Residential Claim Support

It depends on whether the cause is "sudden and accidental" or "gradual." Standard policies typically cover fire, lightning, wind, and burst pipes. They almost never cover flooding (rising water from outside), earthquakes, or "wear and tear" (like a roof that simply reached the end of its life).

How a Public Adjuster helps:

• Policy Interpretation: Policies are written in dense "legalese." A PA reads the fine print to find coverage for things you might miss, like "law and ordinance" coverage (which pays to bring old structures up to 2026 building codes).
• Defining the Cause: If an insurer claims your damage was "pre-existing," a PA uses forensic evidence to prove it was caused by a specific covered event

You aren't required to, and often you shouldn't—at least not right away. The first check is frequently an "Actual Cash Value" (ACV) payment, which subtracts depreciation. If you have "Replacement Cost Value" (RCV) coverage, you are entitled to the full cost of buying new items or rebuilding at today’s prices.

How a Public Adjuster helps:

• Independent Estimating: The insurance company’s adjuster works for the company. A PA works for you. They use the same professional software (like Xactimate) to create a competing, comprehensive estimate that often includes missed items like debris removal or specialized labor costs.

Maximizing Payout: Studies have shown that PAs can increase settlements significantly—sometimes by over 70%—by ensuring every single damaged shingle and floorboard is accounted for.

Most policies include Loss of Use or Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage. This pays for hotel stays, rental homes, and even the "extra" cost of restaurant meals while you can't cook at home. However, there are usually strict time limits (e.g., 12–24 months) or dollar caps.

How a Public Adjuster helps:

• Expense Management: A PA helps you track and submit receipts correctly so you don't accidentally leave money on the table.
• Expediting the Process: By handling the paperwork and technical negotiations, a PA can speed up the claim, getting you back into your home faster before your ALE benefits run out.

No. A denial is a position, not a final verdict. You have the right to appeal, request a re-inspection, or enter "Appraisal" (a formal dispute resolution process).

How a Public Adjuster helps:

• Rebuttal Evidence: A PA will conduct a "second look" at the damage. They often find "hidden" damage (like smoke behind walls or structural cracks) that the insurance company ignored.

Professional Negotiation: They act as your spokesperson, using industry-standard evidence to challenge the denial. Because they work on a contingency fee (they only get paid if you get paid), they are highly motivated to reverse a denial.