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.

Trusted Public Adjusters for High-Stakes
Water Damage Claims

Trusted Public Adjusters for High-Stakes Water Damage Claims

We represent your business, not the insurer’s.
Our team fights for maximum compensation.

We represent your business, not the insurer’s. Our team fights for maximum compensation.

Water Damage Impacts Every Part of Your Business

Water Damage Impacts Every Part
of Your Business

Commercial water damage claims are complex — and insurers rarely pay what they're truly worth.

Most insurers focus on visible damage, ignore business interruption losses, and rush lowball estimates.

At Anderson Bettencourt, we do more.

We specialize in high-value commercial property claims, using forensic documentation, expert valuations, and legal-backed negotiation to secure every dollar your policy allows.

From structural restoration to lost income and tenant displacement, we build airtight claims that insurers can’t ignore.

Who We Help

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

Warehouse & Logistics Operators

We recover damages tied to inventory loss, machinery breakdown and facility closure.

Commercial Property Managers

We assess and recover losses across common areas, tenant spaces and building systems.

Restaurants & Hospitality Groups

From waterlogged kitchens to guestroom closures, we recover full repair and revenue losses.

Medical & Dental Practices

We handle claims involving specialty equipment, cabinetry and patient service interruption.

Office & Retail Property Owners

We manage claims for multi-tenant buildings, shopping centers and Class A properties.

Insurers Undervalue Commercial Water Claims

They protect their bottom line. We protect yours.

They undervalue interior systems We bring in HVAC, electrical & plumbing specialists to assess full replacement value.
They ignore business interruption losses We calculate lost revenue, tenant disruption & extra operating costs — and demand compensation for it all.
They skip over mold, odor & contamination We use hygienists & remediation pros to document indoor air concerns & long-term risks insurers try to avoid.
They use outdated pricing for materials & labor We bring in commercial estimators & contractors to prove what real recovery costs in your market.
They downplay tenant-related claims We document damage to build-outs, equipment & improvements — so tenants aren't left out of your recovery.

Why Business Owners Trust
Anderson Bettencourt

Why Business Owners Trust Anderson Bettencourt

Insurers design payouts to be as small as possible.

We match every trick with strategy.

We recover what others can’t — including downtime, tenant impact, system failures & code-required upgrades.

Clients choose us because:

We secure higher settlements. Many clients recover 2×–5× more than the insurer’s initial offer.
We handle everything. From inspections to final negotiation, no stress, no gaps.
We don’t get paid unless you do. No upfront fees, no surprises, just results.
We know insurer tactics inside & out. Decades of experience reveal exactly how they minimize commercial claims.
We build legal-grade claims. Our adjusters, forensic experts & legal partners strengthen your position from day one.

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 Process for Water Damage Claims

Our step-by-step process ensures your commercial water damage claim is
thoroughly documented, aggressively negotiated & settled for its true value.
Here’s how we take over your claim & protect your commercial property:

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

Free Consultation

We provide a no-cost consultation to review your policy, water damage, and coverage limits.
We assess how water has impacted your structure, systems, & operations — and explain how we maximize your claim payout.
We help you prepare and move fast — so you can minimize business disruption and start recovery.

Get in Touch

Claims coordinator speaking on phone while managing client file on laptop

Damage and Loss Assessment

We bring in structural engineers, estimators, moisture specialists, and remediation experts to verify loss details.
We account for soaked flooring, walls, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, contents, and building systems.
We develop detailed reports to support your commercial water loss claim.

Get in Touch

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

Negotiation and Claim Filing

We manage all back-and-forth with the insurance carrier — so you don’t have to.
We challenge lowball offers and advocate for coverage of building upgrades, code compliance, and lost income.
If needed, we escalate appraisals or legal measures to resolve disputes.

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 don’t stop at repair costs — we pursue everything owed under your policy.
We include displacement, income loss, equipment damage, and anything else your insurer tries to ignore.
You don’t owe us a fee until your settlement is won.

Get in Touch

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

Your Water Damage Claim is Time-Sensitive.
Don’t Let Your Insurer Delay Your Recovery

Your Water Damage Claim is Time-Sensitive. Don’t Let Your Insurer Delay Your Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

? What qualifies as commercial water damage under my policy?

Water damage caused by burst pipes, roof leaks, storm flooding, appliance failure, or sprinkler malfunctions typically qualifies — but insurers may try to exclude it. We interpret your policy in your favor.

? Why is my insurer offering so little for the damage?

Insurers often use outdated pricing models, ignore hidden moisture, and exclude key coverages. We challenge every line item to reflect real market costs and full damage scope.

? Can I file for business interruption losses?

Yes — if your operations were disrupted, your policy may cover lost income, rent, or relocation costs. We help prove and document those losses so they’re fully compensated.

? What if repairs were already started before I called you?

We can still step in. We’ll assess what's been done, document all remaining damage, and renegotiate the payout if your insurer missed key costs or values.

? How long does the claims process take?

It depends on the complexity of the damage and insurer cooperation. Most claims resolve within weeks to a few months — and we push hard to keep things moving.

? Do I have to deal with the insurance company?

No. Once we’re on board, we handle all communication, documentation, and negotiation. You focus on your business — we focus on your claim.

? How do you get paid?

We only get paid when you do. Our fee is a small percentage of your final settlement — no upfront costs, no surprises.

Still have questions?

Trusted Public Adjusters for High-Stakes
Water Damage Claims

Trusted Public Adjusters for High-Stakes Water Damage Claims

Water Damage Impacts Every Part of Your Business

Water Damage Impacts Every Part
of Your Business

Commercial water damage claims are complex — and insurers rarely pay what they're truly worth.