Frequently Asked Questions
What is a public adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance claims professional who advocates on behalf of you, the policyholder, not the insurance company. Our job is to thoroughly review your insurance policy to understand your coverage, comprehensively evaluate and document all damage to your home or business, and negotiate directly with your insurer to help you get the full settlement you’re entitled to.
We directly handle all communication with your insurance company and help you navigate the complexities of the claims process from filing to payout. D.C. Hogan & Associates is licensed to assist with Residential and Commercial loss in Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Missouri, Louisiana, Kansas, and Florida.
How is a public adjuster different from my insurance company’s adjuster?
Whether you’ve filed a claim before or this is your first time, you may be aware that your insurance company has their own adjuster. Your insurer’s adjuster works on behalf of the insurance company, with their goal being to protect their company’s interests while minimizing payouts. A public adjuster, on the other hand, works solely for you, the policyholder. Public adjusters ensure that your claim is thoroughly documented, fairly valued, and professionally negotiated.
If your home were to experience water damage after a storm or pipe break, your insurance company’s adjuster may simply document and account for the visible damage within your property. A public adjuster will dive deeper using extensive tools and techniques to comprehensively document every detail needed to ensure there is no underlying damage that can cause serious issues later down the line - making sure your property is returned to pre-loss condition.
When should I hire a public adjuster?
As soon as you notice damage to your property, whether from a hurricane, flood, fire, or other disaster, you should reach out to a qualified local public adjuster. Even if you have not yet filed a claim, you can reach out to an adjuster to begin documenting the damage to your property. We recommend reaching out right away, as the damage is fresh and easier to document.
However, don’t fret if you need help after being denied or underpaid. A public adjuster can step in at nearly any stage of the claims process, including:
After your insurance company denied your claim
When you believe your payout is too low
If your claim has been delayed
When you need help understanding your policy
What types of insurance claims do you handle?
We help with residential, commercial, and industrial property claims including:
Flood damage
Tornado damage
Wind damage
Roof damage
Fire and smoke damage
Water damage
Vandalism claims
Business interruption claims
Where are your public adjusters located?
We have offices conveniently located in Dallas, Texas, Houston, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee, so home and business owners in those areas can easily find a public adjuster near them. We also have licenses to practice in nearly 1/3 of the continental United States, including:
Florida LIC# W276702
Kansas LIC# 14339121
Louisiana LIC # 570245
Missouri LIC# 3003681006
New Jersey LIC# 1319277
Oklahoma LIC# 100136038
Tennessee LIC# 3002512714
Texas LIC# 1576628
How much does a public adjuster cost?
There is no upfront fee when working with a public adjuster. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. Our fee is a small percentage, 10% or less, of the final claim settlement, and only if we successfully recover money for you.
No recovery, no fee. It’s as simple as that.
How long does the claims process take?
Each state has different laws and regulations around the length of the claims process. Your specific claim is unique, so the length of time for the claims process depends on the complexity of your claim. Often times, cases take a few weeks to several months. We work with urgency to quickly document damage, file paperwork, and negotiate so you get your settlement as soon as possible.
Can a public adjuster help if my insurance company already made me an offer?
Depending on the claim, we can often times help even after the insurance company made you an offer. As insurance companies sometimes miss hidden damages or underestimate repair costs, we frequently reopen claims and secure higher settlements, even after a payout has been made.
How do I get started with a public adjuster?
If you are ready to find out how we can assist with your claim, you can contact a public adjuster today by submitting a form or giving us a call at (281) 333-0602 to request a free claim review. We can have an expert adjuster inspect your property, review your policy and explain what options you have available.
Will hiring a public adjuster increase my settlement?
While results vary, industry studies show that policyholders using public adjusters often receive significantly higher payouts than those who handle claims alone. There are no guarantees, however studies have shown that homeowners who hire public adjusters tend to receive higher settlements than those who don’t, even when the public adjuster’s fee is factored in.
According to the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA), homeowners who hired a public adjuster received an average settlement of $22,266 compared to $18,659 for those without a public adjuster – a roughly 20% increase.
Is my claim too small for a public adjuster?
While we have the capabilities to help with multi-million dollar commercial losses, we are always happy to help work on claims of all sizes. Even small claims can benefit from expert review—insurance companies can underpay or deny them just like larger ones. We can provide guidance on what your best course of action is when dealing with damage of any amount.
How do I know if I have a valid claim?
If your property has suffered any damage and you have insurance coverage, it’s worth getting a free review. We’ll assess your damages and policy to determine your best path forward.
