When a property claim stalls, owners hear about three kinds of help. They do different jobs, and starting with the right one saves time and money.
Insurance appraiser
An appraiser values the loss. Within the appraisal process, each side’s appraiser works out the amount of loss, and an umpire resolves differences. Appraisal fits when coverage is accepted and the dispute is about money.
Public adjuster
A public adjuster is licensed to represent policyholders in preparing and negotiating claims, often from the start of the claim. In Rhode Island, public adjusters are licensed through the Department of Business Regulation.
Attorney
An attorney handles legal questions: denials, coverage disputes, bad-faith claims, deadlines and lawsuits. If a suit-limitation date is close or your claim was denied, start here.
A quick way to decide
- Claim denied, or a deadline is close: attorney.
- Claim just starting and you want someone to manage it: public adjuster.
- Coverage accepted, number disputed: appraiser.
We’ll tell you on the first call if your claim needs someone other than us.