Public Adjuster Pros and Cons
Facing property damage and wrestling with insurance paperwork is stressful. In a city like Los Angeles, where, wildfires, and floods are realities, having an expert ally (public adjuster) on your side will probably make all the difference.
As seasoned professionals at Avner Gat, Inc., we’ve guided countless homeowners and business owners through the claims cycle. Below, we break down the primary benefits and a few considerations to help you decide if hiring a public adjuster is the right step for you.
Insurance Adjuster or a Public Adjuster?
When disaster upends your life, you deserve an advocate who understands both the fine print of your policy and the local market’s rebuilding costs. Insurance carriers will employ adjusters whose goal is to protect the company’s bottom line.
Public adjusters, on the other hand, will work exclusively for you. We’re here to ensure your claim reflects the true scope of your loss and that you receive every dollar you’re entitled to.
What Is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional representing policyholders during the insurance claims process. Unlike company adjusters who answer to insurers, we answer to you.
Our mission: document damages rigorously, interpret policy language accurately, and negotiate relentlessly on your behalf.
How the Process Works
- Initial Consultation: We review your policy, scope of damage, and any correspondence with your insurer.
- Detailed Damage Assessment: Our team surveys the property, measures losses, and compiles a comprehensive report (including photos, diagrams, and repair estimates).
- Claim Preparation & Submission: We draft the claim package, ensuring every covered item, from structural repairs to contents replacement, is included.
- Negotiation & Follow-Up: We handle all discussions with the insurer’s adjusters, countering low-ball offers until you receive a fair settlement.
- Final Settlement & Close-out: Once you’re satisfied, we finalize paperwork and collect our final fee directly from the claim proceeds.
Advantages of Hiring a Public Adjuster
1. Maximized Settlements
Years of data show that policyholders who engage public adjusters recover significantly more than those who try to self-manage their claims. We leave no nail uncounted or drywall repair unnoted.
2. Deep Policy Expertise
Insurance contracts are full of technical complexities. We translate that into plain English and leverage policy provisions, like additional living expenses, code upgrade endorsements, or ordinance coverage, that homeowners often overlook.
3. Time and Stress Savings
Between contractor bids, inventory lists, and endless phone calls, the average homeowner can spend dozens of hours on a single claim. We shoulder those tasks so you can focus on rebuilding your life.
4. Local Market Knowledge
Los Angeles repair costs vary dramatically by neighborhood and contractor availability. Our longstanding relationships with trusted builders mean our estimates reflect real-world prices and carry weight in negotiations.
5. Comprehensive Documentation
Every claim is backed by detailed photo logs, line-by-line estimates, and professional repair drawings. This level of evidence makes it much harder for insurers to underpay or stall.
6. Advocacy for Disputed Claims
Should your insurer deny or undervalue a portion of your loss, we’ll marshal additional expert reports, engineers, and roof consultants to challenge their decision.
If you do eventually consider hiring a public adjuster, you may have some questions about the process. For answers, check out this article on common questions about working with a public adjuster.
Common Misconceptions About Public Adjusters
- “They just drive up my costs.”
In reality, our fee is a percentage of the recovery—if you don’t get paid more, we don’t get paid. That alignment means we earn only by boosting your settlement. - “My insurance company’s adjuster is impartial.”
Company adjusters represent the insurer’s interests. Their mandate is to protect profits; ours is to protect your pocketbook. - “I can handle a small claim myself.”
Even seemingly minor losses can balloon once hidden damage is uncovered. A public adjuster spots these subtleties from day one.
Cost Structure and Transparency
We operate on a contingency-fee basis, typically with a minimal ratio of the final settlement. That fee covers:
- All on-site inspections
- Inspections with the insurance adjuster
- Document preparation and submission
- Navigating the claim
- Professional negotiations
There are no upfront charges. You only pay if, and when, you receive payments from your insurance company.
When to Consider a Public Adjuster?
- Severe or Complex Losses: Major fire, flood, earthquake, or multi-unit damage.
- Underpaid Claims: If your insurer’s offer falls short of repair estimates.
- Time Constraints: You’re juggling work, family, or business operations and lack bandwidth.
- High-Value Contents: Collections, antiques, or specialized equipment needing detailed inventories.
What to Expect Working with Avner Gat, Inc.
- Clear Communication: You will be updated on communications with your insurer, payments made, and next steps.
- Personalized Service: A dedicated adjuster assigned to your case from start to finish.
- Proven Results: Clients routinely receive settlements that exceed initial insurer offers by 30 – 50%.
Why Choose Avner Gat, Inc.?
Hiring a public adjuster in Los Angeles isn’t just about outsourcing paperwork—it’s about securing an advocate who knows how to document, negotiate, and fight for every cent you deserve.
At Avner Gat, Inc., we blend technical expertise, local market savvy, and unwavering commitment to deliver peace of mind when you need it most.
If you’re facing property damage and want a partner who puts your interests first, let’s start the conversation today. Call us at (818) 917-5256 to find out how we can help you.
