WELCOME POLICYHOLDERS

​If you are looking to find a public insurance adjuster who is licensed to work in the state of Florida or simply want to learn how public adjusters help homeowners and business owners like you receive fair compensation for a claim, you are in the right place.
The Professional Public Insurance Adjuster
​Protecting Policyholders and Their Claims
Every year, public insurance adjusters help thousands of Floridians navigate the complex process of filing insurance claims, protecting policyholders and helping them secure fair compensation during what is often a challenging and emotional time due to loss or damage of a home or business.

​Public adjusters accurately inspect all areas to demonstrate the entire impact of a loss-producing event and work to help policyholders receive their claim reimbursement as early as possible.
What is a “Public Insurance Adjuster?”
​A public insurance adjuster is a licensed and bonded insurance professional who assists policyholders with the complicated insurance claim process when they suffer an insured loss.  Public insurance adjusters who belong to the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA) adhere to a strict code of ethics and are able to take advantage of the best quality, public adjuster-specific, continuing education in the country. Additionally, FAPIA members have a network of resources available to best assist policyholders in the handling of insurance claims.

There are three types of adjusters licensed by the State of Florida:

Insurance Company Adjuster - is employed by an insurance company to represent the insurance company in dealing with your insurance claim. The insurance company adjuster’s main responsibility is to protect the interests of the insurance company.

Independent Adjuster - is hired by insurance companies to represent them in dealing with you, your loss and damages. The independent adjuster’s main responsibility is to protect the interests of the insurance company.
​
Public Insurance Adjuster (Public Adjuster) - is the only adjuster specifically licensed by the State of Florida to represent you, the insured. The public adjuster’s main responsibility is to protect you and your interests in claims against a loss with the insurance company. There are 2,100 licensed public adjusters residing in Florida. ​
What is a “FAPIA” Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster who belongs to the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters is a “FAPIA” adjuster. As FAPIA members, these adjusters adhere to a strict code of ethics and are able to take advantage of the best quality continuing education in the country. Additionally, FAPIA members have a network of resources to best assist you in handling your insurance claim. Search our list of more than 600 members, here.
Why Hire a Public Adjuster?
​Fair Compensation & Someone “On Your Side” – Public adjusters do not work for the insurance company – they work for you. It is an unfortunate reality that insurance companies have their own interests at heart, which is why they have on-the-payroll insurance experts representing them through each filed claim. Shouldn’t you have professional representation too?

A licensed public adjuster represents you – the policyholder – and will work to obtain the maximum entitlements under your policy. A state analysis of claims paid by Citizens Property Insurance in 2008 and 2009 found that the average payment to policyholders represented by a public adjuster was $22,266, compared to $18,659 paid to those who did not hire public adjusters.

Remember, it is up to you to prove the extent of your loss to the insurance company. Failure to satisfy difficult-to-understand policy requirements could reduce your settlement amount or even cause your claim to be denied. Most people don’t know these things, and it’s easy to see why when a typical insurance policy is dozens of pages long and written in technical, legal terms. A qualified and trained public insurance adjuster whom you trust can help make sure you meet all the policy conditions, document your loss and get your claim paid.
​
A Helping Hand During a Difficult Time – If you have just suffered an insured loss resulting from a pipe burst, a fire, hurricane or some other traumatic event, it's probably not the best time to take a crash course on how to properly present an insurance claim.  You may be dealing with a multitude of other matters, such as finding housing or an alternate business location, dealing with the emotional trauma of a loss or simply going about your daily responsibilities, like work and family. Licensed public adjusters bring ease of mind by taking on the burden of dealing with the insurance company.

Experience & Resources – Without the expertise and knowledge of the claims process and the insurance industry, consumers are often at a disadvantage when filing on their own. Licensed public adjusters are trained and experienced in damage assessment, and well versed in current laws as they affect insurance losses. A public adjuster has the knowledge and resources to help you through the maze of estimating, documenting, and filing your insurance claims.
What Does the Public Adjuster do for Policyholders?
Generally, a public adjuster handles claims for damage to real estate and personal property, and the related loss of income, which result from such perils as fire, lightning, wind, water, vandalism, theft, collapse, hail, flood, etc.

The public adjuster’s sole responsibility, unlike that of an insurance company adjuster, is to advocate for the policyholder’s position in the claim. Licensed public adjusters measure and document policyholders’ losses, taking care of the claims process and helping to officially note all losses to the insurance company’s own adjuster.
​
Why is this important? Public adjusters will typically be more complete in their damage analysis than their insurance company counterparts or the inexperienced policyholder on their own, because they are trained for it, provide a personalized service and do not receive any fees until policyholders receive their  reimbursement.
What Should I Consider When Hiring a Public Adjuster?
License & Appointment – Make sure their license and appointment are up-to-date with the State of Florida and make sure they are really a licensed public adjuster. Some people and businesses misrepresent themselves as public adjusters or claim to offer similar services, when in reality, they are not qualified to work with you or the insurance company. Click here to check Florida’s official database and here to learn some of the telltale signs of an illegal, unlicensed practice.

Experience – Public adjusters come from a wide range of backgrounds. When selecting a public adjuster, ask about their experience and training; it is always a good idea to ask for references.  Make sure the person who you are considering has the right mix for you and your claim. 

Professionalism – Do not sign blank contracts. A professional public insurance adjuster will explain their fee structure up-front, so you understand what you are paying for and why you are paying it. 

Your Comfort Level – This intangible can be quite important, especially if your claim is complex or extensive. The person you hire may be helping you through a very traumatic time, so be sure to find someone who fits your needs. Make sure they show you their FAPIA ID Card – a public insurance adjuster who is a member of their state association of public insurance adjusters takes their profession seriously and subscribes to a strict code of ethics. 

FAPIA public adjuster members care about advocating for policyholders in Florida.
866-235-6489

​9100 S. Dadeland Blvd Suite 1500
​Miami, FL 33156
Terms of Use | FAPIA © 2024
Site Support
Media Inquiries