Asbestos Roof Replacement/Public Adjuster

[James Babin]

In a stroke of bad (but potentially good) luck my property was hit by a tornado and a fair amount of damage was caused to the front porch due to an oak tree falling on it.  The roof of the porch is asphalt shingle while the rest of the roof for the house is asbestos tile.  Here in New Orleans, many of the old houses still have asbestos tiles.  A good bit of the tiles were damaged. 

I have filed a claim and the adjuster is coming next week.  I have also been speaking to many roofers and one of them is recommending that a public adjuster get involved ASAP, as any insurance company (in his experience) is likely going to fight full replacement.  The argument, however is that asbestos cannot be repaired and must be replaced.  I have gotten many quotes from roofers and every single one of them have said the same thing. No one will repair. 

Public adjusters are a new concept to me and I don't fully understand it.  Does anyone have experience working with a public adjuster?  Is it a good idea to get them involved and meet with the field adjuster?  

[John Mocker]

james,

Public Adjusters act as your representative with the insurance company for the claim.  Once you take on a public adjuster the company will deal with them, not your agent.  Normally the Public Adjusters charge on a percentage of the claim proceeds.  That will reduce the amount you have to pay for the repairs.  Public Adjusters claim to get more from the Insurance company than you would your self.  I don't know if that is true or not true.  

Another reason that may make the choice of highering the Public Adjuster is if you are not local to the property.  Having the adjuster could save you travel and offset their cost.

If you do decide to go with one, get recommendations and find out their experience with similar losses