What is a Public Adjuster?

A Public Adjuster is someone who helps you with your insurance claim after something like a fire, storm, or water damage happens. They work for you—not the insurance company—to make sure you get the money you deserve to fix the damage.

What’s the difference between a Public Adjuster, Company Adjuster, and Independent Adjuster?

A Public Adjuster works for you and helps you with your claim. A Company Adjuster works for your insurance company and looks out for their interests. An Independent Adjuster is hired by the insurance company but isn’t one of their employees. They still work for the insurance company, not for you.

What should I give my Public Adjuster to help with my claim?

To make things go smoothly, give your Public Adjuster: a full copy of your insurance policy (or at least the Declarations Page), receipts or bills for any repairs you’ve done, and photos or videos showing the damage.

How can a Public Adjuster help me?

Insurance claims can be confusing. A Public Adjuster knows what to do—from filling out paperwork and meeting deadlines to talking with your insurance company. They take care of everything so you don’t have to stress. Most of the time, they also help you get more money than you would on your own.

How much does it cost to hire a Public Adjuster?

Most Public Adjusters don’t charge upfront. Instead, they get paid a percentage of the money they recover for you. For example, in Florida, the fee is usually up to 20%, but only 10% if it’s after a big storm. In Texas, the fee is usually 10%. This setup makes sure they work hard to get you the most money, as quickly as possible.

What’s the difference between hiring a Public Adjuster and an Attorney?

Public Adjusters help right from the start: documenting the damage, making estimates, and talking with your insurance company. If they can’t get the job done, then you might need to hire an Attorney. Public Adjusters usually finish claims in 1 to 4 months. If you bring in an Attorney, it could take a year or longer.

Can a roofer or contractor help me the same way a Public Adjuster can?

No. Roofers and contractors can help fix your home and give estimates, but they can’t talk to your insurance company about your coverage or argue for more money. Only Public Adjusters and Attorneys are allowed to do that. A Public Adjuster can handle your whole claim, start to finish.

How long does a claim take with a Public Adjuster?

Most claims handled by a Public Adjuster are finished in 1 to 4 months. Insurance companies have up to 90 days to look into the claim. The Public Adjuster keeps things moving and pushes to get it done fast. If it takes longer, you might need an Attorney to step in.

What’s the difference between doing a claim myself and hiring a Public Adjuster?

You can do the claim on your own, but it’s hard if you don’t know all the rules and steps. Public Adjusters are trained pros who know how to get the most money. People who hire them often get 50% to 500% more than those who go it alone.

Where do I find my policy or claim number?

You can find it on the Declarations Page, which is usually the first page of your insurance policy. It also has your coverage details, deductible, and contact info for your insurance agent. If you don’t have it, call your Insurance Agent or Company to get a copy.

Drew Miles 7/27/25 Drew Miles 7/27/25

Hail Damage Roof Insurance Claim Guide for Minnesota & Wisconsin Homeowners

Get expert help with hail damage roof insurance claims in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Learn how to file, document, and win your claim with a public adjuster.