Before hiring a public adjuster, understand the services offered and how the fee will be calculated. Ask for the proposed terms in writing and review them before signing.
ICRS represents policyholders with property damage insurance claims. A claim review helps determine whether representation is appropriate and gives you an opportunity to discuss the proposed engagement.
Discuss Your Claim and Proposed Fee
Questions to ask about the fee
A percentage alone does not explain the full cost. Ask:
- What amount is used to calculate the fee?
- How are payments already received treated?
- How is the deductible treated in the calculation?
- Are any expenses separate from the fee?
- When does the fee become payable?
- What services are included in the engagement?
If the claim has already been partly paid, ask how the proposed terms address the existing payment and any additional recovery.
Understand the work being proposed
Ask what the adjuster will do to inspect and document the damage, review estimates, organize supporting records and communicate with the insurer.
Also identify work that may require a separate contractor, engineer, accountant or other professional. Clarify who will engage those professionals and how any related costs will be handled.
Review the written agreement
The agreement should explain the proposed services and payment terms. Ask the adjuster to walk through how the fee would apply to your claim, including the treatment of prior payments.
Applicable requirements vary by jurisdiction and circumstances. Verify licensing and review the agreement against the requirements that apply to your property.
Evaluate fit as well as cost
Consider experience with your property type, the complexity of the loss, the quality of the documentation process and how communication will be handled.
The goal is to understand what help you are buying and whether it addresses the unresolved issues in your claim.
Discuss your claim with ICRS
Provide the property location, loss description, insurer’s estimate and payments to date. We can review the available information and discuss whether our services fit the claim.
For context, see our commercial claim services, large-loss claim guide, and selected claim results (results vary).
