What is Public Adjusting?
If you need public adjusting services in Alabama, call Jonathan Alden today.
What is Public Adjusting?
A public adjuster is a professional who represents policyholders in the insurance claims process. Their primary role is to advocate for the policyholder to ensure they receive the maximum settlement to which they are entitled under their insurance policy. Unfortunately, Alabama does not recognize, license, or regulate public adjusting but considers it the practice of law. Jonathan Alden is a licensed Alabama Attorney.
Public adjusting covers a wide range of property claims including fire, smoke, storm, wind, hail, hurricane, and water losses. Because fire and smoke damage often involve complex loss patterns and overlapping issues (such as hidden smoke impact and water damage from firefighting), having specialized training in fire investigation and restoration can make a significant difference in maximizing your claim.
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Jonathan Alden is a Certified Fire Investigator through the National Fire Academy and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and a Certified Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (IICRC), bringing advanced expertise to fire and smoke claims.
What steps do Public Adjusters take to help their clients?
Claims Assessment and Documentation:
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Evaluate the Loss: Public adjusters assess the damage or loss covered by the insurance policy. This could be due to events such as fires, floods, hurricanes, or other insured incidents.
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Document the Damage: They meticulously document the damage through photographs, videos, and detailed descriptions. This includes both structural damage and loss of contents.
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Inventory and Valuation: They compile an inventory of damaged or lost items and determine their value, considering depreciation and replacement costs.
Policy Review:
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Interpret the Policy: Public adjusters review the insurance policy to understand the coverage limits, exclusions, and specific conditions that apply to the claim.
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Identify Coverage: They identify all possible areas of coverage to ensure nothing is overlooked in the claim process.
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Claims Preparation and Submission:
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Prepare the Claim: They prepare and organize the necessary documentation to support the claim, including estimates, reports, and detailed inventories.
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Submit the Claim: The public adjuster submits the claim to the insurance company on behalf of the policyholder, ensuring that all required information is included and correctly presented.
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Negotiation:
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Negotiate with Insurers: Public adjusters negotiate with the insurance company's adjusters to reach a fair settlement. They use their expertise to challenge any underpayments or denials and work to maximize the claim amount.
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Handle Disputes: If there are disputes or discrepancies in the claim, public adjusters advocate for the policyholder to resolve these issues.
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Settlement and Follow-Up:
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Settlement Agreement: Once a settlement is reached, the public adjuster reviews the agreement to ensure it is fair and comprehensive.
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Follow-Up: They follow up on any necessary actions or additional documentation required by the insurance company to expedite the settlement process.
What are the benefits of hiring a Public Adjuster?
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Class Actions & Mass Torts
Commercial Litigation
Premises Liability
Product Liability
Workers’ Compensation
Expertise and Experience: Public adjusters have specialized knowledge of insurance policies, claims processes, and negotiation tactics.
Time and Stress Management: They handle the complex and time-consuming aspects of the claims process, allowing policyholders to focus on recovery.
Maximized Settlements: Studies have shown that policyholders who use public adjusters often receive higher settlements than those who handle claims themselves.
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.
Member, International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
