Public Adjuster vs. Insurance Company Adjuster: Who Really Works for You?
Understanding the Battle Behind Your Insurance Claim
When your home is damaged by a hurricane, water intrusion, fire, or another disaster, filing an insurance claim is just the beginning. What many homeowners in Tampa don’t realize is that the adjuster sent by your insurance company doesn’t work for you—they work for the insurer. That’s where the value of hiring a public adjuster Tampa homeowners trust becomes clear.
In this post, we’ll break down the core difference between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster, and help you understand who’s really advocating for your best interest when your home and finances are on the line.
What is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents the policyholder, rather than the insurance company, during the claims process. Their job is to:
- Inspect your property damage.
- Analyze your insurance policy.
- Document and estimate the loss.
- Handle communication with the insurance company.
- Negotiate a full and fair settlement on your behalf.
In Florida, public adjusters are regulated by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and are required to act in the best interest of the homeowner. When you hire a public adjuster in Tampa, you’re getting someone with local experience, storm expertise, and no allegiance to the insurer.
What Is an Insurance Company Adjuster?
An insurance company adjuster, also known as a desk adjuster or field adjuster, is employed directly by your insurance provider. While they are also licensed professionals, their duty is to:
- Minimize the company’s payout
- Interpret your policy through the lens of cost control
- Use the insurer’s estimating software, which may not reflect local costs accurately
- Close claims quickly, often before the full scope of damage is understood
They’re not necessarily trying to cheat you, but their job is to protect the insurer’s bottom line, not to maximize your payout.
Key Differences: Public Adjuster vs. Insurance Company Adjuster
| Factor | Public Adjuster (Tampa) | Insurance Company Adjuster |
| Who they work for | You, the policyholder | The insurance company |
| Goal | Maximize your claim | Minimize company liability |
| Paid by | Percentage of your final payout | Salary from the insurer |
| Scope of work | Full damage evaluation, negotiation, and documentation | Insurer-defined damage inspection |
| Loyalty | Homeowner advocacy | Company protocol |
Why It Matters in Tampa
Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the U.S., and Tampa is one of its most at-risk cities. Homeowners here face claims from hurricanes, wind, roof damage, water intrusion, mold, fire, and even sinkholes. Insurers in the region often:
- Underestimate roof or structural damage after storms
- Deny mold coverage, citing maintenance exclusions
- Lowball personal property damage estimates
- Rush to close claims before full assessments can be made
Having a public adjuster Tampa homeowners can trust means having someone to challenge these tactics with detailed estimates, photographs, engineering reports, and policy leverage.
Real-World Example: The Roof Dispute
After Hurricane Idalia, many Tampa homeowners received quick inspections from their insurance company adjusters. In several cases, they were told their roofs only needed minor patching, despite visible shingle loss, underlayment damage, and interior leaks.
When they hired a public adjuster in Tampa, the same damage was re-evaluated using thermal imaging, moisture meters, and input from a roofing contractor. The result? Settlements that were a 574% increase for non-hurricane claims and a 747% increase for hurricane claims.
This is not about “gaming the system.” It’s about having someone who knows what to look for—and isn’t trying to save the insurer money at your expense.
When Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?
You don’t need to wait until a claim is denied to bring in help. In fact, the best outcomes often happen when you involve a public adjuster in Tampa right after the loss. Here’s when to consider one:
- You’ve experienced significant damage (roof, flood, fire, etc.)
- The insurance company is taking too long to respond
- You received an offer that doesn’t seem to cover your repairs
- You’re confused about your coverage or deductibles
- You want to ensure every angle of damage is fully documented
Will It Cost Me More to Use a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster typically charges a percentage of your final settlement. Public adjusters can charge up to 20% for non-hurricane claims, but are capped at 10% for hurricane claims when the governor declares a state of emergency. Also, we don’t collect fees until the deductible is subtracted from the claim settlement. However, studies show that homeowners who use public adjusters receive significantly higher settlements, often enough to cover repairs that the insurer initially ignored or denied.
It’s not just about getting more money. It’s about getting what you’re rightfully owed, without stress, delays, or being taken advantage of.
Common Misconceptions About Filing Insurance Claims
One of the biggest myths is that your premiums will automatically increase if you file a claim. That’s simply not true. In Florida, premiums typically rise annually due to market trends, not individual claims.
Thanks to the Act of God Law, insurance companies are prohibited from raising your rates just because you filed a legitimate claim after a natural disaster. However, repeated claims over a short period—such as five or more claims in a 5–10 year span—can lead to higher premiums. It’s important to understand your rights and avoid being discouraged from filing a valid claim when damage occurs.
How to Choose a Public Adjuster in Tampa
Not all adjusters are equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing one:
- Florida state license and local experience
- Positive reviews and local references
- Transparent fee structure
- Knowledge of hurricane, flood, and roof claims
- Willingness to inspect your property for free
Right Way Public Adjusting offers no-cost consultations and has helped Tampa Bay homeowners recover millions in denied or underpaid claims.
What to Do If You’ve Already Filed Your Claim
If you already filed a claim but feel your offer is too low—or you’ve been denied—you can still bring in a public adjuster Tampa experts recommend. In many cases, claims can be reopened, supplemented, or formally disputed. You do not have to accept the first offer you receive.
The Bottom Line: Who Works for You?
The insurance company adjuster may smile, inspect the damage, and hand you a check, but their duty is to the company.
A public adjuster Tampa homeowners rely on works for you, and only you. When everything you own is on the line, having a professional advocate with no conflicts of interest can make all the difference in how quickly and completely you recover.
Need Help Navigating Your Claim?
Call Right Way Public Adjusting at (877) 744-8929 to schedule your free property damage consultation. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re stuck in the middle of a frustrating claim, our public adjuster Tampa team is here to help you get what you’re owed—quickly, fairly, and professionally.
With over 25 years in the legal profession, Rebecca boasts an extensive background working alongside insurance adjusters and attorneys. Rebecca manages the settlement funds with our clients, the mortgage companies and the retained contractors.
