Working with Your Insurance Adjuster: What Homeowners Need to Know
The adjuster is not your enemy — but they aren't your advocate either. Here is how to work with one and get your claim paid fairly.
After a loss, the adjuster is the single most important person your claim will pass through. They inspect, scope, and price the damage. Their number becomes the basis of what your carrier pays. Working with them well — not against them — is a skill worth learning before the adjuster ever shows up.
Understand who the adjuster works for
A staff adjuster works for your insurance carrier. An independent adjuster (IA) is contracted by the carrier. Neither works for you. A public adjuster (PA) is one you hire directly, usually on a percentage of settlement — different role.
That's not a reason to be adversarial. Adjusters are professionals doing a job under time pressure. Give them clean documentation and they generally pay fairly.
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Take your own photographs and video of every affected area. Have a written list of damaged contents with approximate age and replacement value. Have the restoration company's mitigation scope ready to hand over.
The single most valuable thing you can bring to the meeting: a moisture map, sketch, or written scope of loss from a qualified restoration company. Carriers pay against documented scope; without it, everything is a negotiation.
During the inspection
Walk the property together. Point out every affected area, even ones you're unsure about. Do not exaggerate — do not minimize either. When the adjuster measures or scopes something, note it. When they skip something, ask why.
Take a photo of the adjuster's notes, sketches, or moisture readings when possible. This is your only record of what they observed on the day.
The estimate: what to look for
You will receive a scope of loss and an estimate. Read it line by line. Common misses: overhead and profit (owed on multi-trade jobs), correct drywall square footage, matching materials where partial repair is impractical, code-required upgrades, and content-manipulation charges.
If the estimate seems low, request a supplement with your restoration company's documented differences. This is normal and expected in the industry.
When to escalate
If communication stalls, request a manager. If a legitimate item is denied, request the denial in writing citing policy language. If you feel the settlement is unreasonable and cannot be resolved, options include a public adjuster, appraisal (a policy-defined process), or state insurance department complaint.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to accept the adjuster's estimate?
No. You have the right to request supplements with documentation. Most claims involve at least one supplement.
Should I hire a public adjuster?
Consider it for large or complex losses, denied claims, or when you don't have time to manage the process. Most straightforward claims don't need one.
How long should a claim take?
Simple claims settle in 30–60 days. Complex claims can take several months. Prompt documentation shortens the timeline.
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