Frequently Asked Questions
What do public adjusters do?
Public Adjusters negotiate with insurance carriers on behalf of policyholders, both residential and commercial. After signing a contract, the Public Adjuster will inspect the property and document damages. This is called scoping. If done properly, the scoping process will document all damages and prepare an estimate supported by detailed photographs and descriptions of damages. The Public Adjuster then submits this information to the carrier to start the claims handling process.
What types of insurance claims can you help me with?
We assist with a full range of property damage insurance claims, including fire damage claims, storm damage claims (wind, hail, hurricane), and water damage claims. We review coverage, document loss, and negotiate with your insurer for the settlement you deserve.
Will you handle claims for smoke damage, roof wind damage, or flooding?
Yes. We are experienced in fire-related losses (including smoke and soot damage), storm losses including wind and hail, and all types of water damage from burst pipes, roof leaks, and floods.
Is there a public adjuster near me in alabama?
In Alabama, Public Adjusters are not licensed or recognized by the Alabama Department of Insurance. Public Adjusting has been deemed the practice of law in Alabama and thus can only be done by a licensed attorney. The likelihood that there is a Public Adjuster near you in Alabama is very small because that individual must be licensed to practice law in Alabama. Jonathan Alden is a licensed attorney in Alabama and also provides Public Adjusting services.
How are public adjusters paid?
Public Adjusters in states other than Alabama are typically paid a percentage of the net proceeds of the claim. This means a portion of what you receive from the insurance carrier, after the deductible has been applied to the loss. This is like the contingent fee that is collected by many attorneys.
Do public adjusters have a license?
Public Adjusters are licensed in every state in the United States with the exception of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, and South Dakota. This prohibition on Public Adjusters disadvantages policyholders when dealing with insurance carriers. In these excluded states, policyholders cannot use Public Adjusters, but insurance carriers are permitted to use independent adjusters to settle claims.
How much does it cost to hire a public adjuster?
It depends on the complexity of the claim. Generally, public adjusters are paid a percentage of any recovery. Public Adjusters in states other than Alabama are typically paid a percentage of the net proceeds of the claim. This means 10-20% of what you receive from the insurance carrier, after the deductible has been applied to the loss.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Class Actions & Mass Torts
Commercial Litigation
Premises Liability
Product Liability
Workers’ Compensation
Can you represent me in court?
A Public Adjuster may be able to testify on your behalf in court regarding your claim. We have a litigation team who take the lead in court if the Insurance Carrier refuses to negotiate in good faith.
What authority do you have to settle my claim?
You retain full authority to settle your claim. Our authority stems from our representation of you by virtue of our engagement contract and the fact that we are your lawyer albeit for a limited scope.
What experience do you have doing public adjusting?
Jonathan Alden has been a Public Adjuster since 2019 when he adjusted over 1,000 Hurricane Irma claims in Florida. He has also adjusted claims in Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, and Indiana.
Do I need to file a lawsuit?
Filing a lawsuit is the last resort. We will do everything we can to achieve a fair settlement without filing a lawsuit.
Will I have to go to court?
That is entirely up to you. If you choose not to accept the highest and best offer we get for you, you always have that option.
Are you going to be my attorney?
I am going to be your attorney for the limited purpose of trying to settle your claim. The difference between me and most other attorneys is I will handle your claim from inspecting your damages, documenting them, estimating them, and submitting them to your insurance carrier.
About Jonathan Alden
Jonathan served as an Independent Adjuster in New York City from 1994 to 2003, handling more than 15,000 losses involving collisions and recovered thefts.​
In 2019, he began working as a Public Adjuster and adjusted over 1,000 hurricane claims in 2020. He is licensed as a Public Adjuster in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and South Carolina, and now serves as a mediator, appraiser, and umpire.
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​Jonathan is a Certified Appraiser and Umpire through the Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association and the Windstorm Insurance Network. He is also a Certified Fire Investigator through the National Fire Academy and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, a Certified Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician through the IICRC, and a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators.
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Jonathan is admitted to practice law in New York, Florida, and Alabama and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator.
