Public adjuster role
- Represents policyholder during claim
- Negotiates scope and pricing with carrier
- Prepares documentation and estimates
- Typically paid contingency
- Continues through escalation paths
Appraiser role
- Serves on appraisal panel
- Decides amount of loss (binding)
- Paid by party who retains them
- Limited scope: amount determination
- Ends when panel issues award
How they overlap
- A public adjuster can serve as a policyholder's appraiser
- Both require competence in the loss type
- Both must be "disinterested" for appraisal purposes
How they differ
Engagement
- PA: retained when claim starts
- Appraiser: retained when appraisal is invoked
Scope
- PA: full claim handling
- Appraiser: appraisal panel only
Compensation
- PA: contingency
- Appraiser: flat or hourly
Timeline
- PA: months-long engagement
- Appraiser: specific appraisal process (60-120 days)
Strategic decisions
Retain PA or appraiser?
- Claim just starting → PA
- Amount dispute only → Appraiser
- Denial in place → PA (with escalation)
- Need both? → Possible, different fee structures
Same person for both?
- PA who served on claim can serve as appraiser typically
- Some prefer separate roles for independence
- Check conflict / disinterested rules