Public Adjuster FAQ
New York Public Adjuster Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about public adjusters, property insurance claims, fees, timing, and working with the insurance carrier.
FAQ Topic 01
Public Adjuster Basics
What is a public adjuster?
A public adjuster is an insurance-claim professional hired by a policyholder to assist with a property claim. The work may include policy review, damage documentation, claim preparation, and carrier communication.
Who does a public adjuster work for?
A public adjuster works for the insured property owner, not the insurance company.
Is a public adjuster the same as an insurance-company adjuster?
No. A public adjuster represents the policyholder. An insurance-company adjuster evaluates the claim for the insurer.
What does a public adjuster do?
The role can include reviewing the claim situation, inspecting damage, organizing estimates and records, preparing claim information, and communicating with the carrier.
Why do property owners hire public adjusters?
Property owners may want help understanding the claim process, documenting the loss, responding to information requests, or reviewing an active claim.
FAQ Topic 02
Hiring & Timing
When should I hire a public adjuster?
You can seek a review soon after damage, before filing, or while a claim is active. The best timing depends on the loss and claim status.
Can I hire one before I file?
Yes. An early consultation may help you identify documents and information to preserve before the claim is submitted.
Can I hire one after I file?
Yes. A public adjuster can review an open claim and the material already provided to the carrier.
Can I hire one after receiving an estimate or settlement offer?
You can request a review after a carrier estimate or offer. Any available options depend on the policy, documentation, deadlines, and current claim status.
How soon after property damage should I call?
Call as soon as reasonably practical if you want help documenting the property condition. Take reasonable steps to protect people and prevent further damage first.
FAQ Topic 03
Public Adjuster Fees
How do public adjusters get paid?
Fee arrangements vary and must be described in the written agreement. Ask for the current terms and review them before engaging a public adjuster.
Are there upfront costs?
Do not assume a particular fee structure. Request the current written terms so you understand any charges and when they may apply.
Is the fee based on the claim?
Some arrangements use a claim-based fee, but the applicable structure and limits depend on the written agreement and New York requirements.
When is the fee due?
The written compensation agreement should explain the amount, method, and timing. Confirm those terms directly before signing.
FAQ Topic 04
Property Damage Claims
Do public adjusters handle fire claims?
They may assist with documenting fire, smoke, soot, suppression-water, building, and contents damage. Coverage depends on the policy and cause of loss.
Do they handle water damage?
They may assist with sudden water-loss claims involving pipes, plumbing, walls, ceilings, flooring, built-ins, and contents. Water and flood coverage are not the same.
What about storm damage?
Storm claims may involve wind, roofs, siding, windows, tree impact, and related interior water entry. Policy terms determine coverage.
Can they help with vandalism or theft?
A public adjuster may help organize building-damage, contents, ownership, value, and incident records for a vandalism or theft claim.
Do they handle commercial claims?
Yes. Commercial work may involve buildings, tenant areas, business property, multiple damaged spaces, and extensive supporting records.
FAQ Topic 05
Existing or Disputed Claims
Can a public adjuster review an existing claim?
Yes. An open claim can often be reviewed, including submitted records, estimates, and carrier correspondence.
What if I think damage was missed?
Preserve photographs and records of the condition and seek a claim review. Whether it can be added or reconsidered depends on the cause, policy, and claim status.
What if the carrier requested more documentation?
A public adjuster can help identify, organize, and present relevant records within the scope of the engagement.
Can a public adjuster communicate with the carrier?
Yes. Carrier communication and claim negotiation are central parts of public-adjuster representation.
What should I bring to a claim review?
Bring the policy, claim number, carrier correspondence, estimates, invoices, photographs, inventories, and a timeline of the loss if available.
FAQ Topic 06
New York Service Area
Do you serve all of New York?
We focus on New York property claims. Contact us with the property's location so service availability can be confirmed for your specific situation.
Do you serve New York City?
Yes. Service-area information is available for all five boroughs, without implying a separate office in each borough.
Do you serve Long Island?
Yes. We provide claim information for Long Island, including Nassau County and Suffolk County.
Do you work with commercial properties?
Yes. The site covers residential and commercial property claims across the listed New York service areas.
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Still Have a Question About Your Claim?
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