Home Insurance Adjusters: What to Know

Once you file a claim with your home insurance company, you’ll likely work with a home insurance adjuster. The adjuster will assess the damage to your property and determine an appropriate settlement. They may also help you navigate the claims process.

Here’s what you need to know about home insurance adjusters, including the types of adjusters available, how to prepare for them, and what to do if you want to dispute their decision.

What is a home insurance adjuster?

Home insurance companies typically hire home insurance adjusters, professionals who assist with home insurance claims. If you file a claim for a fire, for example, they may come to your property to investigate the damage, gather more details about your loss, and determine whether your home insurance policy should cover the loss. 

The adjuster will also calculate the payout your home insurer should send you for your claim.^[1]

Save on Your Next Home Insurance Policy

Compare rates from the nation’s leading insurance companies

Enter your ZIP codeView My Quotes

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.

Based on 3,806+ reviews

4.8/5

What a home insurance adjuster does

A home insurance adjuster is involved in different parts of the home insurance claims process.^[2] Here’s a brief overview of their responsibilities.

Collect evidence of the claim

First, a home insurance adjuster will gather evidence that helps confirm the damage to your home and personal possessions. They may use photos and videos to support your claim as well. 

Other types of evidence could include a home inventory and receipts that show the personal belongings you lost and their values.

Review the claimed area

Once they arrive at your property, a home adjuster will thoroughly evaluate the damaged area. It’s a good idea to be there with them so you can point out all the damage and ensure they don’t overlook anything. 

Remember, this is the time for them to look for reasons to approve or deny your homeowners insurance claim.

Present a report to the insurance company

After they assess the damaged area, the home insurance adjuster will create a report that itemizes the damage to your home and includes a proposed payout. The report will contain information about your policy, the date, the type of loss, and a description of the loss. It may also include evidence, like photos and videos.

Negotiate settlements and payments

The home insurance adjuster will submit their report to your insurance company. As long as they approve your claim, your insurer will then issue a settlement. If you have a mortgage on your property, your home insurance company will send two checks: one to you and one to your lender. 

Depending on the nature of your claim, you may use the settlement to cover damage to your home, the loss of personal belongings, or additional living expenses. Check your home insurance policy to determine what you’re entitled to.

Types of home insurance adjusters

Three types of home insurance adjusters inspect homes: staff adjusters, independent adjusters, and public adjusters. It’s important to distinguish how these adjusters differ so you can zero in on the best option for your unique situation.

• Staff adjusters: Staff adjusters are often full-time employees of a home insurance company. They work on local claims and are well-versed in the insurer’s policies and procedures. Keep in mind that these company adjusters usually need approval for larger property claims and have less authority on the final settlement amounts.

• Independent adjusters: Independent adjusters are contractors whom insurers hire to handle claims as needed. They typically work when an insurer has high claim volumes or requires assistance with specialized claims.

• Public adjusters: Public adjusters advocate for policyholders, ensuring the fair and full payout they deserve. These professionals typically charge a percentage of the claim settlement amount, so you don’t have to pay them up front.

How to prepare for an adjuster visit

These tips can increase your chances of a successful visit from a home insurance adjuster and lead to an approved claim.

• Document the damage. Record the time and date of the incident. You should also take photos or videos, as they might be useful down the road if the insurer denies your claim or the settlement is too low.

• Gather your receipts. Once you file a home insurance claim, receipts may support your case. Make sure to have them on hand so you can prove when you bought your personal belongings and how much they’re worth.

• Plan to be home during the visit. You don’t have to be present during the adjuster visit. But being there is wise so you can answer questions and make sure the adjuster doesn’t miss any damage.

• Hire your own contractors. Most home insurance companies partner with contractors or construction companies. If you hire your own licensed contractors, you’ll get a second opinion, which may help you negotiate your settlement.

• Review your policy. Revisit your home insurance policy. Read it carefully so that you know what it covers. This way, you can determine whether the adjuster and insurer are treating you fairly.

• Prepare to negotiate. If the adjuster informs you of the settlement and you believe it’s too low, don’t hesitate to negotiate. They may have overlooked something and could end up returning with a higher amount after a second look.

Find Cheap Home Insurance Near You

Check quotes from 100+ top insurance companies

Enter your ZIP codeView My Quotes

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.

Based on 3,806+ reviews

4.8/5

What to do after an adjuster visit

After a home insurance adjuster leaves your property, make yourself readily available. They may get in touch with you to ask some follow-up questions, complete forms, or provide additional evidence. Even though most adjusters will give you a timeline of the claims process, you can always reach out to them directly if you haven’t heard from them in a while and would like an update.

Disputing an adjuster’s decision

If you’re displeased with your adjuster’s decision based on the value or on their rejecting your claim, you have options. Although your insurance company should explain the reason for the claim denial, you may file a formal appeal if you disagree with it. Each home insurance company has its own appeals process and deadlines, so you’ll need to check with your insurer for more details on how to do this.^[3]

Depending on your situation, it may be worthwhile to work with a public adjuster to support you. A public adjuster may review your coverage, document your losses, and negotiate a fair settlement. But you’ll owe them a percentage of the settlement amount if they succeed.

Home insurance adjuster FAQs