Short answer: A public adjuster represents you, the policyholder, while an insurance company adjuster, whether staff or independent, represents the carrier. They have opposing interests. The company adjuster aims to settle at the carrier's expected cost; the public adjuster documents the full loss and argues for maximum recovery. Aside from attorneys, only a public adjuster may legally represent you.
Three types of adjusters: whom they work for
- Staff adjuster: an employee of the insurance carrier. Works for the carrier.
- Independent adjuster: contracted by the carrier (often after catastrophes when the carrier needs surge capacity). Also works for the carrier.
- Public adjuster: retained by the policyholder. Works for the policyholder, not the carrier.
Why this matters
A company adjuster's job is to investigate the claim, determine scope, and settle at the carrier's expected cost. Their incentive, performance reviews, career progression, aligns with the carrier's financial interest in paying no more than required.
A public adjuster's job is to document the loss fully, argue for the full recovery the policy supports, and negotiate accordingly. The PA's fee (capped by Fla. Stat. 626.854) is a percentage of the recovery: the PA's incentive aligns with yours.
How they compare on scope
Carrier-retained adjusters typically produce Xactimate estimates that under-index on:
- Demolition and haul-away
- Drying equipment hours
- Code upgrades (law and ordinance)
- Matching (Fla. Stat. 626.9744)
- Protection, tarping, and board-up
- Contents inventory and depreciation recapture
A public adjuster's estimate includes all of these where the policy supports them.