Public Adjuster vs Insurance Adjuster
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.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 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 |
What is a Public Adjuster?
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.
What is an Insurance Company Adjuster?
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.
When Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?
- Your claim has been denied
- You believe your claim is being underpaid
- The damage is significant (hurricane, fire, water, mold)
- You don't have time to manage the claim yourself
- You want a professional advocate independent of the insurer
When Might You Not Need One?
- Small, simple claims well under your deductible
- Claims the insurer has already paid in full to your satisfaction
- Liability-only claims (auto third-party)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster?
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.
Can I have both a public adjuster and an insurance company adjuster on my claim?
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.
Are public adjusters worth the cost?
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.
Do I have to accept the insurance company adjuster's estimate?
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.
Get a Public Adjuster on Your Side
Free claim review. No fees unless we settle.