A public loss adjuster is a claims adjuster who acts as a mediator between the insured / third party and the insurance company in assessing and negotiating settlement offers.

A public loss adjuster is a claims adjuster who acts as a mediator between the insured / third party and the insurance company in assessing and negotiating settlement offers. The public loss adjuster investigates, quantifies and amicably negotiates the best settlement offer possible for their clients.
As someone with similar knowledge and experience to the insurance company’s representative, the public loss adjuster adds leverage to the negotiation process by leveling the playing field.

No. Our fees are less than what most representatives charge and are a small investment, compared to the added value we bring to the entire claims process.

An insurance company may deny a claim for several reasons:
i. A breach of contract. For example, the failure to keep ones vehicle in good working condition, the failure to report a loss in a reasonable period of time, or deliberately damaging ones property.
ii. The loss may not be covered under the policy. For example, wear and tear, rust or mechanical breakdown / failure are not insured perils.

A claim may not be paid in full if:
i. The property (e.g. home) is not insured for the full replacement value.
ii. There are inner policy limits (for e.g. for windshield damage, replacement of lock or valuables).
iii. There are previous, unrelated damages to the property
iv. There are pre-existing injuries

The duration of a claim is determined by several factors:
i. Whether the insured comes in to report the claim in a timely fashion. This is mandatory under the terms of the contract.
ii. The insured may dispute liability and exercise his / her right to have the matter heard in court.
iii. The late submission of relevant supporting document (e.g. medical / police reports, invoices / estimates).
iv. If fraud is suspected.
v. The very nature of the claim. Small, straight – forward claims can be settled rather quickly as opposed to claims involving serious bodily injuries and / or fatalities.