Considering a public adjuster: review the role and contract

Questions covered in this guide

Clarify who represents whom

The Texas Department of Insurance explains that public adjusters work for policyholders and charge for their services. That is a different relationship from the insurer assigning its own adjuster. Before hiring anyone, identify the person, business and proposed role, then ask the relevant state insurance department how to verify applicable licensing and consumer requirements.

Request the complete written proposal

Read the service agreement before signing and keep an unsigned copy for review. Ask how the fee is calculated, which claim amounts it applies to and when payment becomes due. Record any separate costs, cancellation terms and work that falls outside the agreement. Do not assume that a percentage mentioned in conversation describes every charge or that every state uses the same contract rules.

Assign responsibilities for the claim record

Ask who will communicate with the insurer, gather documents, review estimates and keep you informed. Clarify who retains copies of submissions and how you can access the file. Keep technical repair questions and legal questions directed to appropriately qualified professionals. A service contract should make the proposed work understandable; it is not proof that the insurer will accept a requested amount.

Compare the service with the unresolved problem

Write down the specific issue for which you want help, such as an unclear estimate or an incomplete document request. Ask the proposed representative how the agreed scope addresses that issue and what information is needed from you. Retain the contract, verification record and communications together if you proceed. The coverage comparison tool can organize policy questions, but it cannot evaluate a representative’s performance or negotiate a claim. This guide does not recommend hiring a public adjuster, set a reasonable fee or predict a larger settlement; those conclusions require facts beyond this checklist. Print your worksheet before leaving the page if you want to keep it.

Putting it into practice

The contract review ties a proposed service to a specific unresolved claim task and separates fee calculation from scope. File-access and responsibility questions make the agreement reviewable without predicting a settlement benefit.

Sources and supported claims

TDI explains that a public adjuster works for the policyholder.
Source ↗ · state · Checked 2026-10-12

TDI says public adjusters charge fees for their services.
Source ↗ · state · Checked 2026-10-12