an insurance claim?

Yes. They can negotiate NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) to keep sensitive information confidential and prevent your claim details from becoming public.

? 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.

Industry 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.

? How do public adjusters work with law firms?

We provide fact-based reports, damage assessments, and claim documentation to support legal cases and strengthen arguments against insurers.

? What types of experts do you collaborate with during claims?

We work with law firms, qualified engineers, valuation specialists, financial analysts, and restoration experts to ensure claims are fully documented and maximized.

? How can partnering with a public adjuster benefit my business or law firm?

We help resolve claims faster, increase settlement values, and provide expert documentation, making legal cases stronger and ensuring better client outcomes.

? What qualifications should a public adjuster have for high-value claims?

Decades of experience, legal-backed strategies, forensic partnerships, and a proven record in $200K–$5M+ claims.

? Do you offer specialized support for complex litigation cases?

Yes, we assist with bad faith claims, business losses, policy disputes, and denied claims, providing expert reports and claim structuring.

? How do I become a partner with Anderson Bettencourt?

Contact us to discuss collaboration opportunities—we welcome law firms, engineers, and industry professionals dedicated to securing fair settlements.

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.