br Best public Adjuster in charleston.(866)-853-1765 br An “independent adjuster” means a person licensed as an all-lines adjuster who is self-appointed or appointed and employed by an independent adjusting firm or other independent adjuster, and who undertakes on behalf of an insurer to ascertain and determine the amount of any claim, loss, or damage payable under an insurance contract or undertakes to effect settlement of such claim, loss, or damage. br br br Public adjuster Gary Thompson, of Innovative Public Adjusters, encourages policyholders to always request a business card from independent and company adjusters and to ask these questions: br Who does the adjuster work for and to whom does he report? Get names. br Is he or she familiar with your insurance policy? Do they have a copy with them? br What have they been asked to do in connection with your claim? br Do they have authority or the ability to resolve the claim with you directly? br Will the adjuster send information from the visit to the insurance company? br When will this information be submitted and what happens next? br Does the adjuster need any information from you? br You may be surprised by the answers to the questions. And if the adjuster seems to avoid answering these questions or does not answer them to your satisfaction, policyholder should be aware that in a majority of states they can hire a public adjuster to work on their behalf presenting and pursuing the claim with the insurance company. While this may be your first claim, an experienced public adjuster professionally handles various types of losses and knows what is acceptable and unacceptable in connection with a claim evaluation by your insurance company. br Next week, look for more discussion on the role of the independent adjuster and their ability to bind insurance companies in negotiations and decisions.