By Eli Goins · FL DFS #P159790 · Reviewed: · 1 min read
Short answer: Not always. Small, simple claims with prompt, fair offers often settle without one. But if your claim is denied, underpaid, delayed, or involves significant damage or multiple coverage issues, a public adjuster typically helps most. Ocean Point offers a free claim review on contingency, so there is no recovery, no fee.
When a public adjuster helps most
- Your claim is denied. Denials can often be reversed with proper documentation and a full re-estimate.
- Your settlement offer seems low. Carrier offers are frequently under-scoped; a PA's re-estimate often captures significant additional damage.
- Your claim is stalled. Missed statutory deadlines (Fla. Stat. 627.70131) can support escalation through DFS complaint or Civil Remedy Notice.
- The loss is significant. Major hurricane, fire, or water losses involve complex scope and coverage issues where professional representation materially matters.
- You're overwhelmed. PAs handle the paperwork, documentation, inspections, and carrier communication: freeing you to focus on repairs.
- The claim involves multiple coverage issues. Business interruption, ALE, matching, law and ordinance: all require expertise to claim fully.
When you probably don't need one
- Small, simple claims (minor wind damage, small appliance leaks) with prompt, fair carrier offers
- Claims well below your deductible
- Situations where you're confident in handling documentation and negotiation yourself
The no-risk evaluation
Ocean Point offers a free claim review. If representation isn't likely to improve your outcome, we tell you so. If it is, we retain on contingency: no recovery, no fee.