Two adjusters. Opposite goals. Here's who's actually working for you.
When you file an insurance claim, two very different professionals may show up — a public adjuster and an insurance company adjuster. They have similar titles but opposite incentives. Knowing the difference is the first step to maximizing your settlement.
| Public Adjuster | Insurance Company Adjuster | |
|---|---|---|
| Who do they work for? | You — the policyholder | The insurance company |
| Goal | Maximize your settlement | Minimize the payout |
| Cost to you | Contingency fee (typically 10–20% of settlement) | Free (paid by insurer) |
| Florida licensing | Required (FL Statute 626.854) | Required (different license type) |
| When you control them | You hire and fire them | Assigned by insurer |
| Bias | Aligned w/ your interests | Aligned w/ insurer's interests |
| Authority on damage scope | Independent assessment | Insurer's interpretation |
A public adjuster is a state-licensed insurance professional who works exclusively for the policyholder. In Florida, public adjusters are regulated under Florida Statute 626.854. They inspect property damage, document losses, prepare claim estimates, negotiate with the insurance company, and can take a claim through appraisal or litigation if needed.
Public adjusters get paid only when the policyholder gets paid — a contingency fee, typically 10–20% of the settlement amount. Florida caps fees on hurricane and emergency claims at 10% in the first year.
An insurance company adjuster (also called a staff adjuster, company adjuster, or independent adjuster contracted to the carrier) works for the insurance company. Their job is to investigate the claim, determine what — if anything — the policy covers, and recommend a settlement amount.
Their incentive structure is aligned with the insurance company. The less the company pays out, the better for the carrier's loss ratio. This isn't necessarily malicious — it's just how the system is built.
A public adjuster works for the policyholder. An insurance company adjuster (also called a staff or company adjuster) works for the insurance company. Public adjusters maximize your settlement; company adjusters minimize what the insurer pays out.
Yes. The insurance company will assign their own adjuster regardless. You can hire a public adjuster to represent your interests independently and negotiate with the company adjuster on your behalf.
Studies by OPPAGA (Florida) found that policyholders who used public adjusters received settlements averaging 747% higher on residential claims and 574% higher on commercial claims than those who didn't. The contingency fee is typically 10–20% of the settlement.
No. You have the right to dispute the insurance adjuster's estimate. A public adjuster can re-inspect the damage, prepare an independent estimate, and negotiate a higher settlement.
Real results
ASI / Progressive Home · Hurricane Ian · rental home roof · Royal Palm Beach
First check
$211.76
Settlement
$64,000
Their engineer said the wind wasn't strong enough to crack the roof. We documented every cracked tile and every water stain and built the full claim file; our partner attorney took it to the insurance company.
If your first check feels low, get a second opinion before you accept it.
Chubb · Hurricane Ian · stucco · Port Charlotte
Carrier estimate
$61,089.57 · stucco denied
Settled
$85,000
Chubb's engineer said the stucco cracks weren't from the storm. We brought our own engineer's report, corrected the estimate and demanded appraisal. Chubb settled — no lawsuit.
Get your own expert.
Tower Hill · Hurricane Ian · home · Punta Gorda
First offer
$2,500
Total recovered
$117,543.10
Joe sent a full estimate and negotiated with Tower Hill's desk adjuster for months.
If your hurricane offer feels low, it probably is. Get a second opinion.
Selected claims, not typical results. Every claim is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Case-study narration uses an AI version of Joe Ford's voice. Footage is illustrative, not the client's property.
60-second videos
The insurance company has adjusters. A public adjuster is the only one who works for you.
One report, from someone they hired. Bring your own expert, photos and weather data.
They pay part, call it undisputed, and hope you stop. Undisputed is their floor.
The lower their findings, the higher their profits. A claim is one big negotiation.
Joe Ford, Licensed Public Adjuster W026874. Some narration uses an AI version of Joe's voice.
Free claim review. No fees unless we settle.
No upfront cost. Takes about 60 seconds.
What happened to your property?
Rather talk? Call (954) 204-9376
