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.

Ensuring Code Compliance During Property Rebuilds

Construction team ensuring code compliance during property rebuild after disaster

When disaster strikes and a property must be rebuilt, the process involves more than simply restoring what was lost.

Building codes evolve over time, and homeowners are often required to bring their property into compliance with current safety and construction standards.

Without the right insurance coverage — specifically ordinance or law coverage — policyholders may face unexpected costs. Understanding code compliance during disaster recovery ensures you are fully protected.

Why Building Code Compliance Matters

Building codes exist to protect safety, efficiency, and structural integrity.

After a fire, storm, or flood, local authorities may require upgrades such as electrical rewiring, plumbing improvements, or accessibility features.

Even if your property was built to code years ago, today’s regulations may demand significant changes before reconstruction is approved.

For more insight into how insurers handle upgrades, see our article on unfair insurance settlement offers.

The Hidden Costs of Non-Compliance

Rebuilding after a disaster already carries high costs. When code upgrades are added, expenses increase further. For example:

Electrical systems may need to be completely modernized.
Older plumbing may require replacement with code-approved materials.
Roofs, windows, or insulation may need to be upgraded to meet energy-efficiency standards.
Commercial properties may need to add sprinklers, ramps, or safety exits.

Without ordinance or law coverage, these costs fall directly on the property owner — even if the disaster itself was fully covered.

Learn more about potential pitfalls in our guide on underinsurance risks for luxury homes.

Electrician upgrading wiring to meet building code standards after disaster

How Ordinance or Law Coverage Protects You

Ordinance or law coverage is an insurance endorsement designed to pay for code-required upgrades during rebuilding. It covers three key areas:

Undamaged Portions of the Property – If only part of a building is damaged, coverage helps pay for demolishing the undamaged section if local codes require a full rebuild.
Increased Construction Costs – Covers the added expense of meeting current building codes.
Demolition Costs – Covers expenses related to tearing down structures that no longer meet safety standards.

For related challenges, see how post-disaster safety regulations can affect rebuild requirements.

Building inspector ensuring ordinance and law compliance during rebuild

Common Oversights by Policyholders

Many homeowners and business owners do not realize that standard property insurance policies exclude coverage for code upgrades.

This creates a dangerous gap in protection.

Policyholders often assume their policy covers “replacement” but are surprised to learn that only the original structure is covered — not the cost of meeting modern codes.

Explore more in our resource on maximizing your insurance claim.

Steps to Ensure Compliance and Coverage

Review Your Policy

Examine your policy carefully to confirm whether ordinance or law coverage is included. If not, request an endorsement to close the gap.

Conduct a Pre-Loss Assessment

Work with a public adjuster to document your property’s current condition and identify potential code issues. This proactive step reduces surprises during a claim.

Update Coverage After Renovations

Anytime you remodel or expand, review your insurance to ensure it reflects both the improved value and potential code compliance requirements.

Work with Specialists

Appraisers, engineers, and contractors provide essential reports that highlight the cost of code upgrades. Their expertise strengthens your claim if disputes arise with the insurer.

How Anderson Bettencourt Helps Policyholders

At Anderson Bettencourt, we specialize in helping property owners secure coverage that accounts for code compliance.

Our team reviews policies, coordinates with specialists, and negotiates with insurers to ensure ordinance or law coverage is applied correctly.

When disaster strikes, we present strong evidence of required upgrades, preventing insurers from undervaluing your claim.For more guidance, start with our claim process.

We also provide tailored resources for homeowner claims and commercial claims.

For quick support, visit our faqs or contact us directly through contact us.

Why This Matters to You, the Policyholder

Rebuilding after a disaster is stressful enough without surprise expenses for building code compliance.

By adding ordinance or law coverage and working with experts, you can protect yourself from major financial setbacks.

Anderson Bettencourt ensures that policyholders are not left vulnerable, securing settlements that reflect both restoration and modern safety standards.