Public Adjusters – FAQ

YOU NEED A PUBLIC ADJUSTER IN SOUTH FLORIDA?

Discover the differences Cohen & Associates Public Adjusters can make in the settlement of your claim!

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

A Public Adjuster is a licensed professional that exclusively works for the policyholder and NEVER the insurance company. A Public Adjuster inspects the loss site, arranges to have your property protected, reviews your insurance policy, evaluates all dwelling, building, structural, business and personal property damages as well as assess the concerns for your loss of business income, business interruption and additional living expenses.

WHY SHOULD I RETAIN A PUBLIC ADJUSTER IN FLORIDA? DOESN’T MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAVE THEIR OWN ADJUSTER?

Yes, the insurance companies have their own adjuster, but they are working for the insurance company, not for you! The obvious advantages of retaining a Public Adjuster is that we represent only the interest of the policyholder and never the insurance company.

WHY NOT USE MY ATTORNEY INSTEAD OF A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

In South Florida, attorneys are seldom necessary from the onset of a claim with respect to the preparation, estimating, presentation and negotiating of a claim. Attorneys, on average, charge a 1/3 fee for their work while public adjusters charge much less. Additionally, attorneys are experts in law, statutes, procedures etc. where public adjusters have the expertise in policy review, claims preparation, negotiation, settlement, etc.

SHOULD I MEET WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY ADJUSTER AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES BEFORE I RETAIN A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

NO, it is our opinion, based on our years of experience, that meeting with your insurance company and their representatives without the representation of licensed public adjuster, will more than likely result in frustration, disappointment, dissatisfaction, and discontent.

HOW SOON AFTER I HAVE A CLAIM CAN I EXPECT PAYMENT?

There is no specified time limit to conclude a claim. Most insurance companies desire to move a claim along as quickly as possible and make payment as quickly as possible. This speed, however, often is at a cost for lack of attention to detail and completeness of claim presentation and quick, easy settlements are often in the best interest of an insurance company. While we strive to settle claims as quickly as possible, we do not wish to compromise value for speed. It is best to thoroughly inspect and examine a claim, make the proper presentation and settle the claim properly.

WILL MY INSURANCE COMPANY CANCEL MY CONTRACT IF I WILL HIRE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

No under any circumstances. If an Insurance Company were to cancel you because you hired a Public Adjuster, it would be a violation of the law in Florida. Access to Public Adjusters is a right given to you by the State Legislature.

WHAT IS THE COST FOR HIRING A FLORIDA PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

The standard fee for public adjusting services is a small percentage of the amount recovered from the Insurance Company. These fees are regulated by the Florida Department of Financial Services. We represent our clients on a contingency fee basis. This means we are paid for our services only if, and when, there is a recovery. Whether it is a water damage claim in Boynton Beach, or smoke Damage in Boca Raton, we don’t get paid unless there is a recovery.

I LIVE IN BROWARD COUNTY, CAN YOU WORK FOR ME?

Our offices in Hollywood allow us to serve all of South Florida. There is no city our county limits that govern who we can serve, we are licensed by the state, that means we can serve you whether you are in Ft. Lauderdale, Boynton Beach, Kendall or Homestead.

WHO COMMONLY USES THE SERVICES OF FLORIDA PUBLIC ADJUSTERS?

Homeowners, business owners, attorneys, banks- anyone who has an insurance claim can benefit by using a public adjuster. Once an insured has used our services, he or she will not consider settling a claim without the professional assistance of Cohen & Associates Public Adjusters.

AM I ASSURED A HIGHER SETTLEMENT IF I USE YOUR SERVICES?

Public Adjusters will almost always obtain higher settlements because of their experience and skill in evaluating claims; but also because of their experience with the “ins and outs” of the insurance industry. preparing an insurance claim can be a complicated task. We have processed literally thousands of property claims. Let the burden be our business.

WHAT IS A “PROOF OF LOSS”?

“Proof of loss” is merely a form that comes in various formats, that outlines the specifics of a claim. There is a requirement in most policies to submit a “proof of loss” within 60 days after the insurance company makes a request for the submission of a “proof of loss”. There are instances where a “proof of loss” form must be submitted within 60 days after the date of the loss or the right to pursue your claim can be forfeited.

WHICH AREAS DO YOU SERVE?

We proudly serve the following areas: South Florida Locations such as Aventura, Bal Harbour, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Brickell, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Golden Beach, Hallandale, Hillsboro Beach, Hollywood, Kendall, Plantation, Hialeah, Opa Locka, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Worth, Miami Beach, Miramar, Palm Beach Gardens, Parkland, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Beach, Sunrise, Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, Wellington, Weston, West Palm Beach, Broward County, Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County.