Denied. Delayed. Underpaid. -

Why So Many Policyholders Skip Public Adjusters (And Why That’s a Costly Mistake)

Stop letting insurance win. Here is why you’re losing your claim.

When a pipe bursts, a fire sparks, or mold creeps in, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your insurance company will take care of you. You’ve paid your premiums faithfully for years, expecting that when disaster strikes, they’ll step up and honor the policy you purchased.

But here’s the harsh reality: more often than not, policyholders are denied, delayed, or underpaid. Many think the insurance company is not in business to make you whole—they’re in business to make a profit. Their adjusters are trained to limit payouts, find the least expensive contractors, and save the carrier money. Yet despite this, most policyholders never hire a public adjuster to represent them. And that mistake can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

There Is An Illusion of Trust

Insurance companies are experts in branding. The commercials show friendly agents handing out checks and families smiling after a storm. The slogan always implies: “We’re on your side and care about you.”

But once a claim is filed, the story changes. The adjuster who shows up at your door often isn’t there to advocate for you; they’re there to control costs for the carrier. The tactics are subtle—delaying inspections, requesting endless documentation, and dragging out the process until homeowners get frustrated enough to accept less. When they finally do make an offer, it’s frequently the lowest figure they believe you’ll take without fighting back.

Lack of Awareness

The second reason policyholders skip public adjusters is simply that they don’t know their rights. Public adjusters are licensed professionals who work exclusively for the policyholder—not the insurance company. Their role is to evaluate the loss, document every detail, and negotiate for a fair settlement.

Yet most people have never heard of them. And insurance carriers certainly don’t advertise the fact that you could bring in your own expert. Why would they? A public adjuster levels the playing field, and that threatens the insurance company’s bottom line.

Fear of Rocking the Boat

Another common hesitation is fear. The truth is: the moment you file a claim, the relationship is already adversarial, you just may not realize it yet.

Think about it. On one side, the carrier has adjusters, lawyers, engineers, and accountants working to minimize their payout. On the other side, it’s just you—maybe with a contractor’s opinion in hand. That’s not a fair fight. Hiring a public adjuster doesn’t rock the boat; it finally gives you someone rowing on your side.

The Cost Question

Some policyholders balk at the idea of paying a percentage of their claim to a public adjuster. At first glance, it feels like you’re giving away money. But here’s the reality: policyholders who use a public adjuster almost always recover even after fees are deducted.

Studies show settlements with public adjuster representation can be significantly higher, sometimes by 50% to 100% or more, compared to claims handled alone. That means instead of settling for $30,000, you might recover $60,000 or more—money that goes toward real repairs and recovery. The adjuster’s fee isn’t a loss; it’s an investment in securing the funds you’re actually owed.

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

Property damage isn’t just about drywall and cabinets—it’s about lives disrupted, businesses halted, and families displaced. A public adjuster’s job is simple: to fight for every dollar you’re entitled to under your policy. They work for you, not the carrier. They know the games insurance companies play, and they know how to push back. With their expertise, you stand a far better chance of getting the settlement you deserve—one that truly restores your property and your peace of mind.

If you’ve suffered property damage, don’t make the same mistake. The insurance company already has professionals protecting their money—you need a professional protecting yours.

Author: R Wagner, Co-owner TeamiDry, LLC 239-469-9373