A devastating fire tears through an apartment complex, leaving behind charred walls and piles of ash. Within an hour, the flames are out, but the real work is just beginning.
Dealing with a massive insurance claim after a fire, storm, or disaster can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling your everyday responsibilities. That’s why it’s important to find the right professional to guide you through the process. Before you hire anyone, it’s essential to know the right hiring questions for a public adjuster or attorney.
Asking the right questions can help you avoid unreliable or opportunistic adjusters and ensure you’re working with someone who truly has your best interests in mind.
What is this going to cost me? How are you paid? A famous question.
Public adjusters typically get paid 10% of the total claim money. As an example, on a $100,000 claim the PA collects $10,000 (10%) leaving you $90,000. If the claim increases to $120,000, the PA nets $12,000.
Attorneys typically are paid 0% on the initial claim but 33-40% on the additional claim money. As an example, on a $100,000 initial claim the attorney collects $0 (0%) leaving you $100,000. If the claim is increased to $120,000, the attorney nets $6,500. State insurance laws also permit attorneys to collect additional fees, which can help offset their fee.
Both PA’s and attorneys must be licensed. Always verify their licenses to make sure they are legally operating in the State of Texas. Use the State Bar or Texas Department of Insurance. Also, make sure they are operating under their own name.
Ask how many claims the PA or attorney is working. In a major disaster such as a citywide flood, make sure you are not lost in the mix. Does the PA or attorney have a support staff or the bandwidth to give you the attention you deserve.
Even when the situation seems straightforward, the process of listing, describing, and valuing damage is labor-intensive. Add in insurance adjusters, inspections, contractors, and technical jargon, and things can spiral.
An experienced public adjuster or attorney often pays for itself many times over. Whether you’re weighing your options or facing a challenging insurance claim, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.