Public Insurance Adjusting
A public adjuster (PA) represents the insured home or commercial property owner (the policyholder) to prepare, present and settle a property insurance claim. A qualified PA has specialized expertise that can simplify and speed up the complicated, time-consuming insurance claims process. A PA works only for you - not the insurance company, not the roofing company, not the general contractor - and serves as an important protection for your rights as a policyholder.
A PA is your representative in dealings with your insurance company adjuster and his or her consultants (engineers, construction experts, or forensic accountants). Hiring a PA can level the playing field and make a significant difference in the final determination of your loss.
A PA will relieve you of many time consuming, tedious and difficult matters related to preparing and filing your insurance claim–and help you get a prompt and fair settlement. The PA will prepare your claim, including all estimates, inventories and other factual information that may be required to prove your loss. Your PA will make sure your claim meets all of your insurance company’s filing requirements.
When you’re working with a NAPIA member, you can be assured you are working with one of the most knowledgeable and competent public adjusters in the business. Through its accreditation and training programs, NAPIA sets its own high standards for professional knowledge, competence and achievement. The association enforces a strict code of ethics to promote the highest standard of integrity and professionalism.
Most states require public adjusters to be tested and licensed. Licensed public adjusters must demonstrate significant knowledge and competence in a broad range of areas related to property insurance, claims settlement and pertinent laws and regulations. NAPIA strongly endorses licensing and supports the efforts of its members working to create licensing legislation in the few states where it is not already required.