Public Adjuster FAQ | Insurance Claims Questions | CA, AZ, WA, ID, CO, TX

A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who works exclusively for policyholders, not insurance companies. We assess property damage, prepare insurance claims, and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your settlement. Unlike insurance company adjusters who work for the insurer, public adjusters work for YOU.

Public adjusters typically charge 10-15% of your final settlement on a contingency basis. This means no upfront costs and no fees unless we successfully increase your claim. Given that public adjusters help recover an average of 747% more than initial offers, our fee is typically a small fraction of the additional recovery we secure for you.

While not required, hiring a public adjuster significantly increases your settlement. Studies show public adjusters help recover an average of 747% more than initial insurance offers. If you're dealing with significant damage, a complex claim, a denied claim, or a lowball offer, a public adjuster is highly recommended.

The best time to hire a public adjuster is immediately after property damage occurs, before filing your claim. However, we can help at any stage - even after you've filed, received a low offer, or had your claim denied. Early involvement ensures proper documentation from the start.

No. In fact, public adjusters often expedite claims by ensuring complete and accurate documentation from the start, preventing back-and-forth delays with insurance companies. Proper preparation leads to faster settlements and fewer disputes.

Absolutely. We frequently help overturn denied claims by reviewing denial reasons, gathering additional evidence, consulting with experts, and negotiating appeals. Many denials result from insufficient documentation, misinterpreted policy language, or improper claim handling - issues we can address.

Apex Adjusting Group is licensed to serve clients in California, Arizona, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, and Texas. We maintain active public adjuster licenses in all six states and have deep knowledge of each state's insurance regulations and claim procedures.

Claim timelines vary based on complexity. Simple claims may settle in 30-60 days, while complex claims involving significant damage or coverage disputes can take 90-180 days or longer. Having a public adjuster often expedites the process through proper documentation and strategic negotiation.

Yes. We work with restoration contractors but maintain independence to protect your interests. We can recommend reputable contractors if needed, review contractor estimates, and ensure insurance settlements cover full restoration costs. Our job is to maximize your claim, not to promote specific contractors.

After you hire us, we immediately begin documenting your damage with photos, measurements, and detailed notes. We review your insurance policy, prepare a comprehensive claim package, submit it to your insurance company, and handle all negotiations. You stay informed throughout, but we handle the heavy lifting.

Public adjusters typically charge 10-15% of the final settlement on a contingency basis. At Apex Adjusting Group, you pay nothing upfront - we only get paid if we successfully increase your claim settlement.

Yes, hiring a public adjuster for fire damage is highly recommended. Studies show public adjusters help recover an average of 747% more than initial insurance offers. Fire claims are complex, involving smoke damage, structural issues, and contents valuation that insurance companies often undervalue.

Fire damage claims typically take 30-90 days, though complex claims may take longer. Having a public adjuster can expedite the process by ensuring proper documentation from the start and preventing delays from incomplete submissions.

We can help appeal denied fire damage claims. Many denials result from insufficient documentation or misinterpreted policy language. Our public adjusters review your policy, gather additional evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to overturn denials.

Yes, smoke and soot damage are major components of fire claims that insurance companies often undervalue. We document all smoke penetration, odor damage, HVAC contamination, and necessary cleaning/restoration to ensure full compensation.

Absolutely. Most homeowners policies include Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage for temporary housing, food, and other costs while your home is uninhabitable. We ensure you receive full ALE benefits you're entitled to under your policy.

We document all fire-related damage including structural damage, smoke and soot contamination, water damage from firefighting efforts, contents loss, code upgrade requirements, landscaping damage, and additional living expenses.

We provide 24/7 emergency response and can typically be on-site within 24 hours of your call. Early involvement is crucial for properly documenting damage and preventing claim disputes.

Yes! Even if you've filed, we can step in to review your claim, identify undervalued damage, and renegotiate your settlement. Many clients hire us after receiving low initial offers from insurance companies.

Fire claims involve multiple damage types (fire, smoke, water, structural), require extensive documentation, often trigger code upgrade requirements, and involve complex valuation of contents and dwelling. Insurance companies have adjusters working for them - you need one working for you.

Our public adjusters work on contingency, typically 10-15% of your final settlement. We only get paid when we successfully increase your claim. No recovery means no fee, and there are no upfront costs.

It depends on the source. Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage like pipe bursts or appliance failures. However, flood damage requires separate flood insurance, and gradual damage from neglect may not be covered. We review your policy to determine coverage.

Water damage typically refers to internal water sources like burst pipes, roof leaks, or appliance failures. Flood damage involves external water sources like rising rivers, storm surge, or ground water. They're usually covered by different insurance policies.

Most homeowners policies cover mold remediation if the mold results from a covered water damage event and is addressed promptly. However, mold from long-term neglect or maintenance issues may not be covered. We help document the timeline to support your claim.

Report water damage to your insurance company immediately, ideally within 24-48 hours. Quick reporting helps prevent claim denials due to delayed notification. However, hiring a public adjuster before or immediately after filing ensures proper documentation from the start.

First, ensure safety and stop the water source if possible. Document everything with photos and videos. Contact your insurance company to report the damage. Then call us for emergency public adjusting services to protect your claim interests from day one.

Yes! We frequently help overturn denied water damage claims. Insurance companies often deny claims for reasons like alleged policy exclusions, delayed reporting, or insufficient evidence. We review denials, gather additional documentation, and negotiate appeals successfully.

Yes, sudden and accidental pipe bursts are typically covered under standard homeowners insurance. This includes damage to your home's structure, contents, and additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable during repairs.

Common exclusions include flood damage from external sources (requires separate flood policy), gradual leaks or seepage, maintenance-related issues, sewer backup without additional coverage, and damage from neglected repairs. We help identify what is covered under your specific policy.

Simple water damage claims may settle in 30-60 days. Complex claims involving structural damage, mold, or extensive contents loss can take 90-180 days or longer. Having a public adjuster expedites the process by ensuring complete documentation and aggressive negotiation.

Commercial public adjusters typically charge 5-15% of the settlement on a contingency basis, with the percentage often lower for larger claims. We work on a no recovery, no fee basis - you pay nothing unless we successfully increase your claim settlement.

Business interruption insurance covers lost income and operating expenses when your business cannot operate due to covered property damage. This includes lost profits, continuing expenses like rent and payroll, and temporary relocation costs during repairs.

Business interruption coverage typically continues until your business returns to normal operations or reaches the policy's time limit (often 12-24 months). We help calculate the full period of interruption and document all losses to maximize your recovery period.

Coverage depends on your policy. Standard commercial property policies may have limited equipment coverage, while equipment breakdown insurance (boiler and machinery) provides broader coverage for mechanical failures, electrical issues, and technology failures.

Actual Cash Value pays for property replacement minus depreciation, while Replacement Cost pays the full cost to replace damaged property with new items of similar quality. Replacement cost policies provide significantly higher payouts for commercial claims.

Absolutely. We frequently help businesses overturn denied commercial claims. We review the denial reasons, gather additional evidence, consult with experts, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to reverse denials or secure partial settlements.

First, ensure everyone's safety and secure the property. Document all damage with photos and videos. Notify your insurance company immediately. Then contact us before giving statements or accepting any settlements, so we can protect your interests from day one.

Loss of income is calculated based on your business's financial records, including profit and loss statements, tax returns, and projected revenues. We work with forensic accountants when necessary to accurately document your lost profits and extra expenses.

If you have business interruption coverage, it typically includes continuing expenses like employee payroll for key staff during the interruption period. We ensure these continuing expenses are properly documented and claimed.

We handle all commercial property types including retail stores, restaurants, office buildings, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, hotels, apartment buildings, strip malls, and specialized commercial properties. Our adjusters have experience across all commercial sectors.

Public adjusters for residential claims typically charge 10-15% of your final settlement on a contingency basis. We only get paid if we successfully increase your claim - no recovery means no fee, and there are zero upfront costs.

The earlier, the better. Ideally, hire a public adjuster immediately after damage occurs and before submitting your claim. However, we can help at any stage - even if your claim was denied or you received a low settlement offer.

Studies show that public adjusters help homeowners recover an average of 747% more than initial insurance company offers. The exact increase depends on claim complexity, but homeowners consistently receive significantly higher settlements with public adjuster representation.

Simple claims may settle in 30-45 days. More complex claims involving significant damage, structural issues, or disputed coverage can take 90-180 days or longer. Having a public adjuster often expedites the process through proper documentation and negotiation.

We frequently help homeowners overturn denied claims. Common denial reasons include alleged policy exclusions, maintenance issues, or insufficient documentation. We review your denial, gather evidence, consult experts if needed, and appeal to get your claim approved.

Yes! Even if you've already filed, we can review your claim, identify undervalued damage, and renegotiate your settlement. Many clients hire us after receiving lowball offers from insurance companies, and we successfully increase their settlements.

ALE covers the costs of temporary housing, increased food expenses, storage, pet boarding, and other costs when your home is uninhabitable due to covered damage. We ensure you receive full ALE benefits and proper reimbursement for all eligible expenses.

Absolutely. Contents claims are often severely undervalued by insurance companies. We create detailed inventories, research replacement costs, document pre-loss condition, and ensure proper valuation of all damaged personal property including furniture, electronics, clothing, and collectibles.

We handle all types of homeowners claims including fire damage, water damage, storm damage, wind damage, hail damage, lightning strikes, theft, vandalism, smoke damage, roof damage, structural damage, and any covered peril under your homeowners policy.

Many policies include Ordinance or Law coverage that pays for required code upgrades when repairing covered damage. However, this coverage is often limited and may require specific policy endorsements. We review your policy and maximize your code upgrade recovery.

No, earthquake damage requires separate earthquake insurance. Standard homeowners policies specifically exclude earthquake damage. You must have an earthquake insurance policy or endorsement to have coverage for seismic damage.

Earthquake insurance premiums vary based on location, building type, and deductibles. California Earthquake Authority (CEA) policies typically have 10-25% deductibles. A public adjuster helps maximize your claim within your coverage limits.

Earthquake insurance deductibles are typically 10-25% of the dwelling coverage amount, significantly higher than standard insurance deductibles. For a $500,000 home with a 15% deductible, you would pay the first $75,000 before insurance coverage begins.

Absolutely. Earthquake claims are among the most complex property damage claims, involving structural engineering, hidden damage, and high deductibles. Public adjusters ensure all damage is documented and valued correctly to maximize your recovery above the deductible.

Earthquake insurance typically covers structural damage to your home, personal property damage, additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable, and sometimes pool/spa damage. Coverage varies by policy, so we review your specific policy to maximize benefits.

Most earthquake insurance policies require notification within a reasonable time, typically days to weeks. However, earthquake damage may not be immediately apparent. Contact us quickly after an earthquake to document damage before it worsens or is repaired.

Yes. We frequently appeal denied earthquake claims. Common denial reasons include disputes over whether damage was caused by the earthquake versus pre-existing conditions, or arguments about the extent of damage. We gather engineering evidence to support your claim.

Visible cracks may indicate more serious hidden structural damage. Given high earthquake insurance deductibles, evaluate whether damage exceeds your deductible before filing. We offer free assessments to help determine if filing a claim makes financial sense.

Foundation crack evaluation requires structural engineering expertise. We coordinate with licensed engineers to determine if cracks are superficial or indicate structural damage requiring foundation repairs, and document this properly for your claim.

Some earthquake damage isn't immediately apparent and emerges later. Report any newly discovered damage to your insurer promptly. We help establish that the damage was caused by the earthquake event, not subsequent events or pre-existing conditions.

Coverage depends on the cause. Most policies cover sudden collapse from covered perils like fire, water damage, or weight of contents. However, collapse from gradual deterioration, foundation settling, or construction defects may be excluded. We review your policy to determine coverage.

Insurance policies define 'collapse' as sudden, substantial falling down or caving in of the structure. Minor settling, cracking, or sagging may not qualify as collapse. This definition is often disputed, which is why having a public adjuster is crucial for collapse claims.

We work on contingency, typically 10-15% of the final settlement. Given the complexity and high value of collapse claims, our expertise often results in settlements hundreds of thousands of dollars higher than initial offers, far exceeding our fee.

Yes, and we coordinate this for you. Structural collapse claims require engineering expertise to determine the cause, extent of damage, and repair requirements. We work with licensed structural engineers whose reports support your insurance claim.

Construction defect exclusions are commonly disputed in collapse claims. We investigate the actual cause, review construction records, consult experts, and often establish that covered perils (like water intrusion or earthquake) contributed to or caused the failure.

Collapse claims are complex and typically take 3-12 months or longer depending on the extent of damage, cause determination, and negotiation. Some cases require engineering studies, structural testing, and extensive documentation before settlement.

This depends on building codes, zoning laws, and the cause of collapse. If the collapse was due to soil issues or geographic factors, rebuilding may require special engineering or may not be permitted. We help navigate these issues as part of your claim.

Partial collapse is still covered if it meets policy definitions. We document all affected areas, structural connections, and safety concerns. Often, structural engineers determine that more extensive work is needed than initially apparent.

Yes, if your policy includes Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use coverage. After a collapse making your home uninhabitable, insurance should cover temporary housing, storage, and related costs during reconstruction. We ensure you receive full ALE benefits.

First, evacuate and ensure everyone's safety. Contact emergency services if needed. Do not enter unsafe structures. Document the collapse with photos/videos from safe distances. Contact your insurance company and call us immediately - early involvement is crucial for collapse claims.