What does an insurance adjuster do, and how do I work with one?

What does an insurance adjuster do?

An insurance adjuster is the professional assigned by your insurer to evaluate your claim. Their job is to inspect the physical damage, review your policy terms and coverage limits, account for your deductible, and calculate a settlement figure. Adjusters may be employees of the insurance company or independent contractors hired to handle claims on the company’s behalf. Either way, they are working on behalf of the insurer, not on your behalf.

How should you prepare before the adjuster’s inspection?

Prepare before the inspection by having your list of damaged items ready, along with photos, videos, receipts, and any contractor estimates you have already gathered. Walk the adjuster through the damage systematically so nothing is overlooked. If you have made improvements to the property, such as a kitchen remodel or a new roof, share documentation of those upgrades so they are reflected in the settlement.

For example, a homeowner who replaced a roof two years before a hail claim and has the contractor invoice on hand is in a stronger position to document the upgrade’s value than one who must reconstruct the work from memory.

Should your contractor be present during the adjuster visit?

State insurance regulators recommend asking your contractor to be present during the adjuster’s visit when possible. Having both parties in the same space at the same time can resolve disagreements about scope and cost before they become formal disputes, and it helps ensure the adjuster’s estimate accounts for the full extent of the work needed.

For example, a roofer and an adjuster reviewing the same hail damage together can clarify in real time whether the count of impacted shingles justifies a full replacement or a partial repair, which directly affects the size of the settlement.

What can you do if the settlement offer seems too low?

If you receive a settlement offer that seems low, do not feel pressured to accept it immediately. Request a written itemized explanation of how the number was calculated and which policy provisions were applied. You have the right to provide additional documentation and to ask for reconsideration. If a disagreement cannot be resolved through conversation, most policies contain an appraisal clause that provides a structured process for reaching a binding resolution through independent appraisers and a neutral umpire.

What is a public adjuster and when is one useful?

If you want professional representation throughout the claims process, a licensed public adjuster can evaluate your claim independently and negotiate on your behalf. Public adjusters typically charge a percentage of the settlement amount, so that cost factors into whether hiring one makes financial sense for a given claim size. A licensed advisor can help you understand your policy terms, your coverage limits, and what documentation supports a stronger claim outcome. Request a free coverage review to talk through your situation before or after a loss.