A public adjuster works for you, the policyholder, and is paid by you. An insurance company adjuster, also called a staff or company adjuster, works for your insurance company and is paid by them. This difference determines whose interests each adjuster represents when evaluating your claim and negotiating your settlement.
When comparing a public adjuster vs an insurance company adjuster, the most important difference is who each professional represents during the claims process.
What is a public adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents policyholders—not insurance companies—during the property damage claims process. Public adjusters are licensed by state insurance departments (in Florida, by the Department of Financial Services) and work exclusively on behalf of homeowners and business owners.
Public adjusters are authorized to:
- Inspect and document property damage
- Interpret insurance policy language and coverage
- Prepare detailed repair and replacement cost estimates
- File claims and required documentation
- Communicate directly with your insurance company
- Negotiate settlements on your behalf
Public adjusters typically work on contingency—they receive a percentage of your claim settlement (10-20% in Florida, depending on whether an emergency has been declared) and collect nothing if your claim doesn’t pay.
What is an insurance company adjuster?
An insurance company adjuster is an employee or contractor of your insurance company. When you file a claim, your insurer assigns one of their adjusters to evaluate the damage and determine how much the company will pay. Insurance company adjusters come in two forms:
Staff adjusters (company adjusters): Full-time employees of the insurance company who receive a salary. They work exclusively for that insurer.
Independent adjusters: Licensed adjusters hired on a contract basis by insurance companies, often during high-volume periods like hurricane season. Despite the name “independent,” they represent the insurance company’s interests, not yours.
Who Each Adjuster Works For?
Public adjusters work for you, the policyholder. Their job is to maximize your settlement within the terms of your policy. Insurance company adjusters work for your insurer. Their job is to evaluate claims on behalf of the company that pays them. When an insurance company representative says they’re sending “your adjuster,” they mean the adjuster assigned to handle your claim—not an adjuster who represents your interests.
How does payment work for each adjuster type?
Public adjusters: Paid by you, typically as a percentage of your claim settlement (contingency fee). Under Florida Statute 626.854, fees are capped at 10% for emergency-declared claims and 20% for all others. You pay nothing upfront and nothing if your claim doesn’t settle.
Staff adjusters: Paid a salary by the insurance company. You pay nothing directly—their cost is built into your insurance premiums.
Independent adjusters: Paid by the insurance company that contracts them, typically per claim or on a fee schedule. You pay nothing directly.
Can I have both a public adjuster and an insurance company adjuster on my claim?
Yes. Your insurance company will always assign their own adjuster to evaluate your claim—that’s standard procedure. If you hire a public adjuster, you’ll have two adjusters: one representing your insurer and one representing you. The public adjuster communicates and negotiates with the insurance company adjuster on your behalf.
When should I consider hiring a public adjuster?
When You consider hiring a Public Adjuster vs Insurance Company, hiring a public adjuster often makes sense in the following situations:
- Your claim is large or complex (significant property damage, multiple damage types)
- Your insurance company’s initial offer seems too low compared to actual repair costs
- Your claim has been denied and you believe it should be covered
- Your claim is being delayed without clear explanation
- You don’t have the time or expertise to manage the claims process yourself
- You’re dealing with a dispute over coverage interpretation
Do I need a public adjuster for every claim?
No. For small, straightforward claims where the damage is obvious and your insurer responds promptly with a fair offer, you may not need professional representation. However, for larger claims, disputed coverage, or situations where you feel the insurance company isn’t treating you fairly, a public adjuster can help level the playing field.
What is the difference between an independent adjuster and a public adjuster?
The term “independent adjuster” is often confused with “public adjuster,” but they are not the same:
Independent adjusters are contractors hired by insurance companies to handle claims on their behalf. They are called “independent” because they don’t work exclusively for one insurer—they may contract with multiple insurance companies. However, they represent the insurance company’s interests on each claim they handle.
Public adjusters are licensed to represent only policyholders. They cannot work for insurance companies. Their sole obligation is to the homeowner or business owner who hires them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my insurance company work with a public adjuster?
Yes. Insurance companies are legally required to communicate with your authorized representative. Once you hire a public adjuster and provide written authorization, your insurer must direct claim-related communications through your representative.
Can I hire a public adjuster after I’ve already filed my claim?
Yes. You can hire a public adjuster at any stage—before filing, during an active claim, or after receiving a settlement offer you believe is inadequate. Public adjusters can reopen underpaid claims or file supplemental claims for additional damage discovered later.
Is a public adjuster the same as an attorney?
No. Public adjusters handle the claims process: documentation, estimation, filing, and negotiation. They cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court. If your claim requires litigation, you would need an insurance attorney. Many claims settle through negotiation without ever requiring legal action.
How do I know if my insurance adjuster is a staff adjuster or independent adjuster?
You can ask. Staff adjusters typically have an email address from your insurance company’s domain. Independent adjusters may have business cards from an adjusting firm rather than the insurer. Either way, both types represent your insurance company—not you.
Need help with your property insurance claim? Contact Claim Defenders for a free consultation. We work exclusively for policyholders, never for insurance companies.