A catastrophe adjuster, commonly called a CAT adjuster, is a claims adjuster brought in by an insurance company to handle the surge of claims that follows a major event like a hurricane. Most CAT adjusters are independent contractors deployed from a roster, often traveling in from out of state, rather than the carrier's regular staff adjusters. Either way, they work for and are paid by the insurer, not by you.
What this means for your claim
After a large storm, a single CAT adjuster may be assigned a heavy load of files and is under pressure to inspect properties and write estimates fast. Speed and volume are the priority, which is where policyholders get hurt:
- Roof and structural damage is scoped quickly and is easy to underestimate.
- Hidden or interior damage (water intrusion, code-upgrade costs, matching issues) is frequently missed.
- The CAT adjuster who inspects your home is often not the person who finalizes your file. Catastrophe claims are routinely reassigned, so there may be little continuity or accountability on your specific claim.
A CAT adjuster's estimate is a starting point, not the final word. You can document additional damage and dispute a low scope.
Florida specifics
Florida carriers lean heavily on CAT adjusters after named storms because claim volume spikes overnight. Even during a catastrophe, your insurer is still bound by the claim-handling deadlines in Fla. Stat. 627.70131 to acknowledge, investigate, and pay or deny your claim.
A CAT adjuster is essentially the opposite of a public adjuster. A public adjuster is licensed under Fla. Stat. 626.854 and works for you, the policyholder, to value the loss and negotiate the settlement. If a CAT adjuster's offer seems low, you do not have to accept it.