Public adjusters are worth hiring on some claims and not others. The pitch — "we fight the insurance company for you" — sounds compelling after any loss, but the math doesn't work the same way on a $4,000 roof claim and a $130,000 house fire. Here's an honest assessment of when hiring a public adjuster adds value and when it doesn't.
What a public adjuster actually does
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents policyholders — not insurers — in property damage claims. They document damage, build repair estimates (typically in Xactimate), and negotiate with the insurer's adjuster to maximize the settlement. They are paid on contingency: a percentage of the gross insurance settlement.
The contingency structure aligns their incentive with yours — a larger settlement means a larger fee. But it also means their fee comes out of your claim proceeds. On a $10,000 claim with a 15% PA fee, you're paying $1,500 for their services. Whether that's worth it depends on how much value they add.
For a deeper look at how the relationship works in practice, see what a public adjuster actually does and costs.
When it makes sense to hire one
The math works in favor of a public adjuster when several conditions converge:
- The claim is large and complex. A major fire, significant structural damage, or a loss involving multiple systems (dwelling, contents, ALE, plus code upgrades) has enough moving parts that expert navigation adds real value. The PA fee is a smaller percentage of a large claim and potentially recovers far more than it costs.
- The insurer's initial estimate is significantly lower than contractor bids. If multiple contractors are telling you the job costs $90,000 and the insurer approved $55,000, that $35,000 gap is exactly where a PA operates. Whether they can close it — and by how much — is the bet you're making.
- There are coverage disputes. Asbestos abatement, code-required upgrades, matching requirements, smoke damage scope — these require documentation and argument, not just a form submission.
- You don't have time to manage the claim yourself. A major property insurance claim can consume dozens of hours over months. If you're working full time, displaced from your home, and managing contractors simultaneously, delegating the claims process to a professional has real value beyond dollars.
- The insurer's adjuster seems to be minimizing the loss. If the field adjuster seems to be documenting selectively, missing obvious damage, or applying aggressive depreciation, early involvement of a PA creates a check on that process.
When the math doesn't work
A public adjuster is probably not the right move when:
- The claim is small and straightforward. A $5,000 roof patch or a $3,000 fence claim doesn't have enough upside for the PA fee to make sense. For routine, well-scoped claims, the insurer's process works adequately.
- The insurer's offer covers the actual repair cost. If your contractor confirms the insurer's estimate is fair and you're able to do the work for that amount, there's no gap to close. A PA can't add value when there's no argument to make.
- The claim is already near final settlement. PA involvement is most valuable early — before positions harden and before you've accepted settlement amounts. Late-stage engagement can still add value on reopening claims, but it's a harder position to negotiate from.
What to look for when evaluating a PA
Not all public adjusters are the same quality, and the contingency structure means you want someone who will actually fight for the maximum settlement, not just close quickly for a modest improvement.
- Verify their Georgia license through the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. This is non-negotiable.
- Ask for references from Georgia claims specifically — not just their national track record.
- Understand the fee structure completely before signing. What percentage? Is it gross or net? What happens if you terminate?
- Understand who controls the money. On major claims, some PAs receive insurer payments directly and disburse to you. Know the mechanics before the first check arrives.
For help navigating a denied or underpaid insurance claim in Georgia, Resurgens Public Adjusting represents policyholders through the claims process.
Related: Georgia Public Adjuster Licensing: What to Verify Before You Sign Anything — what the Georgia license means and how to check it.