When disaster strikes—whether it’s a fire, flood, storm, or other catastrophe—your insurance company isn’t in a rush to pay you what you deserve. In fact, they’re hoping you’ll take their first lowball offer and move on.
That’s why knowing who to call after a loss is the difference between getting shortchanged and getting every dollar you’re owed. But here’s where most people get confused:
- Do you need an appraiser?
- A public adjuster?
- A claims consultant?
If you call the wrong one at the wrong time, you could waste time, lose money, or even get taken advantage of. Let’s break it down:
When You Need an Appraiser
👉 Best for disputes over the VALUE of your loss
An appraiser comes in when you and your insurance company disagree on how much something is worth. If they’re lowballing the cost of repairs, undervaluing your lost property, or giving a laughable depreciation estimate, an appraiser steps in to set the record straight.
✔️ When to Call:
- Your insurer’s estimate is way too low
- You need an independent valuation of damages
- You’re in an insurance appraisal process (which some policies require before lawsuits)
⚠️ Watch Out:
- Appraisers don’t negotiate with insurance companies—they just determine value
- If your insurer is denying your claim outright, an appraiser won’t help
When You Need a Public Adjuster
👉 Best for fighting your insurance company and negotiating a fair payout
Public adjusters are your hired guns in an insurance claim. Unlike the adjuster the insurance company sends (who works for them), a public adjuster works for you. They handle the paperwork, fight back against lowball offers, and negotiate to maximize your payout.
✔️ When to Call:
- You don’t trust the insurance company’s adjuster (you shouldn’t)
- You’re overwhelmed by the claim process
- The insurance company is delaying or underpaying your claim
- You want the highest possible payout
⚠️ Watch Out:
- Public adjusters charge a fee (usually a percentage of the payout)
- Some states require licensing—make sure yours is legit
- They don’t handle denied claims (for that, you need a claims consultant or lawyer)
When You Need a Claims Consultant
👉 Best for denied claims and complex policy disputes
A claims consultant is like a strategist and expert witness rolled into one. If your claim has been denied, delayed, or buried in fine print loopholes, a consultant can analyze your policy, gather evidence, and even help build a case for legal action.
✔️ When to Call:
- Your claim has been denied
- The insurance company is stalling or playing legal games
- You need help interpreting your policy and exclusions
- You’re preparing for a lawsuit
⚠️ Watch Out:
- Some consultants charge hourly, while others take a cut of the final payout
- They don’t negotiate directly with the insurer—just build your case
- If a claim is heading to court, you’ll need an attorney, not just a consultant
The Bottom Line: Who Should You Call First?
- If you just need a fair valuation: Call an appraiser
- If you need someone to fight for a bigger payout: Call a public adjuster
- If your claim is denied or stuck in legal limbo: Call a claims consultant
And if your gut tells you the insurance company is screwing you, trust it. They’re a business, not a charity. The more you know, the less money they get to keep.
At The David Group, we specialize in all forms of insurance claim dispute resolution, including appraisals, public adjusting, and consulting. Shoot us a message through our home page or contact page if you need of these three services.
And tag a friend who needs to read this before they get scammed!