No. Your insurance company cannot drop you, cancel your policy, or raise your rates because you hired a public adjuster. This is one of the most common fears Florida homeowners express when considering professional help with their insurance claim, and the answer is unequivocal: Florida law protects your right to hire a public adjuster to represent your interests during the claims process. Retaliating against you for exercising this right would violate Florida insurance regulations.
Your Rights as a Florida Policyholder
Florida law provides strong protections for homeowners navigating the insurance claims process. Among these protections:
- Right to representation: You have the legal right to hire a public adjuster, attorney, or other professional to assist with your insurance claim. Your insurance company must work with your chosen representative.
- No retaliation: Insurance companies cannot cancel your policy, refuse to renew, or increase your premiums because you hired a public adjuster or because you filed a legitimate claim.
- Right to fair dealing: Under Florida’s Unfair Insurance Trade Practices Act, insurance companies are required to handle claims in good faith, which includes cooperating with your public adjuster.
- Right to dispute: If you disagree with the insurance company’s settlement offer, you have the right to dispute it through supplemental claims, appraisal, mediation, or litigation.
Why Insurance Companies Might Discourage You From Hiring a Public Adjuster?
While insurance companies cannot legally penalize you for hiring a public adjuster, some may subtly discourage it. Common tactics include:
- Telling you that hiring a public adjuster will slow down your claim
- Suggesting that public adjusters take a large portion of your settlement and you will end up with less money
- Implying that their adjuster is objective and there is no need for additional representation
- Rushing to make a quick settlement offer before you have time to consult with a professional
The reality is that insurance company adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to settle your claim for the lowest amount the company is willing to pay. A public adjuster works exclusively for you and is incentivized to maximize your settlement because their fee is based on a percentage of what you receive.
What Happens When You Hire a Public Adjuster?
When you engage a public adjuster, you sign a contract authorizing them to represent you in your insurance claim. The adjuster then sends a letter of representation to your insurance company, notifying them that all future communication regarding your claim should go through the adjuster. The insurance company is legally obligated to accept this representation and work with your adjuster.
From that point forward, the public adjuster handles all inspections, documentation, communications, and negotiations on your behalf. You remain the policyholder and the ultimate decision-maker—the adjuster cannot accept a settlement without your approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hiring a public adjuster affect my insurance premiums?
No. Your premiums are based on factors such as your home’s location, value, construction type, claims history, and the insurer’s overall risk assessment. Hiring a public adjuster is not a factor in premium calculations.
Can my insurance company refuse to work with my public adjuster?
No. Once your public adjuster sends a letter of representation, the insurance company is legally required to communicate with them regarding your claim.
What if my insurance company tries to pressure me not to hire a public adjuster?
If your insurance company pressures you or makes threats related to hiring a public adjuster, document the interaction and consider filing a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services. This type of behavior may constitute an unfair insurance practice.
Need Help With Your Insurance Claim?
Claim Defenders is a licensed public adjusting firm serving homeowners throughout Florida and Tennessee. Our team fights to make sure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to under your insurance policy. We work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we recover money for you.
Call us today at 1-888-652-1872 or visit our website to schedule your free property inspection and claim review.