FAQs

1. What is a Public Adjuster?

A Public Adjuster is a licensed and bonded insurance professional who advocates for the policyholder in appraising and negotiating an insurance claim. Adjusters who belong to FAPIA adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and can take advantage of the best educational resources.

Public Insurance Adjusters and attorneys are the only parties allowed by law to represent and pursue another party's interests in an insurance claim.

2. Will I get a larger settlement if I hire a Public Adjuster?

You will almost always get an increased settlement from the insurance company if you use a Public Adjuster for the simple reason that your Public Adjuster prepares a more detailed and complete claim analysis and accurately documents the damage in today's replacement cost calculations. Having an experienced professional who knows all the insurance company's "loopholes" working for you is invaluable. You don't always get what you deserve in the insurance arena – you get what you can prove. We frequently double the amount policyholders receive.

3. What's the difference between a Public Adjuster and an Insurance Company Adjuster?

The insurance company adjuster is employed by the insurance company and can't fully protect both your interests and that of their employer. This insurance adjuster will typically recommend a claim settlement that is less than fair to the policyholder. As a Public Adjuster, we are experts in understanding your policy, coverage, and the insurance company's responsibilities to negotiate a better settlement for you.

4. If my claim was denied, can I get a second opinion?

Yes! Thousands of claims go underpaid or denied each year, but you have options. We reopen your claim, negotiate with your insurance company, and use our team of experts to prove you are owed for damages that are covered by your insurance policy.

5. How much time do I have to file a claim, reopen a claim, or add a supplemental claim?

The new Florida homeowners insurance legislation signed into law on December 16, 2022 is making the following changes, cutting filing time in half:

  • A new property insurance claim or reopened claim must be filed within 1 year after the date of loss rather than 2 years.
  • A supplemental claim must be filed within 18 months after the date of loss rather than 3 years.

~ See Florida Statute 627.70132

6. What is the cost of hiring a Public Adjuster?

For underpaid or denied claims, the standard fee for public adjusting services is a small percentage of the additional amount paid by the insurance company as a result of our intervention. We don't get paid until after your insurance company pays you the additional funds.

For new claims, the standard fee is a small percentage of the total amount paid by the insurance company. We don't get paid until you receive those funds.

By law, fees are capped at 10% when property damage occurs during a declared state of emergency.

7. How long does the process take?

The typical timeframe on a new claim is 1-2 months from contacting us to receiving an insurance payment.

The typical timeframe on a disputed claim that has been underpaid or denied is 4 months from contacting APIA-IRC to receiving insurance funds.

8. Do you know good companies or individuals to do the repairs once I receive the insurance money?

Absolutely. Over many years, I have cultivated relationships, resulting in a team of professionals I trust and can highly recommend to promptly and courteously do the specific work you need.

9. If my home is so damaged I can’t live in it until restored, is there any help?

If the home is uninhabitable, I work with the insurance company to obtain alternate living expenses. To be reimbursed, you must have receipts showing out-of-pocket costs such as hotel or motel rooms, or lease agreements when renting a residence. I do not receive any fee for this.

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What Your Insurance Company Doesn't Want You to Know

Public Insurance Adjusters work exclusively for you, the policyholder, who pays plenty for coverage but typically suffers through disputed (underpaid or denied) claims.

Insurance Company Adjusters work for insurance companies and frequently underestimate claims by 50%. They may also recommend contractors for repairs who cut corners to save insurance companies money and get ongoing recommendations and business from them.

APIA-IRC is licensed to stand up for your rights and ensure you are treated fairly.

  • On Underpaid Claims: We get you a fairer settlement, often double the original payment received.
  • On Denied Claims: We get you a fair settlement, assuming the damage is covered by your insurance policy. Our record on reversing denied claims that are legitimate is close to 95%.
  • On New Claims: We ease and expedite the process from the beginning and typically get a far bigger, fairer settlement than if you work only with the insurance company’s adjuster.
  • We don’t get paid for any work until the insurance company pays you. Our small fee is well worth the time and frustration we save you and the total funds we recover for you.
  • The contractors and specialists we recommend do not cut corners to get repeat referrals from insurance companies.

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