Both a public adjuster and your insurance company's adjuster inspect and evaluate your damage — but they work for different people, with very different incentives.
| Public Adjuster | Insurance Adjuster | |
|---|---|---|
| Who they work for | You, the property owner | The insurance company |
| Who pays them | A contingency fee, paid only if you recover money | A salary from the insurance company |
| Their incentive | Maximize your claim recovery | Manage the insurer’s payout costs |
| Who they represent in a dispute | You, the policyholder | The insurance company |
| Inspection depth | Full, independent scope of all damage | Often limited by time and claim volume |
| License requirement | Licensed by the state to represent policyholders | Licensed by the state to represent insurers |
Exact licensing rules and fee limits vary by state — see your state page for local details, or ask us directly.
Want the fuller picture of what a public adjuster does?
What Is a Public Adjuster?