The best place to find a good public adjuster is through the Insurance National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. NAPIA provides recommendations for all states that have licenses for public adjusters. The Public Insurance Adjuster is the only type of adjuster that is qualified to represent the insured on a property claim. More than 43 states plus the District of Columbia require an adjuster to be licensed for them to be able to act on behalf of the insurance company.

A trained public insurance adjuster will act as your advocate and help you navigate through the maze of insurance so that you can get the entire amount that you are entitled to under your policy. However, there are many procedures to follow before you can get paid by the insurer. These include valuing the loss, present it to the insurer and the negotiation of the settlement. Insurance policies can be complicated and conditional. Full payment for a loss is not automatic.

An adjuster from the public sector can assist determine the extent of coverage and the cause of the loss in order to assess the insurer's offer or refusal.

Following a fire, victims often get besieged with inquires and offers from general contractors, public adjusters, as well as other companies offering to help. This is the norm. If you're being solicited does not necessarily mean that they're doing anything wrong. But, you must be aware and conduct your due diligence prior to making a decision to sign up for their services.

If the public adjusters are not affiliated with NAPIA, (National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters) be wary.. They may not possess the necessary legal or insurance experience to properly represent you. Here are a few danger indications:

1. They make huge promises but do not offer any assurances.

2. Their fees are outrageous. The majority of legitimate Public Insurance Adjusters fees range between 5% to 12 percent, and average around 10%. Certain public adjusters charge more for smaller claims or when hired midway through the process of settling claims.

3. If you feel pressured take a decision quickly, run. Professional PAs are aware that the choice to have someone represent you in order to bring your home and your life back in order is an important one. It is not one to be taken quickly. It could be one of the most expensive choices you'll make in your life. Make sure you take your time and be sure you are comfortable with the adjuster that you are hiring.

4. Visit their website and address. If they don't possess anything other than an official business card, be cautious. If their only address is a PO box this may be another warning sign.

5. It is often more beneficial to work with someone who is local. Someone who is familiar with the local housing market and the costs of rebuilding, who knows the strengths of the community and how to leverage them. Locally based PAs may also have prior experience working with representatives of the major insurance companies in the area and may be able to cut through some of the red tape and bureaucracy to ensure you get what is owed to you quicker.