Most public appraisers will charge between 5 and 15%, and this amount may decrease if the amount of money paid to the claimant increases. However, the truth is that they are employees of the insurance company. The work they do is on behalf of the insurance company, not the landlord. If you have had a large loss, such as due to a fire, for example, the damage will be significant.
Some insurance companies may want to save some money in the payment process. Ultimately, the insurance adjuster answers to the insurance company and must satisfy it. Your insurance company will send its own appraiser, but you can also hire a public insurance appraiser to assess the loss of property on your behalf and help you file insurance claims. You hire a public insurance appraiser to help you with the claim before you learn that your claim payment will be less than what you actually need to rebuild.
It can be difficult for a policyholder to complete these forms accurately, but a public claims adjuster can prepare and submit this information for each policyholder's unique claim. The hourly rate will depend on the state you are in, the experience and knowledge of public experts, your operating costs and the type of policy your claim is subject to. While it may seem like a good idea to hire a public insurance appraiser to help you maximize the payment of your claim and resolve it quickly, there are many reasons why it's best to work directly with your insurance agent and insurance company. Some people recommend hiring a public insurance adjuster to help you process claims and defend you when dealing with your insurance company.
Generally, a public appraiser handles the entirety of a claim on behalf of their clients, including communication with the insurer, but some policyholders may want to participate in some measure. A public appraiser is not affiliated with the insurance company and is only there for your benefit. Public appraiser fees are usually a percentage of the amount that the insurance company pays for the policyholder's claim. It's probably too late to go to a public appraiser if you've signed a definitive authorization or if your claim period has been extended beyond the statute of limitations.
For example, Florida public appraisers are not allowed to charge more than 20% of the final fee in a situation that is not declared a disaster, nor more than 10% if a disaster has been declared. Thanks to this fee structure, which is usually a percentage of the final settlement, your public appraiser will be more motivated to request higher compensation. Your public appraiser will assess the damage, determine a cost estimate, and even negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. Depending on the severity and complication of the claim, the policyholder may want to seek out a more experienced public appraiser.
Similarly, if you're simply too busy to manage the claims process on your own and need help, a public appraiser may be an option for you.
