They investigate the cause and extent of damage, determine what repairs are needed, get estimates on the cost of repairs, assemble any documents needed to prepare a proof of loss, prepare the insured's proof of loss, and negotiate with the insurer on the settlement. In marketing their services, public adjusters generally assert that the increased loss recovery that they can secure for the insured will more than cover their fees. Public adjusters are known for their zealous efforts to secure the most favorable loss settlement possible for the insured. Unfortunately, however, there have been incidents of fraudulent conduct on the part of some public adjusters. Consequently, public adjusters as a group do not enjoy a favorable reputation.
Insurers generally scrutinize claims submitted by public adjusters much more carefully than others.
Also, an insured that elects to hire a public adjuster may find that the agent's or broker's claims representative is unwilling to be involved in the claim. IRMI Inc. IRMI is a Registered Trademark.