What to Expect From an Insurance Adjuster
What to Expect From an Insurance Adjuster: what Southeast homeowners need to know
What an insurance adjuster does, the difference between staff, independent and public adjusters, and how to prepare for the inspection of your claim.
How to prepare for the inspection
Make a room-by-room list of damaged property with approximate ages and values, gather receipts and any pre-loss photos, and get one or two independent repair estimates. Walk the adjuster through everything in person; damage that isn't pointed out can be missed.
When to consider a public adjuster
For large or complex losses where you and the carrier are far apart, a licensed public adjuster works for you for a percentage of the settlement. For most routine claims, your independent agent can advocate on your behalf at no extra cost — start there before paying a percentage fee.
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Three kinds of adjusters — who works for whom
An adjuster is the person who investigates your claim, inspects the damage, and determines what your policy covers and how much it pays. Understanding who they work for helps you prepare. A well-documented claim — photos, inventories, and your own repair estimates — gives the adjuster what they need and reduces back-and-forth (source: Insurance Information Institute).
Be present for the inspection, point out every area of damage, and provide copies (never originals) of your documentation. It is reasonable to ask how the adjuster reached their numbers and to submit competing estimates if you disagree.
| Three kinds of adjusters — who works for whom | Detail |
|---|---|
| Staff (company) adjuster | Employed by your insurer; handles the claim on the carrier's behalf. |
| Independent adjuster | Contracted by the insurer (often after catastrophes); still represents the carrier. |
| Public adjuster | Hired and paid by you (a % of the claim) to represent your interests. |
Adjuster roles per Insurance Information Institute; public-adjuster licensing is regulated by Alabama Dept. of Insurance.
See the full Alabama insurance guide.
Part of: Home Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the adjuster work for me or the insurance company?
Staff and independent adjusters work for the insurer. Only a public adjuster, whom you hire and pay, represents you. Your independent insurance agent can also advocate for you with the carrier at no additional cost.
Should I accept the adjuster's first offer?
Not automatically. Compare it against your own itemized repair estimates and your policy limits. If there's a gap, submit documentation and request a re-inspection — you are entitled to a fair, fully documented settlement.
What should I have ready for the adjuster's visit?
Date-stamped photos and video, a written inventory of damaged items with values, receipts, any pre-loss photos, and one or two independent repair estimates. Keep originals and give the adjuster copies.
Can I dispute the adjuster's valuation?
Yes. Provide competing licensed estimates, ask how their figure was calculated, and request a re-inspection. Most property policies include an appraisal clause to resolve amount-of-loss disputes, and your state insurance department accepts complaints.