What is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a professional Florida licensed and bonded insurance claims adjuster appointed by the Department of Financial Services who exclusively represents the policy holder in evaluating, filing, negotiating, and appraising your insurance claim.
Why hire a Public Adjuster?
The process of filing an insurance claim can seem like a simple phone call to your insurance company and unbeknownst to you the insured it quickly escalates to so much more which entails many responsibilities you the policy holder need to initiate immediately at the time of loss. By contacting 1st Priority Public Adjusters upon noticing the damages we will immediately begin assisting you in the correct recovery process ensuring that you receive maximum claim payment. There is a list of steps often stated in your policy that you the insured are responsible to see that are done in the event of a loss or damage to covered property.
- You must give prompt notice
- Protect the property from further damage. If repairs to the property are required you must make reasonable and necessary repairs to protect the property. You must also keep an accurate record of repair expenses.
- Prepare an inventory of any damaged personal property showing the quantity, description, actual cash value, and amount of loss. You must attach the bills, receipts and related documents that justify the figures in the inventory.
- As often as the insurance company reasonably requires, you must show the damaged property, provide records, documents, and permits.
Who would benefit from hiring Public Adjuster?
Anyone who owns a residential property, commercial/business property, or condominium association property that has suffered any damage to the property or loss of revenues resulting from water, fire, wind, burglary/vandalism, or flood.
What is the difference between the Insurance Company adjuster and a Public Adjuster?
The insurance company adjuster also known as an Independent Adjuster is someone who is hired/employed by the insurance company. They work directly for the insurance company and commonly offer a settlement deemed by the insurance company to be sufficient but in most cases it is not enough money to repair the property back to pre-loss condition. A Public Adjuster is a licensed and bonded insurance adjuster who represents you the policy holder. We work hard to ensure that you the insured are 1st priority in the handling of a fast, fair, and sufficient claim settlement. With our ability to find all available coverage for your loss by knowing exactly what to look for and speaking the insurance company’s language, we utilize undeniable maximum efforts to obtain the best claim settlement for you.
I previously reported a claim and they have already issued a payment to cover the damages and I do not feel I received enough money. Can I reopen my claim and request more money?
Yes, if your claim was underpaid or even if it was denied, as long as the reported date of loss occurred within the last 5 years you are able to request more money. With the expertise offered at 1st Priority Public Adjusters we will review your file in its entirety free of cost and determine if you qualify for an opportunity to obtain more money. If the opportunity is there we will proceed with obtaining a better settlement that is fair to you the policy holder.
Are there any specific requirements that would determine whether or not I involve 1st Priority Public Adjusters to file a claim?
No, the value of the claim or amount of damage does not deter involving 1st Priority Public Adjusters. We offer a free consultation to which an evaluation of your insurance policy and property damages will be thoroughly completed. At that time the determination of the correct procedures will be addressed so that you the insured will be provided the best situation of obtaining the maximum benefits.
How does a Public Adjuster get paid?
1st Priority Public Adjusters work on a contingency fee basis. You are not responsible for any out of pocket expenses. Once the insurance company pays you, a small percentage of the payment will go to the Public Adjuster. If there is no payment made to you by the insurance company then there is no payment to 1st Priority Public Adjusters. You the policy holder will be advised of any payment offers from the insurance company to which you will be the final decision on accepting or denying that offer.