Home burnt to the ground - Public adjuster?

[Tom Allison]

Our personal home burnt to the ground on Wednesday. I'm wondering if anyone would suggest getting a Public Adjuster to protect our interests as I know that my insurance company adjuster is looking out for my insurance companies interests. I'm most worried about the fact that without proof of some of my antiques and artwork, I won't get anywhere near what my contents are worth. Any experience with that here?

Thanks in advance,

Tom

[Timothy W.]

Hi Tom,
It's a judgment call. I am an adjuster who is retained by insurance companies and I actively protect my clients' interests. I can't suggest either way because I don't know if your carrier is a client of mine or not. I will say that I've done just under 2,000 claims and with a homeowner's policy I've yet to personally deal with a carrier who didn't take very good care of their policy holder when they had a total loss fire.

Do you have any proof of ownership of the art and antiques? Any photos, home movies, anything? Had you ever gotten them appraised by a dealer?