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.

Natural Disaster Recovery Built
for Businesses

Natural Disaster Recovery Built for Businesses

When a natural disaster hits, insurance companies focus on quick, low-cost payouts.
We uncover the full impact and fight for every dollar your policy allows.

When a natural disaster hits, insurance companies focus on quick, low-cost payouts. We uncover the full impact and fight for every dollar your policy allows.

Maximize Your Natural Disaster Insurance Claim

Maximize Your Natural Disaster
Insurance Claim

What Insurance Companies Leave Out Costs You More

Insurers aim to settle fast and cheap after a disaster — ignoring real losses to your business, tenants, and future operations.

We uncover every dollar your policy should cover.

Insurance companies ignore business interruption. We calculate lost income and downtime.
Insurance companies undervalue major systems. We assess all structural, electrical, and mechanical damage.
Insurance companies exclude tenant losses. We include lost rent, displacement, and buildout costs.
Insurance companies use outdated pricing. We prove true rebuild costs with commercial estimators.
Insurance companies skip code upgrades.We include required ADA, zoning, and compliance work.
Insurance companies downplay disaster damage. We document all storm, fire, flood, and mold losses.

Not Sure If We Handle Your Claim? Let’s Talk.

Who We Help

We represent businesses that can’t afford to be underpaid.

Retail, hospitality, & restaurant operators

We recover income losses, inventory damage, and custom buildouts.

Commercial real estate investors

We safeguard your portfolio value after wind, flood, fire, or storm damage.

Industrial & Manufacturing

We record overlooked damage to equipment, production lines, and infrastructure.

Multi-tenant building owners

We protect income streams from rent loss, displaced tenants, and buildout damage.

Commercial landlords

We calculate lease losses, vacancies, & operating impacts — and fight to recover them all.

Medical, dental, & professional offices

We ensure full coverage for specialty equipment, interior systems, & operational downtime.

Your Insurance Claim is Time-Sensitive.
Don’t Wait

Why Businesses Trust
Anderson Bettencourt

Why Business Trust Anderson Bettencourt

After A Natural Disaster, You Need a Real Advocate. We Maximize Recovery for Your Business.

We use legal-grade strategy, forensic assessments, and aggressive advocacy to ensure your commercial property, income, and operations are fully protected — not lowballed or overlooked.

Businesses choose us because:

We recover more. Many clients receive 2×–5× what insurers first offered.
We manage everything. From inspections and loss documentation to negotiation and final payout.
We don’t get paid until you do. No upfront fees. No billing games. Just results.
We understand insurer tactics. Our team has decades of experience countering delays, denials, and underpayments.
We build airtight claims. With legal support, expert damage reports, and accurate replacement cost data.

Real Success Stories

We don’t just talk about results—we deliver them.
Here’s how we’ve helped past clients recover significantly more than their insurer’s initial offer.

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.

Our Proven Process for Natural
Disaster Claims

Our step-by-step process ensures that your natural disaster insurance claim is fully
documented, aggressively negotiated, and settled for its true value.
Here’s how we take over your claim and protect your home:

Free Consultation
Damage and Loss Assessment
Negotiation and Claim Filing
Maximum Settlement Secured

Free Consultation

We provide no-cost consultations to evaluate your policy, coverage, and natural disaster loss.
We assess how your loss happened and explain how we maximize your claim.
We review the insurance company’s initial offer — or estimate — and flag coverage gaps or undervaluations.

Get in Touch

Claims coordinator speaking on phone while managing client file on laptop

Damage and Loss Assessment

We work with moisture mapping experts, forensic contractors, roofing and structural specialists, and engineers to evaluate every area hidden or affected by disaster.
We evaluate affected materials, flooring, cabinetry, systems, and personal property.
We prepare detailed reports and evidence-based estimates to maximize your claim.

Get in Touch

Severely damaged apartment building surrounded by rubble after a catastrophic disaster.

Negotiation and Claim Filing

We challenge delays, denials, and lowball offers using legal-backed strategies.
We handle all insurer communication and paperwork at every phase.
We support a complete, defensible claim strategy for denied, delayed, or underpaid claims — and take it to appraisal or legal support if necessary.

Get in Touch

Two professionals shaking hands over a desk with paperwork, coffee, and a laptop, symbolizing agreement or successful negotiation.

Maximum Settlement Secured

We ensure your claim reflects every dollar you’re owed under your insurance policy.
We finalize all legal and financial paperwork while you focus on getting your business restored.
We negotiate firmly to secure the highest possible payout — and don’t stop until it’s resolved.

Get in Touch

Close-up of a hand holding multiple Canadian 100-dollar bills in a fanned-out arrangement.

Your Natural Disaster Claim is Time-Sensitive.
Don’t Let Your Insurer Delay Your Recovery

Your Natural Disaster Claim is Time-Sensitive. Don’t Let Your Insurer Delay Your Recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

? What qualifies as a natural disaster for insurance purposes?

Events like hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and severe storms typically qualify — but coverage varies widely by policy. We review your policy and ensure all applicable damages are claimed.

? How soon should I file a commercial claim after a natural disaster?

Immediately. Insurers often impose strict deadlines, and the sooner we’re involved, the better we can document losses and protect your position.

? Will business interruption be covered?

It depends on your policy. Many include coverage for lost revenue, payroll, and operating expenses — but insurers often undervalue or deny these. We document everything to ensure it’s included.

? What if my tenants or vendors were affected?

Tenant displacement, lost leases, and vendor interruptions can be part of your claim. We ensure third-party losses tied to your property are properly accounted for.

? Can I still file if I already received a partial payment?

Many clients come to us after getting underpaid. We can reopen or supplement your claim to recover the full value.

? How do you help if my claim is delayed or denied?

We identify the cause, respond with legal-backed evidence, and escalate if needed. We’ve helped clients overturn wrongful denials and resolve claims stuck for months.

? How is Anderson Bettencourt different from other public adjusters?

We don’t just adjust — we build legally defensible claims using expert teams, inside knowledge of insurer tactics, and strategic negotiation.

Still have questions?

Natural Disaster Recovery Built
for Businesses

Natural Disaster Recovery Built for Businesses

Maximize Your Natural Disaster Insurance Claim

Maximize Your Natural Disaster
Insurance Claim

What Insurance Companies Leave Out Costs You More

Not Sure If We Handle Your Claim? Let’s Talk.

We represent businesses that can’t afford to be underpaid.