Your Insurance Adjuster Works for the Insurance Company - Not for You
After you file an insurance claim, your company sends out an adjuster to inspect the damage. They seem professional, maybe even friendly. They tell you they are there to help. And you assume they are looking out for your interests.
But here is the reality: your insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. Their job is to evaluate the damage, but they do it within a system that rewards keeping payouts low. Understanding this dynamic is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself during the claims process.
The Adjuster's Role…and Their Incentives
Insurance adjusters employed by your carrier, sometimes called "staff adjusters" or "company adjusters", are paid by the insurance company. Their performance is measured, at least in part, by how efficiently they handle claims and how closely their estimates align with the company's expectations.
This does not necessarily mean every adjuster is trying to cheat you. Many adjusters are honest professionals doing their best within a system that has its own pressures. But it does mean that the adjuster's loyalty ultimately lies with their employer and not with you.
After a major storm, insurance companies may also bring in independent adjusters from out of state to handle the volume of claims. These adjusters are contracted by the insurer, often work under tight time constraints, and may be less familiar with local construction costs and building codes. A quick inspection in these circumstances can easily miss significant damage.
Common Ways Adjuster Estimates Fall Short
There are several ways an adjuster's estimate may undervalue your claim, sometimes by thousands of dollars.
Missing damage. A rushed inspection may not catch damage to areas that are harder to see, like the back slope of a roof, gutters, soft metals around vents and pipes, or interior damage caused by leaks.
Outdated pricing. The estimate may use material and labor costs that do not reflect current market rates. In Oklahoma, where demand for roofing work surges after every major storm, actual repair costs can be significantly higher than what generic pricing software produces.
Scope issues. The estimate may account for only part of the necessary work. For example, if hail damaged your roof's valley metal and pipe jacks, the surrounding shingles and underlayment may need to be removed and replaced to complete the repair, but the adjuster's estimate might not include that work.
Wear and tear attribution. As discussed in other posts on our blog, adjusters sometimes attribute storm damage to normal aging. This can reduce or eliminate the payout on damage that was actually caused by hail.
Why You Need an Independent Assessment
The single most effective thing you can do to level the playing field is to get your own independent inspection from a licensed, reputable contractor.
An independent contractor works for you, not for the insurance company. Their job is to accurately assess the damage and provide an honest estimate of what it will cost to repair. If there is a significant gap between the contractor's estimate and the adjuster's estimate, that discrepancy gives you a basis to dispute the insurer's valuation.
Ideally, you should schedule your independent inspection before the insurance adjuster arrives. That way, you go into the process informed and prepared. If the adjuster's findings differ significantly from your contractor's, you can raise those issues immediately.
Many roofing contractors in the Tulsa area will inspect your property at no charge. There is no reason to rely solely on the insurance company's assessment of your own property.
Other Types of Adjusters You Should Know About
It is worth understanding the different types of adjusters you may encounter.
Company or staff adjusters are employees of the insurance company. They handle claims on behalf of your carrier.
Independent adjusters are hired by insurance companies on a contract basis, often to handle overflow after major weather events. Despite the name, they work for and are paid by the insurer.
Public adjusters are the only type of adjuster who works exclusively for the policyholder. They are licensed professionals who can inspect damage, prepare estimates, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Public adjusters charge a fee, typically a percentage of the claim, but in complex or high-value cases, their involvement can significantly increase the payout.
Understanding who is on whose side is essential to navigating the claims process effectively.
Protect Yourself Throughout the Process
Knowing that the adjuster works for the insurer does not mean you should be adversarial. But it does mean you should be informed and prepared. Get an independent inspection before the adjuster visits. Be present during the adjuster's inspection and take your own photos. Ask questions about anything in the estimate that seems low or incomplete. Keep detailed records of all communications. And do not feel pressured to accept the first offer if it does not cover the cost of repairs.
Your insurance company has a team of professionals protecting their interests. You deserve someone looking out for yours.
Talk to an Oklahoma Insurance Attorney - Free Consultation
If your insurance company has denied, delayed, or underpaid your claim, the attorneys at Hamilton Murphy Law can help. We represent Oklahoma policyholders in insurance bad faith and personal injury cases, and we offer free consultations to evaluate your situation.
Contact Hamilton Murphy Law today to schedule your free consultation. Call our Tulsa office or reach out through our website at hamiltonmurphylaw.com.