Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Do I need a public adjuster?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How do public adjusters get paid?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

How long does the claim process take?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What happens if my claim is denied?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Can you reopen an old insurance claim?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Does hiring a public adjuster delay my claim?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What types of business claims do public adjusters handle?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How do I know if my business is underinsured?

Accepted Answer

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.

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