Who works for you? The answer is critical to your insurance claim. When you file a property damage claim, your case will be evaluated by an adjuster. But here's what many property owners don't realize: not all adjusters work for you.
Two Different Types of Adjusters
When an insurance claim is filed, an adjuster inspects the damage. But which team are they on? That depends on the type of adjuster.
Insurance Company Adjusters (They Work for the Insurer)
Also called "company adjusters" or "staff adjusters," these professionals are employed by or contracted to your insurance company. Their job is to:
- Assess the damage on behalf of the insurance company
- Minimize the company's financial liability
- Determine what is and isn't covered under your policy
- Make an initial settlement offer
While they must be professional and follow regulations, their primary obligation is to the insurance company, not you. Their paycheck depends on controlling payouts.
Public Adjusters (They Work for You)
Public adjusters are independent professionals licensed by the state (in Florida, by the Department of Financial Services). They work exclusively for property owners and:
- Conduct independent damage assessments
- Prepare detailed professional claims documentation
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Maximize your settlement and recovery
Public adjusters are compensated only when they recover additional money for you—typically a percentage of the increased settlement. No recovery, no fee.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Insurance Adjuster | Public Adjuster |
|---|---|---|
| Who Employs Them | Insurance company | You (the property owner) |
| Primary Goal | Minimize insurer's payout | Maximize your recovery |
| Licensing | State licensed | State licensed (Florida DFS) |
| Cost to You | Paid by insurance company | Contingency fee (no upfront cost) |
| Expertise | General claim evaluation | Deep specialization in maximizing recovery |
| Advocacy | Neutral (favors insurer) | Your advocate 100% |
| Negotiation | Initial offer only | Appeals denials, fights lowball offers |
A Real-World Example
A Tampa Bay homeowner filed a claim for storm damage after a 2023 hurricane. The insurance adjuster assessed $45,000 in damage. The homeowner accepted it and received a check.
Six months later, they hired a public adjuster to review the claim. The PA found:
- Missing structural damage ($15,000)
- Underestimated roof replacement cost ($22,000)
- Missed secondary water damage from roof failure ($18,000)
Through negotiation and an appeal, the public adjuster recovered an additional $48,000 for the homeowner. After fees, the homeowner was $35,000 ahead—money that would have been left on the table.
Why Insurers Don't Tell You This
Insurance companies rely on many property owners accepting initial offers without representation. If you don't hire a public adjuster, the insurance company's adjuster faces no serious challenge to their assessment.
Florida's insurance industry has become increasingly competitive. Insurers use tactics including:
- Intentionally low initial assessments
- Incomplete inspections to miss damage
- Misinterpreting policy language against you
- Underfunding contractor recommendations
A public adjuster knows these tactics and counters them with documentation, expertise, and leverage.
Florida Law Protects Your Right to Hire a Public Adjuster
Florida Statute 627.409 explicitly allows property owners to hire a public adjuster at any point in the claim process. You have up to 3 years to hire representation after a loss.
You can even hire a PA after accepting an initial settlement if you believe it was inadequate—though this is harder to reverse.
When Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?
Immediately after filing a claim if:
- The damage is significant ($25,000+)
- It's a complex claim (multiple damage types)
- It's commercial property
- The initial offer seems low
Definitely after:
- Your claim is denied
- You receive a low offer
- The insurance adjuster misses visible damage
- Coverage disputes arise
It's never too late: Even if you've accepted an initial offer, you can still hire a PA to pursue additional claims if new damage is discovered.
The Bottom Line
Insurance company adjusters work for the insurance company, period. They follow rules and regulations, but their incentive is to pay you less. Public adjusters work for you with the opposite goal: to maximize your recovery.
The cost? Nothing upfront. We're paid from recovery, so we only profit when you win. That's a misaligned incentive with the insurance company that ensures we're fighting for your interests, not theirs.
If your claim matters, representation matters.