When your home or business suffers from a fire, you expect your insurance company to handle your claim fairly. But insurance adjusters assigned by your insurer work for their company—not for you. That’s where a public adjuster can make a difference.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, we often work alongside trusted public adjusters to ensure Mississippi property owners get the full and fair compensation they’re entitled to under their fire insurance policies. Understanding the role of a public adjuster can help you decide whether hiring one could strengthen your fire damage claim.
What Is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents you, the policyholder—not the insurance company. Their job is to evaluate the full scope of your fire damage, calculate your financial losses, and help you negotiate a better settlement with your insurer.
While insurance companies send their own adjusters to protect their bottom line, public adjusters are hired by you to protect your financial interests during the claims process.
What Does a Public Adjuster Do in a Fire Damage Claim?
1. Evaluates the Full Extent of Fire Damage
Public adjusters conduct a thorough inspection of your property, often uncovering damage that the insurance company’s adjuster misses or downplays, including:
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Structural damage
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Smoke and soot infiltration
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Water damage from firefighting efforts
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Hidden damage behind walls, ceilings, or floors
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Mold caused by residual moisture
They also help document everything, which is crucial in proving the true cost of your loss.
2. Reviews Your Insurance Policy
A public adjuster analyzes the fine print of your policy, including:
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Coverage limits for dwelling, personal property, and loss of use
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Ordinance and law coverage (for code upgrades)
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Deductibles and depreciation clauses
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Exclusions and endorsements
Their goal is to maximize your claim within the bounds of your policy, ensuring you don’t leave money on the table.
3. Prepares a Detailed Damage Estimate
Public adjusters prepare line-by-line estimates that reflect the actual cost of repairs, replacements, and restoration. Their reports include:
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Labor and materials
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Temporary housing (if applicable)
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Replacement value of personal property
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Business interruption losses (for commercial claims)
This estimate becomes the basis for negotiating a larger payout.
4. Manages Communication with the Insurance Company
Public adjusters take over day-to-day claim management, including:
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Handling paperwork and claim forms
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Responding to insurer requests
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Attending inspections with the insurance company’s adjuster
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Presenting evidence of damage
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Challenging lowball offers or partial denials
This removes the burden from you and helps prevent missteps that insurers might use to delay or deny your claim.
5. Negotiates for a Fair Settlement
A public adjuster negotiates directly with the insurance company to seek a full and fair settlement. This includes:
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Countering undervalued estimates
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Disputing denied portions of your claim
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Pushing back on unfair depreciation
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Advocating for full coverage of legitimate losses
Their experience and knowledge of insurance practices make them a powerful ally when insurance companies aren’t playing fair.
How Are Public Adjusters Paid?
Public adjusters typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
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They don’t get paid unless you recover money.
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Their fee is a percentage of your final settlement, often ranging from 5% to 15%.
In many cases, the increased payout they help secure more than offsets their fee.
When Should You Hire a Public Adjuster for a Fire Claim?
Consider hiring a public adjuster if:
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Your insurer lowballed your repair estimate.
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Your claim is delayed or ignored.
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You’ve been offered a partial settlement that doesn’t cover your losses.
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You’re overwhelmed by the claim process.
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You want a second opinion before accepting the insurance company’s offer.
Public adjusters are especially helpful in large-loss fire claims, where damages are complex and insurers are likely to push back on full payouts.
Public Adjuster vs. Fire Insurance Claim Attorney: What’s the Difference?
While both professionals work to protect your financial interests, they serve different roles:
Public Adjuster | Fire Insurance Attorney |
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Licensed to assess and negotiate claims | Licensed to practice law and sue insurers |
Focuses on estimating losses and negotiating settlements | Focuses on legal issues and enforcing policy rights |
Cannot sue the insurance company | Can file lawsuits for breach of contract or bad faith |
Paid via contingency fee | Often works on contingency or hourly rate depending on case |
In complex or denied claims, a fire insurance lawyer and a public adjuster often work together to achieve the best outcome.
Mississippi Fire Claim Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to hire a public adjuster in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi law allows policyholders to hire licensed public adjusters to represent their interests in property insurance claims.
Can I hire both a public adjuster and an attorney?
Absolutely. In fact, for complex or disputed claims, having both professionals on your side can improve your chances of full recovery.
Do I have to use the insurance company’s adjuster?
No. You are not obligated to accept the insurer’s evaluation or use their preferred contractors. You have the right to seek your own assessments and challenge their findings.
Will a public adjuster help if I’ve already received a low settlement offer?
Yes. A public adjuster can reopen your claim and submit new documentation to support a higher payout, especially if you didn’t realize the full scope of damage.
What if my claim has already been denied?
In that case, you should consult a fire insurance claim attorney immediately. Denials often require legal action—not just claim negotiation.
Fire Insurance Claim Denied or Underpaid? Call Mississippi Fire Insurance Claim Attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation
If your fire insurance claim has been delayed, underpaid, or denied, and you’re not sure what to do next, Barrett Law, PLLC is here to help. We work with trusted public adjusters and legal experts to make sure you get every dollar your policy owes you.
📞 Call (601) 790-1505 for a FREE consultation—available 24/7/365. We represent clients across Mississippi, including Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Southaven, Oxford, Tupelo, Meridian, Madison, and beyond.