A public adjuster’s impact on your insurance payout can be staggering. Homeowners who hired public adjusters to settle hurricane damage claims received an average of 747% more money than those who didn’t.
Handling insurance claims after a major loss feels like a full-time job. When you’re already dealing with property damage, fighting with your insurance company adds unnecessary stress. Understanding what a public adjuster does—and when to hire one—can significantly impact your claim’s outcome.
This guide from Sill Public Adjusters unpacks everything homeowners should know about hiring a professional to represent their interests, not the insurance company’s. You’ll learn what public adjusters do, when to bring one on board, and how to choose the right one to maximize your settlement.
What Is a Public Adjuster and How Do They Help?
A public adjuster acts as your personal advocate during the insurance claims process. Unlike insurance companies or independent adjusters, Sill’s licensed public adjusters work only for you—the policyholder.
Our team represents your interests from start to finish, from initial documentation through final negotiation. You hire Sill directly, and we’re compensated only when you get paid. This ensures that our goals align perfectly with yours: obtaining the highest legitimate settlement allowed under your policy.
We Work for You, Not the Insurance Company
At Sill, our loyalty is 100% to the policyholder. Insurance companies employ their own adjusters to protect their financial interests. We exist to protect yours.
Our adjusters are paid a small percentage of your final settlement, usually 10–15%. This performance-based structure motivates us to fight for the maximum recovery possible. As industry expert Tim Cornett once said, 'The financial interests of insurance companies are best served by convincing policyholders to accept the lowest compensation possible. The financial interests of public adjusters are tied to ensuring policyholders receive full and fair compensation.'
How Public Adjusters Differ from Other Adjusters
There are three types of adjusters you might encounter during a claim:
- Company Adjusters: Employed by your insurance carrier. They represent the insurer’s financial interests and don’t charge you directly.
- Independent Adjusters: Contracted by insurance companies to handle claims on their behalf. Despite the name, they are not neutral parties.
- Public Adjusters: Independent professionals like the team at Sill who work exclusively for you, not the insurer. We manage every step of the process—inspection, documentation, estimating, and negotiation—to ensure you’re treated fairly.
These differences are critical. A Florida legislative study found that claims managed by public adjusters resulted in settlements up to 747% higher than those handled without one.
What Does a Public Adjuster Do?
Sill’s adjusters perform a detailed, methodical process designed to protect your rights and ensure maximum compensation:
1. Policy Review: We analyze your policy to understand your coverage, exclusions, and endorsements.
2. Damage Documentation: Our team uses advanced tools like moisture mapping and thermal imaging to document both visible and hidden damage.
3. Estimate Preparation: We use the same industry software (Xactimate) that insurance companies use—ensuring our valuations are accurate and defensible.
4. Negotiation: We handle all discussions with the insurer, using data-driven documentation to justify your full claim value.
5. Reopened Claims: Even if your claim was underpaid or denied, we can often reopen it for a fair reevaluation.
Our clients often see significant increases in their settlements after Sill steps in.
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Public Adjuster
The advantages of hiring a public adjuster are substantial:
Higher Settlements: Studies show claim payouts increase 40–700% with professional representation.
Expert Advocacy: We understand complex insurance language and coverage details.
Time Savings: We handle the entire claim so you can focus on recovery.
Potential drawbacks include paying a percentage-based fee, usually 5–15%, and additional time for negotiation. However, most Sill clients find that our results far exceed the cost.
In short, hiring Sill Public Adjusters often turns a frustrating process into a successful recovery.
When Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?
You should contact Sill Public Adjusters when:
- You’ve experienced major or complex property damage
- Your claim exceeds $10,000
- You disagree with your insurer’s estimate or denial
- You feel overwhelmed by the claims process
Large losses, like fire, hurricane, or water damage, often require technical expertise that most homeowners don’t have. Sill’s adjusters handle the burden of documentation, negotiation, and proof—helping you recover what you truly deserve.
How to Choose the Right Public Adjuster
Choosing the right public adjuster can make all the difference. Before hiring anyone, always:
- Verify their license with your state’s department of insurance
- Ask for client references and read reviews
- Understand their fee structure clearly
- Get everything in writing before signing
Sill has been serving clients since 1928 and is recognized as one of North America’s most experienced public adjusting firms. We’ve earned that trust by delivering transparency, professionalism, and proven results for nearly a century.
Property damage can be devastating—but your insurance claim doesn’t have to be. Partnering with Sill Public Adjusters ensures you have experts protecting your interests and maximizing your recovery.
Homeowners who hire public adjusters receive settlements up to 747% higher than those who handle claims alone. Don’t leave money on the table—let the Sill team help you get every dollar your policy promises.
Call 844.650.7455 today or visit www.sill.com to schedule a free consultation with a licensed public adjuster.