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.

Fire Took Enough. Don’t Let the
Insurance Company Take More.

Fire Took Enough. Don’t Let the Insurance Company Take More.

Residential fire damage is devastating, but you don’t have to face the insurance company alone.

We fight for homeowners to receive full compensation after fire loss.

We Make Sure Every Bit of Fire Damage Is Accounted For

We Make Sure Every Bit of
Fire Damage Is Accounted For

Insurers skip over hidden damage and underpay major losses.
We hold them accountable and fight for every dollar your policy allows.

Insurers skip over hidden damage and underpay major losses. We hold them accountable and fight for every dollar your policy allows.

Get the Full Settlement You Deserve

A fire can devastate more than property—it can disrupt lives, businesses, and futures.

After a fire, you’re left facing major loss, while your insurance company focuses on minimizing payouts.

At Anderson Bettencourt, we specialize in high-value fire claims for luxury homes and commercial properties.

Our team steps in when the stakes are high and the process feels overwhelming.

We handle everything—damage assessments, documentation, and negotiations—using decades of legal, insurance, and construction expertise to fight for what you’re owed.

If your claim has been delayed, underpaid, or denied, we’re the team policyholders call to turn things around.

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

The Tactics Insurers Use to Minimize Fire Claims

The Tactics Insurers Use to Minimize
Fire Claims

Most insurers downplay hidden damage and undervalue your losses. We know how to

expose what they overlook and fight for your full payout.

Most insurers downplay hidden damage and undervalue your losses. We know how to expose what they overlook and fight for your full payout.

Insurers ignore smoke and soot contamination.

We document the hidden damage.

We test and inspect HVAC systems, insulation, and structural cavities where toxic residue lingers — and ensure full remediation is included.

Insurers downplay water damage from firefighting efforts.

We uncover moisture that leads to mold and structural rot.

We uncover moisture that leads to mold and
structural rot.

We bring in moisture mapping experts, industrial hygienists, and licensed remediation professionals to identify water saturation behind walls, under flooring, and in structural materials — and we demand the true cost of cleanup and full restoration.

Insurers undervalue personal contents.

We create a full contents inventory with accurate valuations.

From custom furniture to electronics and wardrobes, we photograph, catalog, and price everything using receipts, appraisals, and verified sources — ensuring nothing is left out or unfairly depreciated.

Fire Insurance Claims are Time-Sensitive.
Don’t Wait

Insurers skip over code upgrades & rebuild requirements.

We identify required upgrades and get them covered.

We consult with contractors and code experts to determine which updates (electrical, roofing, fire-resistant materials) are mandatory, and ensure your insurer pays for them under your policy.

Insurers use outdated pricing to estimate repairs.

We bring in licensed estimators using current, local rates.

We challenge lowball repair scopes with real pricing based on your home’s materials, local labor rates, and the true cost to rebuild — not outdated insurer software.

Why Homeowners Trust Anderson Bettencourt With
Their Fire Damage Claims

Why Homeowners Trust Anderson Bettencourt With Their Fire Damage Claims

Insurance Companies Are Experts at Minimizing Fire Damage Claims

We’re Experts at Maximizing Them.

Insurers try to move fast and pay less — we slow things down and fight for the full value of your loss.

Homeowners & businesses trust us because:

We win bigger settlements. Our clients typically recover 2×–5× more than the insurance company’s first offer.
We handle everything. From contents inventory to contractor negotiations, we manage the claim so you can focus on rebuilding.
We only get paid when you do. No upfront fees or hidden costs — our success is tied to yours.
We know insurer tactics inside and out. With decades inside the insurance industry, we know how fire damage claims get underpaid — and how to stop it.
We bring a full recovery team. Our adjusters, estimators, and legal experts work together to ensure your claim covers the true cost to rebuild your home.

Fire Damage Claim Results for Homeowners

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

Our step-by-step process ensures that your fire damage is fully documented,
underpayments are challenged, and your insurance claim is paid fairly. 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 a no-cost consultation to review your fire loss and insurance policy.
We explain your policy rights and help you understand what your claim should truly cover.
We’ll review your insurer’s initial offer and show you where they’ve undercalculated.
We assess coverage limits, exclusions, and policy language to unlock the full value of your settlement.

Get in Touch

Claims coordinator speaking on phone while managing client file on laptop

Damage and Loss Assessment

We work with restoration experts, fire damage estimators, and contents specialists to capture every loss.
We document all visible and hidden damage, including smoke, water, structural, contents, and air quality impacts.
We quantify total losses across your home and belongings.
We prepare detailed reports with evidence-based valuations 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 paperwork and communications so you don’t have to.
We present complete, defensible claims that compel the insurer to pay.
We escalate your claim when necessary, including appraisal, mediation, or legal referrals when appropriate.

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 fire claim reflects every dollar your home and contents are truly worth.
We handle the final paperwork and negotiate for the highest possible payout.
We stay in the fight until your family’s full recovery is funded — no shortcuts.

Get in Touch

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

What Makes Anderson Bettencourt Different?

Unlike standard public adjusters, we have the experience, resources, and legal insight to get higher settlements, faster.

Typical Public Adjusters

5–10 years of experience, mostly small residential claims
Focus on standard, low-value residential claims
Rely on insurer’s vendors who aim to minimize payouts
Limited knowledge of legal precedent or case law
Often accept insurer’s first offer to close faster
Rarely address business losses or complex valuations
Miss critical coverages in basic policy reviews
No pre-loss planning—reactive only after damage
Settlements often fall short due to weak negotiation
Clients report delays and poor communication

Anderson Bettencourt

Led by former insurance CEOs with 80+ yrs of experience
$200K–$5M+ commercial & luxury claims experts
Backed by legal teams, engineers, and forensic experts
Built on legal strategy, evidence, and expert reports
Proven track record overturning denials and low offers
Quantify lost revenue and operational business impact
Identify hidden policy benefits and loopholes
Provide pre-loss planning to prevent future risks
2–5× higher settlements through expert strategy
Fast, transparent, and deeply responsive team

Your Insurance Claim is Time-Sensitive
Don’t Let Your Insurer Delay Your Recovery

Your Insurance Claim is Time-Sensitive Don’t Let Your Insurer Delay Your Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

? How do I know if my insurer underpaid my fire damage claim?

If your payout feels too low to cover repairs, contents, or rebuilding, it probably is. We compare your policy, damage scope, and actual rebuild costs to identify shortfalls and fight for the full amount you’re owed.

? What if the fire caused smoke or water damage but not total destruction?

Partial loss claims are often undervalued. We document hidden damage — including soot, odor, water saturation, and HVAC contamination — to make sure you’re fully compensated.

? Can I file for code upgrades as part of my claim?

If your policy includes ordinance or law coverage. We assess local code changes and make sure your settlement reflects what it actually costs to rebuild legally and safely.

? What if my contents weren’t itemized or photographed before the fire?

We help recreate a full contents inventory through receipts, interviews, and comparable valuations — ensuring even lost or undocumented items are accounted for.

? How long does the fire damage claim process take?

It depends on the complexity and insurer response, but most cases are resolved in weeks or a few months. We push hard to speed things up while keeping pressure on the insurer.

? Can you still help if I already started the claim myself?

Many clients call us after hitting delays or getting a lowball offer. We step in at any stage to renegotiate and restructure the claim for maximum payout.

? Do I have to pay anything upfront for your help?

We only get paid when you do — a percentage of the settlement we secure. There are no upfront fees, surprise charges, or hourly billing.

Still have questions?

Fire Took Enough. Don’t Let the
Insurance Company Take More.

Fire Took Enough. Don’t Let the Insurance Company Take More.

We Make Sure Every Bit of Fire Damage Is Accounted For