Public Adjusters vs. Contractors
When a commercial property in Dallas experiences damage from fire, hail, wind, or water, many owners instinctively reach out to their contractor, roofer, or reconstruction company to begin the recovery process. While these professionals are essential to repairing physical damage, they are not equipped—nor legally authorized—to manage the complex and often adversarial insurance claims process. That’s where Marshall Adjusting Group, a trusted and experienced Dallas public adjusting firm, comes in.
The main distinction lies in who each party represents. Contractors and roofers are hired to fix what’s broken. Their focus is on repairs and construction—not policy interpretation, documentation, or negotiation. Because they are not licensed public adjusters, they cannot legally advise policyholders on coverage terms or negotiate settlements with insurance carriers. Their estimates are generally limited to the visible structural damage, which means critical losses such as interior water damage, electrical systems, HVAC, or business interruption may go unnoticed or undervalued.
Public adjusters, on the other hand, are licensed professionals who work exclusively for the policyholder—not the insurance company. At Marshall Adjusting Group, we represent the property owner’s interests from start to finish. Our role is to thoroughly evaluate your policy, assess the full scope of damage, prepare a detailed claim package, and negotiate directly with your insurer to obtain the full compensation you are entitled to. We are experts in commercial coverage forms, building codes, and loss documentation—areas that contractors and roofers typically are not trained or authorized to handle.
In the state of Texas, it is illegal for anyone other than a licensed public adjuster or attorney to negotiate or handle a claim on behalf of a property owner. When a contractor or roofer attempts to “assist” with your claim, it not only risks legal violations but also puts your settlement at risk. These companies often submit simplified or incomplete estimates that insurers use to minimize payouts. This is one of the most common reasons policyholders end up underpaid or denied coverage.
For more than 113 years, Marshall Adjusting Group has been a trusted advocate for commercial property owners across Texas. Our deep understanding of insurance language, policy structure, and commercial building systems allows us to uncover hidden damages and maximize every claim. We work hand-in-hand with your construction and restoration teams to ensure their work aligns with the full, approved scope of loss—not a reduced one dictated by the insurance carrier.
Commercial property losses are complex and often involve multiple layers of coverage, including business interruption, equipment breakdown, and code upgrades. Contractors can rebuild walls and roofs, but only a licensed public adjuster like Marshall Adjusting Group can restore your financial recovery.
Before filing or settling your next claim, contact Marshall Adjusting Group for a complimentary consultation and policy review. We’ll ensure your claim is handled correctly from day one, your damages are fully documented, and your settlement reflects the true value of your loss—not the insurance company’s bottom line.