Public Insurance Adjuster experiences / contracts

[Carlos Flores]

I am considering hiring a public adjuster for a existing/open claim. The insurance company cut a check for the ACV but has not released the depreciation yet. The public adjuster reviewed the estimate from the insurance company and felt it was missing numerous items.

His fee is 10% and says it will only be 10% of the amount above the current estimate since the insurance company already agreed to pay the amount in their estimate. One of the paragraphs in his contract states, "In consideration of the services to be provided to me/us, here after referred to as the insured, by “xxx Public Adjuster”, here after referred to as the adjuster, the insured agrees to assign 10% percent of the whole amount of all losses recovered and damages, received by the adjustment process, appraisal, mediation, litigation or otherwise determined. If taxes are required they will also be collected." The following paragraph states, "In the event of a supplemental claim the insured hereby assigns to the adjuster 10% percent of the supplemental amount of all losses received and damages, as received by the adjustment process, appraisal, mediation, litigation or any other process. If taxes are required they will also be collected." I find that confusing and don't like the first paragraph because it says "whole amount of all losses recovered and damages." Am I reading more into this than I should? Would this truly only be considered a supplemental claim since the insurance company already agreed to pay something?

His contract would also have me agree to:
- have adjuster listed as co-payee on all settlement checks and drafts
- have all checks sent directly to adjuster's address
- have mortgage company pay adjuster directly

Is the spirit of this contract consistent with other public adjuster contracts?

What has your experience been with public adjusters? Bryan Hancock - I know you hired one. Is this consistent with your experience?