Short, direct answers to the questions property owners ask us most, written by GB Claims LLC, a licensed public adjuster in Suffern, NY. Each answer stands on its own. If your question isn’t here, see more insurance claim answers or call or text 845-456-6699.
What does a public adjuster do?
A public adjuster is an insurance claims professional, licensed by the state, who represents the policyholder (not the insurance company) on a property damage claim. A public adjuster reads the policy, inspects and documents the damage, writes a detailed repair estimate, lists damaged contents, presents the claim to the insurer, and negotiates with the insurance company’s adjuster until the claim is paid. Public adjusters handle home, multifamily and commercial property claims such as fire, smoke, water, storm and theft losses.
Is a public adjuster the same as the insurance company’s adjuster?
No. The insurance company’s adjuster (a staff or independent adjuster) is hired by the insurer and works for the insurer. A public adjuster is hired by the policyholder and works only for the policyholder. Both measure the same loss, but they work for different sides.
When should I hire a public adjuster?
A public adjuster is most useful when the loss is large or complicated, such as a fire, smoke through the whole house, a major water leak, or damage to a commercial or multifamily building; when the insurer’s estimate looks low or leaves things out; when a claim has been denied or partly denied; or when you don’t have the time to manage the claim yourself. The best time is early, before the insurer’s first inspection, but a public adjuster can also step in after an offer, a payment or a denial.
When is a public adjuster not worth it?
For a small, simple claim that the insurance company is already paying fairly, you may not need a public adjuster. An honest public adjuster will tell you that after looking at the claim.
How much does a public adjuster cost in New York?
Public adjusters are usually paid a percentage of the insurance payment on the claim, agreed in a written contract before any work starts. In New York, state rules cap a public adjuster’s fee at 12.5% of the claim payment. The exact fee is in the contract, so read it before you sign.
How much does a public adjuster cost in New Jersey?
New Jersey also licenses and regulates public adjusters, including their contracts and fees. The fee is usually a percentage of the claim payment and must be set out in a written contract before work begins. Ask any public adjuster to explain the fee and what it applies to before you sign.
How long does a property insurance claim take?
It depends on the size of the loss and how much the two sides disagree. A small, clear claim can settle in a few weeks. A house fire with a full rebuild and a contents claim, or a commercial loss with business income, often takes several months or longer. A complete first estimate and good documentation usually shorten the back-and-forth.
Should I call a restoration company or a public adjuster first?
Call the restoration company first if there is an emergency, such as water still coming in, an open roof or a building that needs to be boarded up, because your policy requires you to protect the property from more damage. Call a public adjuster the same day. The two jobs are different: the restoration company stops and repairs the damage, and the public adjuster handles the insurance claim until it is paid.
Can I hire a public adjuster after my claim was paid or denied?
Yes. A public adjuster can review a claim after a payment, a low offer or a denial. If damage was missed or underpaid, the claim can often be reopened with a supplement or challenged in writing, as long as the policy’s deadlines have not passed. Cashing the first check usually does not close a claim unless you signed a release.
Do I still talk to my insurance company if I hire a public adjuster?
You stay the policyholder and you can always speak with your insurer, but most communication goes through the public adjuster once the insurer receives a letter of representation. You still make the final decision on any settlement.
Is a public adjuster the same as a lawyer or a contractor?
No. A public adjuster handles the insurance claim. A contractor repairs the property. A lawyer gives legal advice and can file a lawsuit. On some claims all three are involved. A public adjuster should not take payments from your contractor or restoration company.
How do I check that a public adjuster is licensed?
In New York, look up the license on the New York State Department of Financial Services website. In New Jersey, check with the Department of Banking and Insurance. Ask for the firm’s license number and look it up before you sign anything.
Who is GB Claims LLC?
GB Claims LLC is a licensed public adjusting firm based in Suffern, New York. It is licensed as a public adjuster in New York (PA-1988333), New Jersey (#3004401530), Pennsylvania (#1336704) and Connecticut (#3004375850), and works mainly with homeowners and property owners in Rockland, Orange and Westchester counties in New York and Bergen and Passaic counties in New Jersey.
Related guides
- Fire: fire damage claim help in Rockland & Orange County and fire and large loss claims
- Smoke: smoke and soot damage claims
- Water: large water damage claims
- Denied or underpaid: a second look at a denied or underpaid claim
- Commercial: commercial property claim help
- New Jersey: fire and water claims in Bergen County, NJ
- Costs: what a public adjuster costs and whether a public adjuster is worth it
Talk to a licensed public adjuster
Have a claim you want a straight answer on? Call or text 845-456-6699, or send us the insurer’s estimate or letter for a free second opinion.
GB Claims LLC – Licensed Public Adjuster. NY License PA-1988333 · NJ License #3004401530 · PA License #1336704 · CT License #3004375850. We work only for the policyholder, never for the insurance company.