Adjuster

An adjuster is the professional who investigates an insurance claim and determines how much the carrier owes you. When you file a claim, the carrier assigns an adjuster to visit the loss site, document the damage, review your policy, and produce a written settlement estimate. That estimate becomes the starting point for your payout.

What are the different types of insurance adjusters?

Three types of adjusters serve different interests. A staff adjuster is a direct employee of your insurance company. An independent adjuster is a contractor hired by the carrier, often during high-volume periods like after a major storm, but still working on the carrier’s behalf. A public adjuster is hired and paid by you, the policyholder, and their job is to represent your interests and maximize your recovery. Public adjusters typically charge 10 to 15 percent of the final settlement. In Georgia, public adjusters must hold a license issued by the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, so you can verify credentials before signing an engagement agreement.

Why do adjuster estimates sometimes come in low after a Georgia storm?

After a large weather event, staff and independent adjusters may inspect dozens of properties in a single day. A typical Georgia hailstorm or hurricane remnant can trigger thousands of claims across multiple counties simultaneously, and adjusters are stretched thin. Estimates can miss damage, undervalue scope, or apply the wrong pricing for your area (see our FAQ on what to do when a carrier estimate comes in too low).

For example, roofing and restoration costs in metro Atlanta or coastal Georgia can differ significantly from the national pricing databases an adjuster may rely on, which is one reason independent contractor estimates are essential for comparison.

What can I do if the adjuster’s settlement offer is too low?

If the initial settlement offer feels too low compared to contractor estimates you have received, request a re-inspection and submit written contractor estimates with itemized line items. You can also hire a public adjuster to negotiate on your behalf, or invoke the appraisal clause in your policy, which brings in a neutral third-party appraiser to resolve the dispute without going to court. Georgia homeowners policies commonly include this clause, though the specific language varies by policy form.

For example, a Marietta homeowner who receives a $12,000 hail repair estimate from their carrier’s adjuster but gets a $22,000 quote from two licensed roofing contractors can formally request re-inspection and submit both contractor quotes as supporting documentation.

Should I sign the settlement release right away?

A carrier-assigned adjuster does not work for you. Read any settlement offer carefully, compare it to at least two independent contractor estimates, and do not sign a release until you are confident the settlement covers the full scope of the repair (see our FAQ on replacement cost vs. actual cash value). Once you sign a release, reopening the claim is difficult (see our FAQ on insurance bad faith in Georgia).

How does my policy affect what an adjuster can offer?

Your policy’s coverage limits, deductible, and dispute resolution clauses directly shape what an adjuster can offer and what recourse you have if you disagree. A free coverage review with Olive Insurance Services, LLC can help you understand how your current policy handles the claims process, what dispute resolution options you carry, and whether your coverage limits reflect today’s repair costs.