Why Every Real Estate Professional Should Have a Public Adjuster in Their Network

As a real estate professional, your clients trust you to help them with one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. While you do a great job helping them buy and sell properties, what happens if something bad occurs, like their home being damaged? This is where having a public adjuster in your contacts becomes pivotal.

Understanding Insurance Claims

When a property is damaged—such as by fire, water, wind, or other incidents—most homeowners find it challenging to handle insurance claims. Insurance companies have their adjusters whose job is to keep claim payouts low. This can result in your clients receiving significantly less money than they deserve.

Public adjusters help balance the situation. They are licensed professionals who work on behalf of homeowners and business owners. They know how to effectively advocate for their clients, which can significantly impact the outcome of a claim. Studies show that homeowners who use public adjusters often receive 30-50% more money for their claims than those who go through the process alone.

Protecting Your Client’s Investment

Real estate is usually the most significant investment for people. When something happens and they don’t get enough money from their insurance, it can lead to serious financial struggles. Your clients might not receive enough money for repairs, which means they’d have to pay out of their own pockets, or they might have to settle for poor repairs that lower the value of the property.

 A good public adjuster carefully documents all the damage and identifies hidden issues that insurance adjusters might miss or undervalue. They understand construction costs and insurance policy details that can be crucial for obtaining the correct amount of coverage. By connecting your clients with a trusted, respected public adjuster, you’re helping to protect the investment you helped them make.

Boosting Your Value as a Professional

Having a public adjuster in your network makes you more than just someone who helps buy and sell properties. It shows your clients that you care about their overall well-being. When they have damage to their property, you can refer them to someone who knows how to help, rather than leaving them to figure it out on their own by trusting the party responsible for payment to be fair and reasonable. This extra service sets you apart from others and demonstrates that you are committed to providing the best for your clients.

Imagine the relief your client feels when they call you about flooding or fire damage, and you can immediately connect them to a trusted professional who will fight for their interests. This fosters stronger relationships and generates referrals that can last beyond a single transaction.

When Public Adjusters Are Most Helpful

Certain situations benefit from having a public adjuster involved. For example, complicated commercial property claims often involve different types of coverage, business interruptions, and intricate policy language that requires specialized knowledge. Large residential claims may involve structural damage assessments and other costs that can significantly impact the settlement.

Even straightforward claims, such as those for water damage, can be enhanced with the assistance of a public adjuster. They know how to document hidden problems, mold issues, and damages that may only become apparent during the repair process. Public adjusters make sure these issues are included when it comes to settling the claim.

Building Helpful Professional Relationships

Establishing strong relationships with reputable public adjusters can lead to mutual referrals that benefit everyone. Public adjusters often work with clients who are buying or selling properties simultaneously, creating natural connections. They also have networks of contractors and other service providers that could refer clients to you.

When searching for public adjuster partners, verify their proper licensing, industry certifications, and a proven track record of delivering quality work. The best public adjusters are transparent about their methods, maintain professional boundaries, and prioritize their clients' outcomes over securing quick settlements.

Clearing Up Misunderstandings

Some real estate professionals are concerned about recommending public adjusters due to common misconceptions. One big concern is about cost. However, an ethical public adjuster will focus on ensuring that their fees never compromise the property owner's ability to be restored to a pre-loss condition. Their fees are regulated and are often covered by the bigger settlements they obtain.

 Another common misconception is that using a public adjuster may upset or delay the claims process with insurance companies. Public adjusters, in fact, can help speed things up and ensure clients receive everything they are entitled to, as opposed to the competition.