A public adjuster is an independent insurance specialist who a policyholder can hire to assist in the settlement of an insurance claim on their behalf.

An adjuster is provided free of charge by your insurance company, but a public adjuster has no affiliation with your insurance company and charges a fee of up to 15% of the insurance payout for his or her services. While a public adjuster can help with the claims process, he or she will not be able to get you more money than your insurance policy allows.

A public adjuster in Baton Rouge, Louisiana will analyze your insurance policy, evaluate your insured losses, assemble documentation, and negotiate with your insurance carrier’s insurance adjuster on your behalf. Although you can hire a public adjuster at any time during the claims process, Claimside recommends hiring one as soon as you realize that you need help. They can help you receive the highest settlement possible for your insurance claim. Read on to learn more.

To become a licensed public adjuster in Louisiana, you need to complete pre-licensure education requirements. This will include an examination administered by the state’s Department of Insurance. Then, submit your information to the licensing exam vendor, PSI Exams. Once you’ve completed all the requirements, plan to take and pass the examination within one business day. Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll receive your license, which will allow you to work as a public adjuster in Louisiana.

Before becoming a public adjuster in Louisiana, you need to submit a fingerprint background check. If you have a resident license in another state, you can generally skip this step. However, if you’re applying for a license in Louisiana, you must get a bond from a public insurance adjuster’s licensing agency. Applicants need to pay a fee of at least $50,000 before they can begin working.

As an independent contractor, a public adjuster in Louisiana can negotiate insurance claims on behalf of policyholders. Public adjusters work for policyholders to document damages and prepare an estimate of the cost to repair or replace property. They then turn over that estimate to the insurance company after securing the policyholder’s consent. The Louisiana legislature first licensed public adjusters after hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the state. However, lawmakers made sure to restrict public adjusters from charging contingency fees in the aftermath of these hurricanes.

A public insurance adjuster is an independent professional that is hired by a business or home owner. They work for the policyholder and are paid a fee of 10 to 15 percent of the settlement. Depending on the severity of the claim, this fee may be as much as 15 percent or more. If your insurance claim is more complex, a public insurance adjuster may be better suited to assist you with the claims process.