Many people use the terms “public adjuster” and “appraiser” interchangeably, but there’s a reason why you shouldn’t. In fact, there are a few distinct factors that define these two professionals as entirely different, and so it helps to understand this to avoid seeking the wrong type of assistance the next time you need to make an insurance claim. Take a look at these key differences between an adjuster and an appraiser while reaching out to Altieri Insurance Consultants in Ocala:
1. Public Adjusters Can Represent You In a Claim
An adjuster isn’t just someone you hire to help you assess and organize the damages. These public adjusters are here to represent you when filing an insurance claim. They speak to your insurer on your behalf, handling every step of the claim; from the first moment of contact to negotiating the settlement offer. Rather than working for the insurance company, public adjusters at Altieri Insurance Consultants are state vetted, licensed, and bonded to advocate solely for your interests in the claim. Therefore, they exist to be sure the insurance policy you purchased works for you, so the insurance company settles the claim to your benefit.
2. An Appraiser’s Only Job Is to Assess Values
While a public adjuster handles every aspect of your insurance claim, an appraiser can only be hired to tally up the cost of damages as they are not allowed to discuss policy coverage issues with your insurer. As stated above, a public adjuster is your personal adjuster advocating for all of your interests. Conversely, an appraiser is required by the insurance policy to be “impartial,” and they must stay only within the scope of their job or risk any award being vacated.
3. A Public Adjuster’s Job Is More Comprehensive
What does it mean to represent you in an insurance claim? A public adjuster’s job encompasses a wide range of expert tasks, including insurance policy coverage analysis, recovery strategy development, inspecting the property, preserving evidence of damage, preparing and presenting damage evaluations, filing formal reports using insurance company style software, and directly contacting your insurance provider for you. Public adjusters will do everything they can to credibly influence a better settlement, thinking of everything including the loss of income while your commercial property is down for repairs. These talented professionals will make it so you don’t have to do much yourself to receive a fair settlement offer.
4. Appraisers Cannot Advocate, They Must Work With an Unbiased Mindset
People often hire appraisers believing that their services will help their case. However, it is entirely possible to hire an appraiser just to receive a report that doesn’t help your side at all. This is because appraisers are tasked solely to come up with unbiased reports and cannot assert favorable coverage positions if the insurer disagrees. While appraiser reports can suffice, you should not expect the appraiser to be on your “team” and help you win your claim.
5. Public Adjusters Work In Your Favor
Public adjusters act as a true partner, doing everything they can to impact the claim in your favor. These professionals work with one goal in mind, and that’s to help you recover as much as possible – the correct amount – which is more than you would collect on your own. This service has helped thousands of people receive what they are owed for a fair settlement. Listen to success stories from clients who have reached out to Altieri Insurance Consultants to see how public adjusters can help you with your insurance claim.
Which One Do I Need to Hire For My Insurance Claim?
Receiving detailed and accurate damage reports from an appraiser is important, but this work product is just a part of what a public adjuster provides. Hiring a public adjuster to handle all aspects of your insurance claim will directly help you receive the best and most comprehensive offer. If you feel like you are not getting a fair offer from your insurance provider, a public adjuster would be the professional you want to call to make things right.
Let Altieri Insurance Consultants Represent You!
Altieri Insurance Consultants is the partner property owners rely on. Reach out to our team in Ocala for public adjusters near you who are ready to take your insurance claim and help you receive a better offer. We will handle everything so you don’t have to!
