When you file an insurance claim, you’ll hear about adjusters. But not all adjusters are the same — and understanding the difference could be worth thousands of dollars on your settlement.
## The Two Types of Adjusters
### Insurance Company Adjuster
An **insurance company adjuster** (also called a “staff adjuster” or “company adjuster”) works directly for your insurance company. They are:
– **Employed by the insurance company** — their salary and bonuses come from the insurer
– **Focused on claim cost** — their job includes managing how much the company pays out
– **Trained in the insurance company’s guidelines** — not necessarily in your best interests
– **Often handling hundreds of claims at once** — limited time for each property
This doesn’t mean insurance adjusters are dishonest — many are professional and fair. But their employer’s interests and your interests are not always aligned.
### Public Adjuster
A **public adjuster** is a licensed professional who works exclusively for you — the policyholder. They are:
– **Licensed by the state** — in Texas, public adjusters must pass state exams and maintain a license
– **Hired and paid by you** — they work on your behalf, not the insurance company’s
– **Focused on maximizing your settlement** — that’s their job
– **Independent** — no conflict of interest with your insurer
Public adjusters typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid when you get paid.
### Independent Adjuster
A third type is the **independent adjuster** — a contractor hired by insurance companies on a per-claim basis. They are still working for the insurance company, not for you, despite the “independent” label.
## Who Represents You?
This is the key question every homeowner should ask:
| | Works For | Goal |
|—|—|—|
| Insurance Company Adjuster | Insurance Company | Settle claim per policy guidelines |
| Independent Adjuster | Insurance Company | Same as above |
| **Public Adjuster** | **You** | **Maximize your settlement** |
When you file a claim without a public adjuster, you are essentially negotiating with a professional negotiator — without representation.
## What a Public Adjuster Actually Does
A licensed public adjuster like Ryan Lancon at First Call Public Adjusters will:
1. **Review your policy** to understand exactly what coverage you have
2. **Inspect your property thoroughly** using professional equipment (drones, infrared cameras, moisture meters and storm reports)
3. **Document all damage** — including items the insurance adjuster may have missed
4. **Prepare a detailed estimate** using industry-standard software like Xactimate
5. **Communicate with your insurance company** on your behalf
6. **Negotiate** for the maximum settlement allowed under your policy
7. **Handle disputes** if the insurance company denies or underpays
## When Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?
Consider hiring a public adjuster if:
– **Your claim was denied** — we specialize in getting denied claims approved
– **Your settlement seems too low** — we can review the insurance company’s estimate and dispute it
– **The damage is extensive** — large claims benefit most from professional representation
– **You don’t have time** to manage the claim process yourself
– **You’re not sure what’s covered** — we’ll review your policy and tell you exactly what you’re entitled to
– **The adjuster visit is coming up** — having representation at the adjuster appointment can significantly impact your settlement
## The Cost of a Public Adjuster
Public adjusters in Texas work on a contingency fee basis — a percentage of the final settlement. This means:
– **No upfront fees**
– **No out-of-pocket costs**
– **You only pay if you receive a settlement**
The fee is typically a percentage of the total settlement, and studies consistently show that policyholders represented by public adjusters receive significantly higher settlements on average than those who negotiate alone.
## Real Results Matter
At First Call Public Adjusters, we’ve helped hundreds of Texas homeowners and businesses recover settlements that were initially denied or underpaid. Our clients regularly receive 2-3x the insurance company’s original offer after our involvement.
## Get Professional Representation for Your Claim
If you have a pending claim, a denied claim, or damage you haven’t reported yet — call us first.
**First Call Public Adjusters**
**(817) 618-9884**
FirstCallPublicAdjusters@
Southlake, TX | Licensed in Texas, Oklahoma & Colorado
Free claim review. No upfront fees. You have nothing to lose and potentially thousands to gain.
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*TX License #1921679 | OK License #3000772279 | CO License #906301*