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Public Adjusters are an independent insurance professional that a policyholder - residential or commercial - may hire to help settle an insurance claim on their behalf.
When you have a claim, your insurance company provides an adjuster to review your claim. This adjuster works for them or a third-party representative.
In contrast, a public adjuster has no relationship with your insurance company and charges a fee of up to 12.5% percent of the insurance settlement.
While the max is 12.5% in NYS, the average Public Adjuster Fee is between 7 - 10%, depending on the complexity of the claim.
Note that while a public adjuster can assist with the claims process, they can't get you more money than you are entitled to under your insurance policy; however, can easily unlock multiple coverages that may not have been paid out otherwise.
If you're thinking of hiring a public adjuster:
Check the references and qualifications. Ask for recommendations from family and associates.
Make sure the adjuster is licensed in the state where your loss has occurred, and call the Better Business Bureau and/or your state insurance department to check up on their record.
Avoid any public adjuster who pressures you
Ensure their contract adheres to NYS Department of Taxation and Finance law and does not exceed 12.5% in New york.
Know your rights. Your state’s insurance department may set a very specific scope of what a Public Adjuster can and can't do for you.
Never pay a Public Adjuster out of pocket or upfront.
Never hire a Public Adjuster that goes door to door after a natural disaster or catastrophe.
Kevin Godfrey, co-founder of Long Island Public Adjusters, LLC and has settled over 10,000 claims throughout New York, in excess of $1B. Prior to becoming a Public Adjuster, Kevin worked for Nationwide Insurance, Allstate, State Farm, Travelers and Pilot Catastrophe where he traveled the county as party of the National Catastrophe Team. If you need to file a claim or would like a free consultation call Kevin Godfrey at (516) 410-0164 or visit longislandpublicadjusters.com