Stop Letting Insurers Decide What You’re Owed: Why You Need Insurance Adjusters

Imagine standing amidst the wreckage of a property you manage—a school, hospital, or multi-family complex—surveying the damage while an insurance company offers you a settlement that barely begins to cover your losses. You’re left wondering: Is this really all I’m owed? If you wouldn’t let the attorney suing you represent your interests, why would you allow the insurance company’s adjuster—whose job is to protect their bottom line—decide your payout? This is why you need public insurance adjusters.

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Why Going It Alone is a Losing Strategy

When you file an insurance claim, the adjuster sent to assess your loss works for the insurance company, not for you. This creates an undeniable conflict of interest. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses with a primary goal: to protect their bottom line. Letting the party that owes you money decide how much to pay you makes no sense.

This imbalance is at the heart of why so many policyholders are underpaid. Studies, such as one conducted by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), have shown that policyholders who use public insurance adjusters receive significantly higher settlements. This is because public adjusters represent your sole financial interest, leveraging their expertise to ensure your claim is thoroughly evaluated and fairly paid.

Without professional representation, common pitfalls include:

• Underestimating Damages: You might not account for hidden structural issues or long-term costs like microbial contamination after water damage.
• Misinterpreting Policy Terms: Policies are often intentionally complex, making it easy to overlook coverage you’re entitled to.
• Inadequate Documentation: Insurance carriers can deny claims due to insufficient evidence or poorly presented assessments.

A public insurance adjuster, however, levels the playing field. They assess your property independently, document damages comprehensively, and negotiate aggressively to maximize your claim.

How Public Insurance Adjusters Maximize Settlements

Public insurance adjusters specialize in evaluating and negotiating property damage claims. Their knowledge of insurance policies, property valuation, and claims processes makes them indispensable when navigating insurance disputes. According to the OPPAGA study, policyholders who hired public adjusters received, on average, 747% more in compensation for non-catastrophic claims.

The Role of Expertise

Public adjusters are industry experts, certified in assessing damages caused by water, fire, smoke, vandalism, and more. For instance, Velocity Public Insurance Adjusters hold certifications through the IICRC in Water Damage, Structural Drying, Fire Damage, and Smoke Damage. These qualifications ensure their assessments are thorough, accurate, and defensible during negotiations.

Consider water damage claims—one of the most common losses experienced by commercial and residential properties. Hidden water intrusion can lead to microbial contamination and structural issues that are easily missed by inexperienced eyes. A public insurance adjuster ensures these damages are properly identified and valued, preventing insurers from underpaying your claim.

Case Study: From Lowball Offer to Fair Settlement

Imagine a commercial property manager whose building sustained significant fire damage. The insurance carrier initially offered $50,000 based on their adjuster’s assessment. Upon hiring a public insurance adjuster, the true extent of the fire and smoke damage was revealed, including unseen structural issues and costs related to business interruption. After thorough negotiations, the settlement increased to $85,000.

This scenario underscores a critical point: you don’t know what you’re owed until you have someone fighting for your interests.

Public Adjusters vs. Insurance Adjusters: Who’s On Your Side?

It’s important to understand the distinction between the types of adjusters involved in the claims process:

• Insurance Adjusters: Employed by your insurance company, they focus on minimizing payouts to save their employer money.
• Public Insurance Adjusters: Independent professionals who work solely for policyholders, ensuring you receive the maximum settlement allowed under your policy.

As renowned industry author Chip Merlin explains in Pay Up!, insurers often engage in bad faith claims handling—denying, delaying, or underpaying claims to avoid their full financial responsibility. Public adjusters protect you from these practices by holding insurers accountable and advocating for fair treatment.

The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) and the American Policyholder Association (APA) further emphasize the importance of independent adjusters in protecting policyholder rights. Their role is vital in ensuring claims are handled transparently and equitably.

Contingency-Based Advocacy: No Win, No Fee

One of the greatest advantages of hiring public insurance adjusters is their contingency-based service. At Velocity Public Insurance Adjusters, for example, you don’t pay a cent until you receive the settlement you deserve. This model aligns their success with yours, ensuring they are motivated to secure the highest possible payout.

In fact, Velocity guarantees that if we can’t secure at least 20% more than the insurance carrier’s initial offer, we work for free. This risk-free approach makes professional representation accessible to property managers, contractors, and facility managers who might otherwise feel hesitant about the cost.

Educating Policyholders: Know Your Rights

To navigate an insurance claim effectively, property managers and commercial contractors must understand their rights and obligations. This includes:

• Policyholder Requirements After a Loss: Document damages immediately, mitigate further losses, and submit claims in a timely manner.
• Recognizing Bad Faith Practices: Watch for insurers delaying, denying, or undervaluing claims without valid reasons.
• Leveraging Professional Help: Know when to seek a public adjuster’s support to maximize your settlement.

Experts like Bill Wilson (When Words Collide) and Jay M. Feinman (Delay Deny Defend) highlight the systemic issues within the insurance industry that leave policyholders vulnerable. By educating yourself on these tactics and partnering with public adjusters, you take control of the claims process.

Take Control of Your Financial Recovery

The insurance claims process is complex, and insurers often prioritize their own profits over your financial well-being. By partnering with a public insurance adjuster, you ensure that your interests come first. Their expertise in evaluating damages, interpreting policies, and negotiating settlements can dramatically increase the compensation you receive.

At Velocity Public Insurance Adjusters, we’re committed to advocating for policyholders like you. From water damage and structural drying to fire and smoke claims, our certified team has the knowledge and tenacity to get you the money you’re owed.

Don’t risk settling for less than you deserve. Schedule a call for a free claim and policy review today. Empower yourself with expert support and take the first step toward securing the settlement you’re entitled to.