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.

Are You Impacted by the Long Lake Fire?
Get the Settlement You Deserve

Are You Impacted by the Long Lake Fire? Get the Settlement You Deserve

You’re going through enough. So don’t let insurers work to cut your payout. We fight for you with 80+ years of insurance expertise.

No upfront cost, and we don’t get paid unless you do.

You’re going through enough. So don’t let insurers work to cut your payout. We fight for you with 80+ years of insurance expertise.

No upfront cost, and we don’t get paid unless you do.

We Know This Loss Is Overwhelming. You’re Not Alone.

We Know This Loss Is Overwhelming.
You’re Not Alone.

What Insurance Companies Miss Could Cost You Thousands

The Long Lake wildfire has left families and business owners across Nova Scotia facing unimaginable damage.

Homes reduced to ashes, businesses forced to close, and lives disrupted overnight.

In moments like this, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether your insurance company will honor its promises.

Unfortunately, many policyholders quickly discover that insurers often delay, underpay, or deny claims, leaving victims to fight for what’s rightfully theirs.

At Anderson Bettencourt, we stand on your side.

For over 80 years combined, we’ve fought to ensure policyholders receive the settlements they’re entitled to so recovery can begin with confidence.

Talk to a Wild Fire Claim Expert Today

Why You Need a Public Adjuster

For Nova Scotia property owners recovering from the Long Lake wildfire, the damage goes far beyond what’s visible.

Even if your property is still standing, you may be facing:

Smoke and soot contamination that makes buildings unsafe
Hidden structural damage from extreme heat
Water damage from firefighting efforts
Destroyed landscaping, fencing, and outdoor structures
Business interruption losses that threaten your livelihood

Insurance companies often undervalue or deny these real costs, leaving policyholders with settlements that fall far short of what’s needed to recover.

Anderson Bettencourt levels the playing field by using insider knowledge of insurer tactics, legal-backed negotiation strategies, and decades of experience handling high-value fire claims.

We fight to ensure every loss is accounted for and every dollar you’re entitled to is secured.

Get a Free Fire Claim Review Today and Protect Your Full Recovery.

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

Why Property Owners Trust Anderson
Bettencourt After Natural Disasters

Why Property Owners Trust Anderson Bettencourt After Natural Disasters

Insurance Companies are Experts at Minimizing Claims.

We’re Experts at Maximizing Them.

We use legal-backed strategies, expert documentation, and relentless advocacy to protect your property — and your peace of mind.

Clients choose us because:

We secure higher settlements. Many clients recover 2×–5× more than the insurer’s original offer.
We handle everything for you. From inspections and documentation to negotiation and final payout.
We only get paid when you do. No upfront costs. No empty promises. Just results.
We know how insurers think. Our team includes former adjusters and legal experts who’ve seen every trick in the book.
We build strong, defensible claims. With forensic reports, market pricing, and expert damage assessments.

Testimonials

We’ve Secured Millions for Policyholders Like You

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.

Don’t Let Your Insurer Delay Your Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

? How do I know if my property policy covers natural disaster damage?

Coverage depends on the type of disaster and your policy’s exclusions. Some policies cover wind, fire, or hail but exclude flood or earthquake damage unless you’ve added separate coverage. We review your policy to identify every eligible benefit.

? What if my insurance company says the damage was pre-existing or not covered?

Insurers often blame age or maintenance issues to avoid paying. We document causation clearly and use expert reports to prove when damage is sudden, accidental, and tied to the disaster.

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

Many clients come to us after hitting roadblocks, delays, or low offers. We can step in at any stage to strengthen your case, supplement missing documentation, and reopen negotiations.

? What types of property damage are typically underpaid after a natural disaster?

Insurers often overlook roof systems, code upgrades, electrical and HVAC damage, structural shifts, and contents. We uncover all loss areas and ensure your claim reflects their full value.

? How long do I have to file a natural disaster insurance claim?

Timelines vary by location and policy but are often between 6–24 months. However, the longer you wait, the harder it is to prove damage. We help you act fast to preserve evidence and avoid denial.

? Will your services delay my insurance payment?

No — we help resolve claims faster. By organizing the right documentation and pushing back on bad faith tactics, we avoid unnecessary delays and often speed up payout timelines.

? How is Anderson Bettencourt different from a standard public adjuster?

We bring legal-grade strategies and forensic-level damage assessments. Most adjusters stop at surface estimates — we dig deeper, challenge insurers, and secure results others can’t.

Still have questions?

Are You Impacted by the Long Lake Fire?
Get the Settlement You Deserve

Are You Impacted by the Long Lake Fire? Get the Settlement You Deserve

We Know This Loss Is Overwhelming. You’re Not Alone.

We Know This Loss Is Overwhelming.
You’re Not Alone.

What Insurance Companies Miss Could Cost You Thousands