The Three Types of Insurance Adjusters

To understand what a public adjuster does, it helps to know who the other adjusters are:

• Staff Adjusters: These are employees of your insurance company. They handle claims in-house and work exclusively for the insurer.
• Independent Adjusters: These are contracted by insurance companies during high-volume periods (like after a major storm). They are still working on behalf of the insurer, not the policyholder.
• Public Adjusters: These are licensed professionals hired directly by the policyholder — the homeowner or business owner. They work exclusively for you.

The distinction matters. When the insurance company sends an adjuster to inspect your property, that person’s job is to assess your claim from the insurer’s perspective. A public adjuster’s job is to advocate for your interests throughout the entire process.

What Does a Public Adjuster Actually Do?

Public adjusters provide a range of services that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your insurance claim:

• Property Inspection: We conduct a thorough, independent inspection of your property to document all visible and hidden damage — often catching items that the insurance company’s adjuster missed.
• Policy Review: We review your insurance policy to identify all applicable coverage and make sure your claim takes advantage of every benefit you’re entitled to.
• Claim Preparation: We prepare and submit a complete, well-documented claim package on your behalf, including repair estimates, damage documentation, and supporting materials.
• Negotiation: We communicate directly with the insurance company on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement.

Who Needs a Public Adjuster?

Many people don’t think about hiring a public adjuster until they’re already in trouble — their claim has been denied, or they received a settlement offer that doesn’t seem to cover the actual cost of repairs. But the best time to engage a public adjuster is at the beginning of the claim process, before you’ve signed anything or accepted any offers.

You might benefit from working with a public adjuster if:

• Your property has sustained significant damage from a storm, fire, flood, or other covered event
• The insurance company’s estimate seems lower than actual repair costs
• Your claim has been denied and you believe it should be covered
• The claims process is complex and you’re not sure how to navigate it
• You simply want an experienced advocate on your side

Are Public Adjusters Licensed in Illinois?

Yes. In Illinois, public adjusters are required to be licensed through the Illinois Department of Insurance. This licensing requires meeting specific education and experience requirements, passing a state exam, and maintaining ongoing continuing education. When you hire a public adjuster in Illinois, you should always verify their license status with the state.

At Red Line Adjusting, our team is fully licensed and experienced in handling residential and commercial property claims throughout Illinois.

How Are Public Adjusters Paid?

Public adjusters in Illinois typically work on a contingency basis, meaning we are paid a percentage of the final insurance settlement — usually around 10%. This means there’s no upfront cost to you, and our fee is only collected if your claim is successful. It also means our interests are fully aligned with yours: the more complete and fair your settlement, the better the outcome for everyone.

A Real Example of How This Works

Here’s a common scenario we see: A homeowner in the Chicagoland area experiences a major hailstorm. They file a claim, the insurance company’s adjuster visits, and they receive an estimate for roof replacement. The homeowner accepts the offer and has the roof replaced — only to discover months later that the gutters were also damaged, the HVAC unit sustained hail impact, and siding damage on the back of the house was never documented.

Had a public adjuster been involved from the beginning, all of these items would have been documented and included in the initial claim. Getting reimbursed for them after the fact is a much harder and slower process.

Final Thoughts

A public adjuster is your professional advocate in the insurance claim process. In Illinois, where severe storms, flooding, and other weather events are common, having someone in your corner who knows the claims process and works exclusively for your interests can make a significant difference in how your claim turns out.

📞 Need help with your insurance claim? Contact Red Line Adjusting for a FREE consultation: (331) 684-0470 | redlineadjusting.com