Company Adjuster vs. Public Adjuster
Quick Answer
When your insurance carrier denies your valid storm claim, who do you hire to fight back? Understand the critical differences between the two types of adjusters in Iowa.
The Company Adjuster (The "Desk Adjuster" or "Field Adjuster")
When you file a claim for hail damage on your roof, the insurance company sends out their own expert to look at it. This is the Company Adjuster (or an Independent Adjuster contracted by the company). The key word is company.
While many company adjusters are fair and professional, you must understand a fundamental truth: Their legal and fiduciary duty is to the insurance company that pays their salary, not to you.
The Public Adjuster (PA)
A Public Adjuster is an independent insurance professional licensed by the Iowa Insurance Division. They do not work for any insurance carrier. They work exclusively for the policyholder (you).
When you hire a PA, they completely take over the claim. They read the policy, document the damage, build the Xactimate estimate, and aggressively negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
| Feature | Company Adjuster | Public Adjuster |
|---|---|---|
| Who Pays Them? | Your Insurance Carrier | You (The Homeowner) |
| Primary Goal | Settle the claim quickly while minimizing the carrier's financial loss. | Maximize the financial settlement for the policyholder. |
| Cost to You | Free | Typically 10% to 15% of the total final settlement. |
Contractors Cannot Be Public Adjusters
In Iowa, it is strictly illegal for a roofing contractor to act as the Public Adjuster on the same job they are building. This is considered a massive conflict of interest (UPPA - Unauthorized Practice of Public Adjusting).
Your contractor can meet the company adjuster on the roof to point out damage and provide a repair estimate, but they cannot legally "negotiate the policy" or demand a specific settlement on your behalf. Only you, an attorney, or a licensed PA can do that.
When Should You Hire a PA?
You do not need a Public Adjuster for a standard, uncontested $15,000 roof replacement where the carrier agrees to pay. The 10% PA fee would just come straight out of the money you need to pay your roofer.
You should strongly consider hiring a PA when:
- Your claim has been wrongfully denied multiple times.
- The damage is catastrophic and complex (e.g., a $150,000 whole-house fire or tornado strike).
- The carrier is aggressively lowballing the settlement and refusing to pay for necessary code upgrades.