FAQ
Common questions about public adjusting.
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FAQ
Common questions
What exactly does a public adjuster do?
A public adjuster is a state-licensed insurance professional who represents policyholders, not the insurance company, in preparing, presenting, and negotiating a property insurance claim. We document the loss, build the estimate, file the paperwork, meet with the insurance company's adjuster, and negotiate the settlement on your behalf.
How are public adjusters paid in Texas?
Public adjusters in Texas work on contingency: a percentage of the recovery on the claim. Texas Insurance Code caps public adjuster fees at 10% of claim proceeds. Within that cap, the exact fee depends on claim type, complexity, and stage (pre-filing, reopened, denied, or commercial/large-loss), and is always quoted and agreed in writing before any work begins. If we don't recover more than your original settlement, you owe us nothing.
Is it too late to hire a public adjuster after I've already filed?
Almost never. We frequently take over mid-claim, including denied claims, partially paid claims, and claims where the homeowner has cashed the initial check. As long as the policy's claim window is still open, we can usually re-open or supplement.
Will hiring a public adjuster make my insurance company angry or raise my rates?
No. Texas law prohibits insurers from non-renewing or surcharging a policy because the homeowner exercised their right to representation. Insurance companies deal with public adjusters every day.
How is a public adjuster different from an attorney or a contractor?
Contractors estimate repairs but cannot legally negotiate your claim. Attorneys are necessary if litigation is required, but most claims never get there. A public adjuster handles the claim itself: documentation, valuation, and negotiation. We'll tell you honestly when an attorney is the better call.
My contractor already gave me an estimate. Isn't that enough?
An estimate tells you what the repair costs. It can't tell you why the carrier isn't paying it, and that's the question that decides your claim. The gap between your contractor's number and the carrier's is sometimes about price, but just as often about coverage, scope, cause, code, or what's documented in the file. Each is a different problem with a different fix. Your contractor's estimate is evidence we'll gladly use. The diagnosis and the negotiation are our job, and there's a license, bond, and E&O standing behind that work.
My roofer says they'll handle the insurance claim for me. Is that legal?
No. Texas Insurance Code §4102.163 prohibits a contractor from acting as an adjuster or advising on a claim for property they're repairing, even if they hold an adjuster license, and the Texas Supreme Court upheld that law in 2024. Your roofer can inspect damage and estimate their own work. Only you, a licensed attorney, or a licensed public adjuster can negotiate the claim. When a contractor crosses that line, the risk lands on you: no bond, no E&O coverage, no TDI recourse, and a repair contract that may be voidable.
My contractor offered to waive or cover my deductible. Is that a red flag?
It's illegal. Since 2019, Texas Insurance Code Chapter 707 has made it a criminal offense for a contractor to pay, waive, absorb, or rebate an insurance deductible, and your carrier can require proof you actually paid it before releasing full claim funds. A contractor who opens with a deductible waiver is telling you how they operate. Walk away.
What types of damage do you handle?
Hail, wind, hurricane, tornado, fire, smoke, water, plumbing failures, theft, vandalism, freeze, and collapse, for residential, commercial, multifamily, and HOA properties.
Do you only work in DFW?
We're headquartered in DFW and respond locally on-site quickly. We also travel for substantial commercial claims and catastrophe events throughout Texas.
How long does the claim process take with a public adjuster?
Timelines vary by claim type and insurer cooperation. Straightforward residential claims often resolve in 30–60 days from inspection to payment. Complex, denied, or large commercial claims can take 90 days to several months. Texas Insurance Code §542A sets specific deadlines insurers must meet for acknowledgment, inspection, and payment. We hold them to those timelines.
What does it cost to talk to you the first time?
Nothing. The initial consultation, policy review, and damage assessment are free. You only pay if you sign a representation agreement and we recover on your claim.
Are you licensed and bonded in Texas?
Yes. We are licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance and carry the required surety bond. You can verify any Texas public adjuster's license at tdi.texas.gov.
What if my claim has already been denied?
Denied claims are one of the most common engagements we take. We re-inspect the property, review the denial language against your policy, document anything missed, and re-present the claim. Many denials are overturned at the supplemental or reopen stage without needing litigation.
What documentation do I need before calling you?
Nothing beyond what you already have. Helpful items include your homeowner's policy, any correspondence with your carrier, the claim number if one was assigned, and photos of the damage if available. If you don't have any of it, we'll help you request it.
Can I still use my own contractor or roofer?
Yes. We don't sell repairs or steer you to a specific contractor. Our job is to maximize the settlement; you choose who does the work. We're happy to coordinate with a contractor you trust.
What if I already accepted and cashed the insurance company's check?
Cashing a check rarely closes the claim under Texas law, especially for partial payments. If additional damage is documented or the original scope was understated, the claim can usually be supplemented or reopened within the policy's time limits.
How much more do policyholders typically recover with a public adjuster?
Texas-specific data is limited, but Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) complaint records from Winter Storm Uri showed that roughly 46% of policyholder complaints reviewed resulted in a higher settlement. National studies, including the OPPAGA report in Florida, have found that policyholders represented by public adjusters recover materially higher settlements than those who handle claims alone, often several times more on catastrophe claims. Results vary by claim, policy, and carrier; we never guarantee a specific outcome.
Do I need a public adjuster for a small claim?
Not always. If the carrier's offer fully covers the scope of damage and code-required repairs, you may not need representation. We'll tell you honestly during the free consultation if we don't think we can add value.
What happens if litigation becomes necessary?
If a carrier refuses to negotiate in good faith, we coordinate a handoff to your attorney. Our documentation and estimate become the foundation of the legal case, which usually shortens the path to resolution.
How do I get started?
Call or submit the contact form for a free consultation. We'll review your policy and damage at no cost, explain your options, and only proceed if representation makes sense for your situation.
Need help understanding your estimate?
Upload the estimate from your insurance company and we'll explain it. Or if your claim is new, tell us what happened. Either way, we'll tell you straight whether a public adjuster will add value.