An independent adjuster—also known as a public adjuster—does essentially the same work as an adjuster who works for an insurance company, but without company affiliation. Some of the adjusters tasks include talking to the claimant or witnesses about the damage, inspecting the claim to address any inconsistencies, and examining the submitted expenses along with inspecting the damage to determine if the cost of the claim is reasonable.
Massachusetts property damage claimants have the option to hire a public adjuster to ensure a fair look at the details of their claim. However, these adjusters can take up to 10 percent of your final recovery from the insurer.
While a Boston property damage attorney cannot tell you whether to hire a public adjuster, we urge you to take care when hiring one, verifying that the adjuster you use is licensed through the states Division of Insurance and that they have a good reputation with clients who have used his or her services in the past. Additionally, you should obtain a signed and dated contract that outlines the adjusters services and fee.
If you hire a public adjuster to handle your claim and then change your mind, you generally have just three days to cancel the contract, minus any emergency expenses you paid to the adjuster during that time.
Should you hire us to pursue your Boston property damage claim, well not only investigate your claim to determine what your insurer owes you, well negotiate a settlement, or, failing that, we can take your claim to court.