What does a public adjuster do in Texas?
A public adjuster in Texas is a licensed professional who represents homeowners and business owners in insurance claims — working exclusively for the policyholder, not the insurance company. A public adjuster documents damage, prepares repair estimates, negotiates settlements, and invokes the appraisal clause when necessary to maximize the compensation you receive.
---
## Do I need a public adjuster in Texas?
You don't legally need one, but most Texas homeowners who hire a public adjuster receive significantly higher settlements than those who don't. Insurance companies send their own adjusters whose job is to minimize payouts. A public adjuster levels the playing field by advocating exclusively for your interests.
---
## How much does a public adjuster cost in Texas?
Most Texas public adjusters — including First Call Public Adjusters — work on contingency. That means no upfront cost to you. The adjuster receives a percentage of the settlement they recover. If they don't increase your payout, you owe nothing. Fees typically range from 10–20% of the total settlement.
---
## What types of claims do public adjusters handle in Texas?
Texas public adjusters handle:
- **Hail damage claims** — the most common in DFW
- **Wind and storm damage claims**
- **Water damage claims** from roof leaks or plumbing failures
- **Fire and smoke damage claims**
- **Underpaid or denied insurance claims**
- **Insurance appraisal clause disputes**
---
## What is the difference between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster in Texas?
An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company and is paid to evaluate and settle claims — often at the lowest amount possible. A public adjuster works for you, the policyholder, and is paid based on what they recover for you. The interests are directly opposed: insurance adjusters minimize payouts, public adjusters maximize them.
---
## How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Texas?
Texas law generally allows two years from the date of loss to file a lawsuit related to an insurance claim. However, your policy may require you to notify your insurer promptly — often within days or weeks of the damage. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim. Waiting too long can give the insurer grounds to deny based on late notice.
---
## What is the insurance appraisal clause in Texas?
The appraisal clause is a provision in most Texas homeowner insurance policies that allows either party to demand an independent appraisal when there is a dispute about the amount — not the coverage — of a claim. Each side hires a licensed appraiser, they select a neutral umpire, and the decision is binding. It's one of the most powerful tools available to policyholders with underpaid claims.
---
## Can a public adjuster help after my claim has already been settled?
Yes. If you accepted a settlement that you now believe was too low, you may still be able to file a supplemental claim, request a re-inspection, or invoke the appraisal clause depending on the circumstances. There are time limits, so act quickly. First Call Public Adjusters offers free reviews of existing settlements.
---
## Is First Call Public Adjusters licensed in Texas?
Yes. First Call Public Adjusters is licensed in Texas (TX #1921679), Oklahoma (OK #3000772279), and Colorado (CO #906301). Ryan Lancon is also a licensed insurance appraiser, making First Call uniquely qualified to handle both public adjuster representation and appraisal clause proceedings.
---
## How do I contact a public adjuster in DFW Texas?
Call or text First Call Public Adjusters at **(817) 618-9884** for a free claim review. We serve all of DFW, Austin, San Antonio, and communities throughout Texas and Oklahoma. No upfront cost — we only get paid when you do.
*First Call Public Adjusters | Southlake, TX | thepublicadjustertx.com*
