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.

Is Hiring a Public Adjuster Worth It? Pros & Cons Guide

Public adjusters assessing luxury home damage after major property loss

Is Hiring a Public Adjuster Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of property damage, filing an insurance claim can be one of the most frustrating and confusing parts of the recovery process. That’s where public adjusters come in.

But are they worth it?

In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of hiring a public adjuster, so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right move for you as a homeowner or commercial property owner.

What Is a Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who advocates for you, not the insurance company. They evaluate your loss, review your policy, document damages, and negotiate with the insurer to get you the best possible settlement.

Unlike the insurance company’s adjuster (who represents the insurer), a public adjuster works exclusively for the policyholder. Their goal? Maximize your claim payout.

Learn more about how the insurance claim process works.

Pros of Hiring a Public Adjuster

1. Maximized Settlements

Public adjusters are experienced in policy interpretation and damage valuation. They often identify entitlements that policyholders or insurer adjusters may miss.

This typically results in higher payouts—especially for homeowners and commercial property owners with complex losses.

2. Saves You Time and Stress

They handle all communications, paperwork, and follow-ups with the insurer. That means you can focus on restoring your property instead of battling bureaucracy.

3. Policy Expertise

Public adjusters understand the fine print and can prevent insurers from denying or underpaying claims based on vague policy language.

Explore why clients choose Anderson Bettencourt for this exact advantage.

4. Contingency-Based Fees

Most work on a “no recovery, no fee” basis. That means if they don’t win you money, you don’t owe them anything.

5. Legal-Backed Strategy

Some firms, like Anderson Bettencourt, go further with legal insight and expert partnerships to strengthen every aspect of your claim.

Cons of Hiring a Public Adjuster

1. Fee Structure

While they can often increase your payout, public adjusters typically charge a percentage (usually 10–20%) of your settlement. It’s important to evaluate whether the increased payout offsets the fee.

2. Unqualified or Unlicensed Adjusters

Not all adjusters are equal. Hiring someone without the right credentials, references, or experience can backfire.

You can verify licensing through your province’s financial services regulator.

3. Timing Matters

Hiring too late (after a settlement has been offered or documentation is incomplete) can limit their effectiveness.

4. Not Always Necessary for Small Claims

If the loss is minor or straightforward, hiring a public adjuster may not significantly impact your settlement.

Some insurance companies may pressure policyholders to work with their preferred vendors, which can limit your options and affect claim outcomes.

Frustrated homeowner reviewing insurance documents on a laptop

When a Public Adjuster Is Most Valuable

Hiring a public adjuster makes the most sense when:

Your claim is high-value or complex (like water, fire, or total-loss damage).
You’ve experienced delays, denials, or low settlement offers.
You need help managing the claims process.
You have limited time, expertise, or emotional bandwidth to navigate the process.
In some cases, disputes over claim value may require an appraisal process to reach a fair resolution.

Check out our FAQs for more guidance on when to hire an adjuster.

Final Recommendation

If you’re facing a major loss, uncertain about policy language, or tired of fighting with your insurer, hiring a public adjuster is not just worth it—it can be a game-changer.

Be sure to choose a firm with proven results, transparent fees, and expertise in your specific property type.

You can contact our team or book a consultation to get started.

Why This Matters to You, the Policyholder

Property loss is already stressful enough.

Hiring a qualified public adjuster can mean the difference between a rushed, lowball payout and a properly documented, full recovery.

With professionals like Anderson Bettencourt on your side, you can rest assured that your rights are protected, your claim is maximized, and your stress is minimized.

Don’t let the insurer write the final chapter of your claim story. Let us help you take control.

Common Questions About Public Adjusters

1. Are public adjusters legal in Ontario and Canada?
Yes, public adjusters are regulated and licensed by provincial authorities like FSRA.

2. How much do public adjusters charge?
Fees typically range from 10–20% of the final settlement, depending on the complexity of the case.

3. Can I hire one after my claim is already open?
Absolutely. Many clients hire adjusters mid-claim or even after a denial.

4. Will my insurance company cooperate with a public adjuster?
Legally, they must. Some insurers may resist, but experienced firms know how to navigate that.

5. Do I still need a lawyer if I have a public adjuster?
In many cases, no. But for legal disputes or denied claims, an adjuster may refer you to a trusted legal partner.

Is It Worth Hiring a Public Adjuster? Pros and Cons Explained