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Same word, opposite jobs

After a loss, an adjuster will assess your damage — but "adjuster" describes two very different roles. The adjuster your insurance company sends (a staff or independent adjuster) works for the insurer: their job is to evaluate the claim on the company's behalf. A public adjuster is the licensed professional who works for the policyholder — hired by you, representing your side of the same claim.

Side by side

Who they work for

Insurance company adjuster
The insurance company
Public adjuster
You — the policyholder

Whose interest drives the estimate

Insurance company adjuster
The insurer’s assessment of the loss
Public adjuster
The full scope of loss your policy covers

Who pays them

Insurance company adjuster
The insurance company
Public adjuster
Paid from the settlement — with UPA, nothing out of your pocket

Their role in negotiation

Insurance company adjuster
Presents and defends the insurer’s number
Public adjuster
Documents, challenges, and negotiates on your behalf

Why the difference matters

The insurer's estimate is the starting point for what gets paid. If no one on your side independently documents the loss, the insurer's number is the only number in the room. UPA inspects the damage independently, builds the complete scope of loss, applies the coverages in your policy, and negotiates with the insurance company as your advocate — from first filing, or after an offer or denial has already landed.

Adjuster FAQ

Is the insurance company’s adjuster on my side?

The company adjuster is usually professional and courteous, but their role is to assess your loss on the insurer’s behalf. They are not your advocate. A public adjuster is the licensed professional whose job is to represent you, the policyholder, in the claim.

Can I have my own adjuster if the insurance company already sent one?

Yes. The insurer’s adjuster and a public adjuster are not either/or — the company will assess the claim regardless, and you have the right to your own representation alongside that process. A public adjuster can be involved from the first notice of loss or brought in later, including after an offer or a denial.

What does hiring a public adjuster through UPA cost?

Nothing out of pocket. With UPA, we never take a penny out of a property or business owner’s pocket — our fee is covered by the overhead and profit built into the insurance settlement itself. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, our interest is aligned with getting you the full settlement your policy owes.