Public Adjuster vs Contractor: Who Should Handle Your Claim?

After storm damage to your roof, you'll hear from two types of professionals offering to help with your insurance claim: public adjusters and roofing contractors. Both can provide valuable assistance, but they offer different services at different costs. Understanding these differences helps you make the right choice for your situation.

Understanding the Players

First, let's clarify who does what:

Public Adjusters

Public adjusters are licensed insurance professionals who:

• Represent policyholders (you), not insurance companies
• Evaluate damage and prepare claim documentation
• Negotiate with insurance company adjusters
• Handle claim paperwork and communications
• Work on commission (typically 10-20% of your settlement)

They're essentially advocates who specialize in maximizing insurance settlements.

Roofing Contractors

Roofing contractors experienced in insurance restoration:

• Inspect and document roof damage
• Provide repair or replacement estimates
• May attend adjuster inspections
• Perform the actual repairs
• Typically don't charge for claim assistance

They focus on properly repairing your roof, with claim assistance as part of their service.

Insurance Company Adjusters

For comparison, insurance company adjusters:

• Work for the insurance company
• Evaluate damage and coverage
• Determine claim settlements
• Are not advocates for policyholders

What Public Adjusters Do

Understanding public adjuster services helps you evaluate whether you need one:

Claim Preparation

• Document all property damage (not just roofing)
• Photograph and video damage extensively
• Research policy coverage provisions
• Prepare detailed loss statements
• Calculate claim value including all covered losses

Negotiation

• Attend insurance adjuster inspections
• Challenge inadequate assessments
• Present documentation supporting higher values
• Negotiate settlement amounts
• Handle supplemental claims

Administration

• Manage all claim paperwork
• Handle communications with insurer
• Track deadlines and requirements
• Navigate disputes and appeals

What They Don't Do

Public adjusters don't:

• Perform any repairs
• Provide contractor recommendations (usually)
• Guarantee specific outcomes
• Practice law (they can't represent you in court)

What Contractors Provide

Good roofing contractors offer significant claim support:

Damage Assessment

• Professional roof inspection
• Identification of all storm damage
• Documentation with photos and measurements
• Detailed written report

Estimate Preparation

• Itemized repair or replacement estimate
• Material specifications and quantities
• Labor costs based on actual local rates
• Code upgrade requirements if applicable

Adjuster Support

• Attend insurance adjuster inspection
• Point out damage that might be missed
• Explain repair requirements professionally
• Support supplemental claims if needed

The Actual Work

• Perform quality repairs
• Stand behind workmanship
• Handle warranty issues
• Complete the job

At Pro Specialty Services, we provide comprehensive claim support as part of our storm damage restoration services—at no additional cost beyond the repair work itself.

Cost Comparison

The financial difference between approaches can be significant:

Public Adjuster Costs

Public adjusters charge percentage-based fees:

• Typical range: 10-20% of claim settlement
• Example: On a $15,000 claim, fees would be $1,500-$3,000
• When paid: Usually deducted from settlement or due upon settlement

Some public adjusters also charge:

• Upfront retainer fees
• Administrative fees
• Costs for experts or specialists

Contractor Costs

Quality contractors typically:

• Provide free damage inspections
• Offer free estimates
• Attend adjuster meetings at no charge
• Include claim assistance with repair work

Your cost is the repair work itself—which you'd be paying for anyway if the claim is approved.

The Math Example

Consider a $20,000 roof replacement claim:

With Public Adjuster (15% fee):

• Claim settlement: $20,000
• Public adjuster fee: $3,000
• Remaining for repairs: $17,000
• You may need to cover $3,000 gap

With Contractor Only:

• Claim settlement: $20,000
• No claim assistance fee
• Full amount for repairs: $20,000

The question is whether a public adjuster would secure a significantly higher settlement to justify their fee.

When Public Adjusters Make Sense

Public adjusters provide value in certain situations:

Complex or Large Claims

When damage extends beyond roofing:

• Multiple structures damaged
• Significant interior damage
• Business interruption claims
• Total loss situations

Public adjusters understand all policy coverages, not just roofing.

Disputed or Denied Claims

When the insurer isn't cooperating:

• Claim has been denied
• Settlement offer is clearly inadequate
• Insurer disputes cause or coverage
• You've tried negotiating without success

Public adjusters have negotiation experience and know how to escalate effectively.

Limited Time or Expertise

When you can't manage the process:

• Complex policy provisions confuse you
• You don't have time to manage the claim
• You're uncomfortable negotiating
• The process is overwhelming

Previous Bad Experiences

If you've been underpaid before:

• Pattern of lowball settlements
• Insurance company known for difficulties
• You want professional representation

When Contractors Are Sufficient

For many claims, a good contractor provides everything you need:

Straightforward Roof Claims

When damage is primarily or exclusively roofing:

• Storm damage to roof only
• Clear cause of damage
• No coverage disputes expected
• Reasonable insurance company

New or Simple Policies

When your coverage is clear:

• Replacement cost coverage
• Reasonable deductible
• No unusual exclusions
• Good claims history with insurer

Strong Contractor Support

When your contractor provides solid assistance:

• Detailed damage documentation
• Accurate professional estimates
• Experience with insurance claims
• Willingness to meet with adjusters

Cost Sensitivity

When maximizing repair budget matters:

• Tight budget for repairs
• Want full settlement for quality materials
• Concerned about gaps between settlement and costs

Questions to Ask Before Deciding

Evaluate your situation with these questions:

About Your Claim

• Is damage limited to the roof, or are multiple systems affected?
• Has your claim been denied or significantly underpaid?
• Is there a coverage dispute?
• How complex is your policy?

About Available Support

• Does your contractor provide claim assistance?
• What's their experience with insurance claims?
• Will they attend the adjuster inspection?
• Can they explain the process clearly?

About Your Comfort Level

• Can you manage the paperwork and communication?
• Are you comfortable negotiating if needed?
• Do you have time to stay on top of the claim?
• How stressed does the process make you?

The Hybrid Approach

Sometimes the best solution combines resources:

Start with Contractor

Begin with contractor inspection and assistance:

• Get professional damage documentation
• Have contractor attend adjuster inspection
• See what initial settlement is offered
• Evaluate whether settlement is fair

Escalate If Needed

Bring in public adjuster if:

• Settlement is clearly inadequate
• Claim is denied
• Negotiations reach impasse
• Scope expands beyond roofing

This approach avoids public adjuster fees when they're not needed while preserving the option if the claim becomes difficult.

Red Flags to Watch For

Whether choosing a public adjuster or contractor, avoid these warning signs:

Public Adjuster Red Flags

• Promises specific settlement amounts
• Charges excessive fees (over 20%)
• Pressures immediate signing
• No local presence or references
• Unlicensed (verify at Florida DFS website)
• Discourages you from talking to insurer directly

Contractor Red Flags

• Offers to pay your deductible (illegal in Florida)
• Demands signing before inspection
• No local address or history
• Can't provide license and insurance
• Promises to "take care of everything" vaguely
• Pressures decision before you can consider options

Working with Both

If you use both a public adjuster and contractor:

Clear Roles

• Public adjuster handles claim negotiation
• Contractor provides repair expertise and performs work
• You make final decisions on both

Coordination

• Ensure they can work together professionally
• Contractor provides information public adjuster needs
• Public adjuster understands contractor's repair requirements

Contracts

• Separate agreements with each
• Understand all fee structures
• Know what each is responsible for

Legal Considerations

Important legal points in Florida:

Licensing

• Public adjusters must be licensed by Florida DFS
• Contractors must hold appropriate state and local licenses
• Verify credentials before engaging either

Deductible Laws

• It's illegal for contractors to waive or pay your deductible
• This applies to public adjusters too
• Offers to cover deductibles are insurance fraud

Assignment of Benefits

• Be cautious signing AOB agreements
• These transfer claim rights to contractor
• Florida has reformed AOB practices
• Understand what you're signing

The Bottom Line

For most straightforward roof damage claims in Lake County, a knowledgeable roofing contractor provides sufficient support without the cost of a public adjuster. The contractor inspects damage, documents it professionally, provides accurate estimates, and attends adjuster inspections—all included with the repair work.

Public adjusters earn their fees on complex claims, disputes, or denials where professional negotiation expertise adds significant value. If your claim involves more than roofing, has been denied, or seems grossly underpaid, public adjuster representation may be worthwhile despite the cost.

At Pro Specialty Services, we handle insurance claims daily. We provide thorough documentation, attend adjuster meetings, and advocate for fair settlements—because proper repairs require proper funding. If your claim becomes complicated enough to warrant a public adjuster, we'll tell you honestly.

Need help with a roof damage claim? Contact us for a free damage inspection. We'll assess your situation and recommend the best path forward for your specific circumstances.