What does a public adjuster do?

A representative for the policyholder

A public adjuster helps a policyholder document, prepare, and negotiate a property insurance claim within the scope of the engagement. The insurer still evaluates coverage under the policy. Hiring a public adjuster does not guarantee a larger payment or turn excluded damage into covered damage.

What the work can include

• Reviewing the policy, endorsements, insurer correspondence, and existing estimates.
• Inspecting and documenting the reported damage, with specialist input where needed.
• Preparing a supported repair scope and identifying differences in the insurer's estimate.
• Presenting the claim documentation and communicating with the insurer about unresolved items.
• Explaining the claim's status, information requests, and decisions that remain with you.

A public adjuster does not replace an emergency responder, repair contractor, engineer, insurance agent, or attorney. Ask who will perform specialist work and whether separate costs apply.

When representation may help

Consider a review when the repair scope is disputed, several parts of the property are affected, the insurer's explanation is unclear, or managing the documentation has become difficult. A small, straightforward claim may be manageable without representation. Compare the expected work, fee terms, and remaining issues before deciding.

Bring the full policy, photographs, claim number, estimates, decision letters, and payments already received. Missing documents do not prevent an initial conversation; identify what is unavailable rather than guessing.

Questions to ask before signing

Verify the individual adjuster and the adjusting firm through Florida DFS license search. Ask who handles your file, how updates work, what the fee applies to, and how cancellation works. Read the complete written agreement and our Florida public adjuster fee guide.

Care Claims offers a free initial assessment. The purpose is to understand the situation and discuss whether representation fits. No settlement multiplier or particular result is promised.