Public Adjuster vs. Insurance Adjuster
The single most important distinction to understand before filing a property insurance claim: who actually represents your interests, and who represents the insurance company's.
Public Adjuster vs. Insurance Adjuster — Who Do They Work For?
This is the single most important thing to understand when filing an insurance claim: there are actually three types of "adjusters," and only one of them works for you.
| Type | Works For | Paid By | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Adjuster | You (the policyholder) | You (% of settlement) | Maximize your settlement |
| Staff/Company Adjuster | The insurance company | The insurance company | Resolve claim within company guidelines |
| Independent Adjuster | Whichever insurer hires them for the claim | The insurance company | Process the claim per insurer's instructions |
Why this matters: When a storm or disaster causes widespread damage, insurance companies often hire large numbers of independent adjusters to process claims quickly. These adjusters are not your advocates — however professional and courteous they may be, their assignment is to process your claim according to the insurance company's standards and within the insurer's cost expectations. A public adjuster is the only role in this list whose financial incentive is aligned with getting you the maximum settlement.
Side-by-Side: What Happens at Each Stage
When the insurance company's adjuster inspects your property, they document damage according to their training and the insurer's claim-handling standards. Their estimate becomes the insurance company's opening position — which is, by design, a starting point for the insurer, not necessarily a final reflection of your full covered loss.
When a public adjuster inspects your property, our only job is identifying every dollar of covered damage your policy entitles you to. We have no obligation to minimize the claim — quite the opposite, our financial interest is in maximizing it, which is why we frequently identify damage and coverage the insurance company's adjuster didn't include.
Common Questions
Can I have a public adjuster present when the insurance company's adjuster inspects my property?
Yes — and this is common practice. Having your own representative present (or conducting an independent inspection separately) ensures your interests are documented alongside the insurer's assessment.
Is the insurance company's adjuster lying to me if their estimate is low?
Not necessarily lying — but their assessment reflects the insurer's training, guidelines, and cost management priorities, which often differ significantly from a comprehensive, policyholder-focused damage assessment. This is exactly the gap a public adjuster exists to close.
Do I have to use the insurance company's adjuster's estimate?
No. You're entitled to dispute their assessment, provide your own documentation, and negotiate for a different settlement amount — which is exactly what a public adjuster helps you do.
Is First Call Public Adjusters a licensed public adjuster firm?
Yes. Ryan Lancon holds Texas Public Adjuster License #1921679, along with Haag Certified Inspector (HCI-R/C) and CPAU credentials.
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