Author: Angela Andrews

The Leadership Dilemma: When Public Adjusters Step Away from the Field

As public adjusting firms grow, many owners step back from hands-on claim handling to focus on leadership and business strategy. While this transition allows for stronger operations, staff development, and long-term stability, it can also create distance from market trends, field realities, and the technical skills that built their credibility. This article explores the balance between managing a business and maintaining professional relevance — offering insight into how firm owners can stay connected to the claims process while guiding their teams toward growth.

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You!

Who Determines an Appraiser’s Competence?

As more appraisers transition to independent practice, questions arise about who ensures their ongoing competence beyond reputation and certification. While professional organizations like IAUA, WIND, and P.L.A.N. provide voluntary training, oversight has largely been self-regulated — until now. Iowa recently became one of the first states to require a Certified Appraiser license for insurance appraisal work, signaling a move toward greater accountability. This article explores how that change may reshape expectations of competence, regulation, and professional credibility in the insurance appraisal industry.

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When the Umpire Goes Silent: Replacing an Umpire in the Insurance Appraisal Process

When an appointed Umpire in an insurance appraisal becomes unresponsive for months, the entire process can stall — leaving policyholders without resolution and appraisers under pressure. This article explains when it’s appropriate to request a new Umpire, who has the authority to make that change, and how fees are typically handled if the Umpire has already been paid. It also outlines best practices for documenting communication, seeking mutual consent, or petitioning the court when necessary. Replacing an Umpire isn’t ideal, but when prolonged inaction undermines the purpose of appraisal, substitution may be both justified and necessary.

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hail spatter

Does Spatter Matter? The Debate Over Hail Verification and Aluminum Siding

When hail hits, everyone starts looking for proof — and “hail spatter” often becomes the focus of debate. Does the presence or absence of spatter really determine whether damage is recent or covered? This article explores both sides of the argument, from the contractor’s field perspective to the attorney’s view of the carrier’s duty to investigate. Ultimately, while spatter can help tell the story of a storm, it’s only one clue in a much larger picture.

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Intellect vs. Experience in Public Adjusting: What Truly Drives Excellence?

Credentialing and continuing education provide public adjusters with up-to-date knowledge of policy interpretation, estimating standards, and regulatory compliance, enhancing their professionalism and credibility. However, real-world field experience offers irreplaceable insights into property damage, repair sequencing, and client communication. Rather than competing, these skill sets should complement each other. A balanced approach—where public adjusters pursue both formal training and hands-on work—leads to the most effective, productive, and accountable claims professionals.

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Should Contractors Refer All Insurance Clients to a Preferred Public Adjuster?

Restoration contractors often work alongside public adjusters during insurance claims, but referring all clients to a single preferred public adjuster may not always be the best practice. This article explores the pros and cons of such blanket referrals, including benefits like streamlined communication and fairer settlements, as well as risks like licensing issues, conflicts of interest, and reputation damage. It also outlines best practices for making ethical, transparent, and legally compliant referrals that prioritize the client’s best interest. The goal is to help contractors build trust while supporting efficient and fair claims resolution.

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Part III: Building a Sustainable Future for Public Adjusters Amid Regulatory Reform

As the insurance industry adapts to the 2024 NCOIL Public Adjuster Professional Standards Reform Model Act, public adjusters are being called to modernize their practices. Part III of this series explores proactive compliance strategies, transparent fee structures, and ethical referral relationships that can help public adjusters thrive in a more regulated environment. Rather than resisting reform, the article encourages adjusters to lead with professionalism, clarity, and strategic foresight.

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Part II: Navigating the Grey Areas — What Public Adjusters Need to Know About Fee Caps, Solicitations, and Legislative Ambiguity

The regulatory environment for public adjusters is rapidly evolving. Part II of our series explores the growing confusion caused by vague legislative language and new fee caps inspired by the 2024 NCOIL Public Adjuster Professional Standards Reform Model Act. As states reinterpret key terms like “solicitation” and “advertising,” public adjusters must adapt—balancing compliance, profitability, and ethical advocacy. Learn how to navigate these grey areas and strengthen your practice through clear onboarding, sound documentation, and strategic business adjustments.

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The Changing Landscape: NCOIL’s 2024 Public Adjuster Model & Emerging Fee Cap Pressures

As states begin adopting the 2024 NCOIL Public Adjuster Model Act, fee caps and new compliance burdens are reshaping how public adjusters serve policyholders. This article explores the growing trend of legislative restrictions, including the impact of 15% fee limits, and how they’re affecting access to representation, especially for small claims. It also highlights the unintended consequences of reform and sets the stage for adaptation strategies in Part II of the series.

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Invoicing Best Practices for Public Adjusters: Setting Expectations and Protecting Your Business

In the world of public insurance adjusting, invoicing isn’t just about getting paid—it’s about setting the tone for a professional relationship rooted in trust and transparency. From the moment a contract is signed, adjusters should be clear about how fees will be assessed, when invoices will be issued, and what steps will follow if payment is delayed. With high workloads and complex claims processes, taking the time to build an effective invoicing protocol can save headaches down the road and help maintain healthy client relationships.

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Satellite office in KY

Green Public

Insurance Adjusting

Is now in Kentucky serving clients affected by the tornados. Stop by our satellite location at 3205 US Highway 641 N in Benton, KY. We’re just down the road from the Kentucky Opry.