Facing property damage in Texas can be overwhelming. The claims process itself can add another layer of stress, with unfamiliar terms and different professionals involved. Two key figures you might encounter are public adjusters and appraisers.
While their titles might sound similar, their roles in the claims process are distinct. Understanding these differences can help you determine which professional you need for your specific situation.
The Advocate in Your Corner: The Public Adjuster
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works solely for policyholders, not insurance companies. They act as your advocate throughout the claims process, offering a range of services:
Damage Assessment
A public adjuster will assess the damage to your property, checking if all details are documented for your claim.
Claim Preparation and Negotiation
They will help you gather the necessary documentation, prepare a comprehensive claim, and negotiate with your insurance company to get a fair settlement.
Understanding Your Policy
Public adjusters can explain your policy coverage in detail and identify any coverage oversights by the insurance company.
Inventorying Damaged Belongings
They can guide you through the process of creating a detailed and accurate inventory of your damaged belongings to optimize your payout.
Dealing with Delays
Public adjusters can help manage communication with your insurance company and keep the claims process moving forward.
The Neutral Expert: The Appraiser
A professional appraiser is a neutral third-party professional who specializes in valuing property or specific items. They are typically brought in when there’s a disagreement between you and your insurance company about the value of your claim.
Here’s when an appraiser might be involved:
Disputed Value of Damage
If your insurance company disputes the cost of repairs or replacements, an appraiser can provide an objective assessment of the damage value.
Valuing Specialty Items
For valuable items like artwork or antiques, an appraiser can determine their fair market value to get proper compensation.
Choosing the Right Professional
So, who do you need—a public adjuster or an appraiser?
Public Adjuster
If you need help navigating the entire claims process and getting a fair payout, all with your rights protected, a public adjuster is the ideal choice.
Appraiser
If there’s a specific dispute about the value of your claim, an appraiser can provide an objective assessment to resolve the disagreement.
In some cases, you might even need both! A public adjuster can manage the overall claim and negotiations, while an appraiser can be brought in to address specific valuation disputes.
Morgan Elite Specialist Services: Your Trusted Partner in Texas
At Morgan Elite Specialist Services, our team of experienced public adjusters can guide you through every step of the claims process. We can also connect you with professional appraisers if needed so you have the right expertise at your disposal.
Contact us for a free consultation.
