Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Public Adjuster?
Why should I use a public adjuster from Public Adjusters Incorporated?
If I read my policy, will I know my rights?
Can I prepare my own claim?
How long does a claim take to process?
What is FAPIA?
What is NAPIA?
Are the adjusters at Public Adjusters Incorporated members of FAPIA and NAPIA?
Why should I engage a public insurance adjuster to obtain what is rightfully due to me?
What is the fee for a public adjuster?
What is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a professional claims adjuster who represents the interests of the insured with respect to property damage claims for homes or businesses. They are an authority on loss adjustments and can assist you in preparing, filing, and adjusting your insurance claims. They are employed exclusively by you - the policyholder- not by an insurance company. In the state of Florida, a public adjuster must be licensed by the state.
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Why should I use a public adjuster from Public Adjusters Incorporated?
After you report a claim to your insurance company, they will send you an adjuster who represents them and their interests. Even if their adjuster tells you that they are going to take care of you, they know what they have to do to minimize the amount paid out by the insurance company.
As a home or business owner, you are not familiar with your insurance policy or the laws under which you have rights. By hiring a public adjuster, from Public Adjusters Incorporated, you will feel more confident that your rights are being protected by a professional who is working for you.
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If I read my policy, will I know my rights?
Even if you read your policy from cover to cover, you will not know how the insurance company interprets and applies the policy. With a public adjuster protecting your interests, you can rest assured that the policy will be professionally interpreted and explained to you. In addition, there are laws and statutes that apply to the insurance industry that you may not be aware of. These are things that an adjuster from Public Adjusters Incorporated will be equipped to handle because we work in the field every day.
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Can I prepare my own claim?
Yes, anyone can try to prepare a claim; however, it stands to reason that a professional public adjuster will be the best equipped to handle the preparation and presentation of a property damage claim.
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How long does a claim take to process?
While an average claim can take between 90 and 120 days to complete, processing time is truly contingent on the complexity of the case. Public Adjusters Incorporated understands the sense of urgency you have to resume your daily life and does everything in its power to ensure claims are expedited quickly and efficiently, producing high-impact returns.
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What is FAPIA?
FAPIA is the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. FAPIA is comprised of members and associate members who protect the public and act on their behalf as consumer advocates. To be considered for membership, a person must be a licensed Public Adjuster in the state of Florida and must serve the best interests of the insured and not that of the insurance companies. FAPIA also promotes professional education and a rigid code of professional conduct and ethics.
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What is NAPIA?
NAPIA is the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. NAPIA members are experts in the profession of public insurance adjusting who have joined together for the express purpose of professional education, obtaining certification and promoting a rigid code of professional conduct and ethics.
Your NAPIA public insurance adjuster must, in virtually all jurisdictions, be tested, licensed, bonded and authorized to practice his/her profession. All members are accredited by NAPIA. Furthermore, a Certified Professional Public Insurance Adjuster (CPPA) must have a minimum of five years experience and pass an examination to earn certification. A Senior Professional Public Adjuster (SPPA) must have a minimum of ten years experience and also pass a rigid examination to earn "senior" certification. Both are required to continue their professional education to keep up with changes in the insurance industry so they can best serve you. When you deal with a NAPIA member public insurance adjuster you can be confident that your claim is being adjusted by a fully-qualified professional.
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Are the adjusters at Public Adjusters Incorporated members of FAPIA and NAPIA?
Yes, all the adjusters who handle claims within our company are members of the FAPIA and NAPIA organizations. In addition, Rosemary Guilfoyle, Vice President, Public Adjusters Incorporated, is on the Board of Directors for FAPIA.
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Why should I engage a public insurance adjuster to obtain what is rightfully due to me?
Insurance company adjusters are overworked and will not take the time to determine everything that should be paid to you. A public adjuster from Public Adjusters Incorporated will work diligently to prepare and present your claim to the insurance company. With us, you will be exclusively protected. With our experience and knowledge, we are better able to obtain a more favorable adjustment for you, our client.
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What is the fee for a public adjuster?
The fee charged by a public adjuster is a percentage of the settlement. The fee is on a contingency basis. If you do not receive settlement from the carrier, we do not collect a fee. Our service fee is due upon receipt of payment from the insurance company.
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