Adressing Common Misconceptions About Public Adjusters
Filing an insurance claim after damage to your home or business is rarely simple. Between paperwork, policy language, and long wait times, many policyholders quickly realize they’re in unfamiliar territory. That’s where public adjusters come in—but unfortunately, misconceptions often keep people from getting the help they need. Below, we address some of the most common objections policyholders have about hiring a public adjuster—and why these concerns are usually misplaced.
“I trust my insurance company to do the right thing.”
This is perhaps the most common hesitation. While many insurers are reputable, it's important to understand that their adjusters work for them—not for you. Their job is to minimize the company’s payout. A public adjuster, on the other hand, works only for the policyholder, ensuring that every covered loss is properly documented, valued, and submitted. Even well-intentioned insurance adjusters can miss things or undervalue certain damages. Having someone on your side ensures nothing is overlooked.
“Hiring a public adjuster will make my claim more complicated.”
Actually, the opposite is usually true. Public adjusters know how to manage the claim process, gather supporting evidence, handle the back-and-forth with insurance companies, and speed things up. They take the pressure off you so you can focus on rebuilding, not paperwork. Hiring one doesn’t create conflict—it brings clarity.
“It’s only worth hiring one for big claims.”
Many people assume public adjusters are only necessary for large or catastrophic losses. The truth is, even moderate residential claims can benefit from expert help—especially if there's disagreement over what’s covered, how much repairs will cost, or how long it will take. Even small gaps in the claim can lead to major out-of-pocket costs later. A public adjuster ensures you’re getting the maximum recovery your policy allows.
“Aren’t they expensive?”
Cost is a valid concern, but most public adjusters work on a contingency basis—they only get paid if you do. The typical fee is a small percentage of the final settlement (not to exceed 10%), and in many cases, the amount recovered is significantly higher than if you filed the claim on your own. Think of it less as a cost and more as an investment in getting a fair outcome.
“My contractor or insurance agent can help me instead.”
Your contractor can estimate repair costs, and your insurance agent can help explain coverage—but neither is licensed to negotiate claims on your behalf. In many states, it’s even illegal for contractors to do so. Public adjusters are licensed, trained, and legally authorized to handle every aspect of your claim, including direct communication with your insurance company.
“I’ve filed claims before—I can handle this one too.”
Experience helps, but each claim is different. Policy language can be confusing, damages are often underestimated, and critical timelines can be missed. A public adjuster brings specialized knowledge about building codes, local regulations, coverage limits, and proper documentation that most policyholders simply don’t have.
In Conclusion…
Public adjusters aren’t out to create friction or charge unnecessary fees—we exist to protect policyholders and make sure insurance companies uphold their promises. If your home or business suffers damage, hiring a public adjuster gives you an expert advocate who knows how to maximize your recovery and avoid costly mistakes. Before dismissing the idea based on myths or fear, Marshall Adjusting Group encourages policyholders to take a moment and understand the real value they offer.