You also have the right to sue your public adjuster if he doesn't perform his job correctly. Before hiring an adjuster, it's a good idea to do a background check. It's also a good idea to see whether the adjuster is licensed in your state. To check on the licensing of a public claims adjuster, call your state's insurance department. Adjusters must be licensed in most states.
Certification comes from passing an exam and taking certification-update classes.
The industry also tries to police itself, keeping an eye out for uncertified adjusters who might ruin the industry's reputation. Depending on who you talk to, you may or may not need a public adjuster. One piece of advice is to seek a public adjuster's service right away. Often it's nearly impossible for consumers to know what to expect from an insurer in a homeowners claim situation, even after they read their policies. In addition, it's difficult for an adjuster to come in when a claim is in the middle of being processed.