Tag: Consumer Protection

Public Adjuster Overcoming Fee Concerns and Building Strong Customer Relationships

Overcoming Fee Concerns To Build Strong Client Relationships

Many homeowners initially hesitate to hire a public adjuster because they worry that paying a fee will reduce their ability to complete repairs. These concerns often arise from fear, confusion about the insurance process, and the mistaken belief that the carrier’s adjuster represents their interests. Public adjusters can overcome these concerns by reframing the conversation around outcomes, not costs—showing how professional documentation, code analysis, and negotiation typically increase the overall recovery well beyond the fee. Sharing real examples, acknowledging emotional stress, clearly outlining the adjuster’s role, and offering simple explanations help build trust and clarity.

Effective client relationships begin with transparency, mutual understanding, and clear expectations about how the partnership works. Public adjusters must also take special care when working with elderly, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable policyholders, ensuring compliance with consumer-protection laws and providing extra clarity and sensitivity. When handled thoughtfully, fee concerns become an opportunity to educate, reassure, and form stronger, more collaborative client relationships.

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Understanding Public Adjuster Fees

“Will This Cost Me Anything?” The Hidden Cost of Going Without a Public Adjuster

Many policyholders approach a public adjuster with the expectation that services should be free or that fees will reduce their ability to complete repairs, but these concerns often stem from fear, misunderstanding of the claims process, and financial stress after a loss. Homeowners frequently assume the insurance company’s adjuster is working on their behalf, leading them to question why they should pay for their own advocate. This mindset can create difficult client relationships, especially when individuals are unwilling to recognize the value a public adjuster brings in identifying overlooked damages, negotiating supplements, and securing a more accurate recovery.

The discussion also raises the question of whether fee-averse clients are a good fit for representation. While some simply need education and reassurance, others exhibit signs of distrust, unrealistic expectations, or resistance to professional guidance—factors that can undermine the entire claims process. Public adjusters must balance compassion with clear boundaries and remain attentive to state consumer-protection rules, especially when working with elderly or vulnerable policyholders.

Understanding a prospective client’s concerns early on helps public adjusters determine whether the relationship is workable and sets the stage for a smoother, more successful claim experience for both parties.

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Contractors in Ohio: The Wisconsin Warning You Can’t Ignore

Wisconsin’s recent enforcement action against a contractor for violating Wis. Stat. § 629.10(3) highlights growing regulatory scrutiny over contractors who engage in the Unauthorized Practice of Public Adjusting (UPPA). The contractor was fined for combining repair services with “claim assistance,” a violation of consumer protection laws.

For contractors in Ohio, this serves as a critical warning. The same activities—negotiating insurance settlements, interpreting policy coverage, or marketing claim management services—can expose businesses to significant penalties under Ohio law. The issue is further complicated by the Cinnamon Ridge v. State Farm decision, which adopted the “line of sight” rule for determining material replacement boundaries. That ruling expands repair obligations but also increases the temptation for contractors to discuss claim scope or coverage—conversations reserved for licensed public adjusters.

To remain compliant, contractors should focus strictly on construction and restoration activities, ensure their contracts exclude claim negotiation, train staff to recognize legal boundaries, and refer insurance-related matters to licensed public adjusters. Collaboration and education within the industry are essential to prevent future enforcement actions and to protect both consumers and legitimate contractors from costly missteps.

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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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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.