My Home Was Damaged by a Falling Tree. Is Hiring a Private Insurance Adjuster a Good or Bad Idea?

May 11, 2021

Sometimes, but it's important to know when.

Good or bad. That presents a pretty black and white set of options.

Let’s start with this. It’s neither a good nor bad choice depending on the circumstances. And a “private insurance adjuster” is typically referred to (and licensed) as a “public adjuster.

There are cases where a public adjuster is a “good” choice. And there are situations where a “public adjuster” is an abysmal choice.

A public adjuster’s responsibilities include:

Researching what your particular policy provides for coverage applicable to the claim in question.
Detailing, inventorying, and substantiating the damage attributed to the loss.
Submitting the documentation to the insurance company to seek payment for the loss.

In some situations, the three bullet points above are a lot of work.

However, in many cases, the work involved in #2 & #3 above is not significant.

Here is a suggestion I would make after working through hundreds of claims over a 30+ year insurance career.

If you have a good agent and/or a reputable company and adjuster concerned about your claims experience, you can disregard concern for number one (1) above. The agents that represent you.

will respond with integrity to the obligations outlined in the contract. By the way… that would include the VAST majority of insurance companies for which I have experience.

So that leaves numbers 2 and 3 above as linchpins in the determining factors for employing a “public adjuster’s” services.

Is this loss such that creating an inventory and dealing with the company adjuster is more than what you care to be responsible? If so, a public adjuster might be a viable solution.

Some people don’t want the hassle or are not prepared to deal with creating an itemized inventory. Some insureds are not capable, nor want to interface with the insurance company adjuster. A public adjuster may well serve those folks.

I’ll end by suggesting: In my experience, the vast majority of cases are not well served by a public adjuster.

OH.. Did I (or the public adjuster) mention they charge between 5 and 15 % (sometimes as high as 20%) of the claim payout for their services?

In addition, some PA’s intentionally create an adversarial relationship with the insurer, elongating the claims process. Those types feel it is their job to create a rift to justify their worth. On the other hand, PA’s with integrity and knowledge know differently.

The world works best when everyone works together. Despite popular opinion, insurance companies and adjusters know this.

Rather than creating conflicts, the best in the PA business know this principle as well and view their role as one of a facilitator.

So, is it good to “hire” a public adjuster? Short answer:

Most times not. Sometimes maybe.

The answer depends on your ability to work with others, your organizational skills, and the time you have available.

Side note… If you work with a local, knowledgeable agent, rather than a “direct writer”, the likelihood of needing the services of a public adjuster reduces exponentially. Just a thought I’d throw in for free. :)

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Auto Rates and Finger Prints: Both are Unique to You!

By Jeff Ryan • April 7, 2026

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