Written by First Restoration America, Inc.
Published on June 2025
A public adjuster represents you, the policyholder, and a company adjuster represents your insurance carrier. These two professionals have opposite loyalties, and that difference can change your claim payout by thousands of dollars. This article covers how each adjuster works, what they cost, and when Charlotte-area homeowners should consider hiring a public adjuster.
Understand the Core Role of Each Type of Adjuster
Every property damage claim involves at least one adjuster. That adjuster inspects the damage, reviews your policy, and assigns a dollar value to your loss. The key is knowing whose interests that adjuster is protecting.
An insurance company adjuster is employed by or contracted by your insurer. Their job is to evaluate your claim according to your policy terms. They are trained to apply coverage limits, exclusions, and depreciation formulas that often reduce the final payout.
A public adjuster is a licensed professional you hire independently. They work on your behalf to document damage thoroughly, interpret policy language in your favor, and negotiate a higher settlement with the insurance company.
Think of it this way. The insurance adjuster is the other team’s player. The public adjuster is your player. Having your own expert in your corner during a major water damage or fire claim can make a real difference.
Compare Public Adjusters and Insurance Adjusters Side by Side
The table below outlines the most important differences between these two adjuster types so you can quickly see how they differ in practice.
| Factor | Public Adjuster | Insurance Company Adjuster |
|---|---|---|
| Who they work for | The policyholder (you) | The insurance company |
| How they are paid | Percentage of your settlement (typically 10-20%) | Salary or flat fee paid by insurer |
| Goal | Maximize your claim payout | Evaluate and limit claim cost for insurer |
| Who hires them | You, the homeowner | Your insurance company |
| Licensing required | Yes, state-licensed in NC and SC | Yes, employed/contracted by carrier |
| When involved | When you choose to hire one | Automatically assigned after you file |
| Negotiation role | Negotiates on your behalf | Sets initial offer for insurer |
Learn How Public Adjuster Fees Work in North Carolina and South Carolina
Public adjusters in North Carolina and South Carolina are paid a contingency fee. This means they take a percentage of whatever settlement amount they help you recover. You pay nothing upfront.
In the Greater Charlotte Metro Area, including communities like Concord, Gastonia, Indian Trail, and Fort Mill, SC, public adjuster fees typically fall in the following ranges.
| Claim Size | Typical Public Adjuster Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under $10,000 | 15-20% | Smaller claims may have higher percentage |
| $10,000 to $50,000 | 10-15% | Most common range for water and fire claims |
| $50,000 to $100,000 | 8-12% | Larger claims often negotiated at lower rate |
| Over $100,000 | 5-10% | Major losses, commercial or total loss |
North Carolina caps public adjuster fees at 15% for most residential claims. South Carolina has its own regulations. Always ask for the fee agreement in writing before you sign anything.
Even after paying the fee, many homeowners end up with more money in hand than they would have received from the insurance company’s first offer alone.
Recognize When Hiring a Public Adjuster Makes Sense
Not every claim requires a public adjuster. A minor water leak with a clear cause and a small repair bill is usually handled fine through the standard process. But there are situations where hiring one is a smart move.
Consider a public adjuster when:
- Your claim is denied or the payout offer feels too low.
- The damage is extensive, such as a flooded basement or major fire damage.
- You do not understand your policy or the adjuster’s damage estimate.
- The insurer’s estimate leaves out significant repairs or contents replacement.
- You are filing a mold remediation claim and need detailed documentation.
- The claim involves both structure and personal property losses.
- You are rebuilding after a storm and juggling multiple contractor quotes.
In the Matthews and Charlotte areas, First Restoration America, Inc. works alongside homeowners and public adjusters regularly. We provide detailed damage documentation that supports accurate claim estimates, which can strengthen your position during negotiations.
Understand How the Insurance Company Adjuster Process Works
When you file a claim, your insurer assigns an adjuster. This can be a staff adjuster who is a full-time employee, or an independent adjuster who is a contractor brought in during high-demand periods like after a major storm.
After large weather events in the Charlotte Metro Area, including Huntersville, Cornelius, Mooresville, and Davidson, insurance companies often use independent adjusters because they are overwhelmed with volume. These adjusters may be unfamiliar with local building costs or codes specific to Mecklenburg County or Gaston County.
The insurance adjuster will typically do the following:
- Schedule an inspection of the damaged property.
- Document visible damage with photos and notes.
- Use estimating software (often Xactimate) to price repairs.
- Apply depreciation to reduce the payout on older materials or systems.
- Issue a claim estimate and settlement offer.
The estimate generated by software does not always reflect actual contractor costs in your specific area. Local labor rates in Charlotte, Belmont, or Tega Cay, SC may be higher than what the default software values assume.
Know What a Restoration Company’s Role Is in the Claims Process
A restoration company like First Restoration America, Inc. is not an adjuster of any kind. We do not set your settlement amount. Our role is to document damage accurately, perform mitigation, and provide a detailed scope of work for repairs.
That detailed scope is critical. When our team responds to a water damage call in Mint Hill, Stallings, Waxhaw, or Pineville, we produce written documentation of all affected areas, moisture readings, and required work. This documentation can be used by you, your public adjuster, or your insurance adjuster to support a fair claim.
We work with all insurance companies and can communicate directly with adjusters on your behalf if you request it. We do not steer you toward a public adjuster, but we do support whatever process you choose.
Our priority is restoring your home correctly. A fair insurance settlement makes that possible.
FAQs on Public Adjusters vs Insurance Company Adjusters
Can I hire a public adjuster after the insurance company has already made an offer?
Yes, you can hire a public adjuster at almost any point during an open claim, even after an initial offer has been made. They can request a reinspection or file a supplemental claim if additional damage was missed. Act quickly, as there are deadlines tied to your policy.
Does hiring a public adjuster slow down my claim in Charlotte?
It can add time because the process involves additional negotiation and documentation. However, many homeowners find the higher settlement is worth the extra weeks. A good public adjuster keeps things moving and communicates with the insurer regularly to avoid unnecessary delays.
Is a public adjuster the same as a contractor who works with insurance companies?
No. A contractor estimates and performs physical repairs. A public adjuster is a licensed claims professional who handles the financial and documentation side of your insurance claim. Some restoration companies offer to manage your claim informally, but only licensed public adjusters can legally negotiate with your insurer on your behalf in NC and SC.
What is an independent adjuster and how are they different from a staff adjuster?
Both work for the insurance company, not for you. A staff adjuster is a full-time employee of the insurer. An independent adjuster is a freelancer hired by the insurer during high-volume periods like major storms. Neither represents your interests, which is why hiring your own public adjuster is sometimes worth considering.
Do I need a public adjuster for a small water damage claim?
For small, clearly defined claims under a few thousand dollars, the cost of a public adjuster may not be justified. But if the damage is hidden, extensive, or if the initial offer seems low, getting a free consultation from a public adjuster costs you nothing and can reveal whether pursuing one makes financial sense.
Will my insurance rates go up if I hire a public adjuster?
Hiring a public adjuster does not directly affect your premium. Your rate is tied to the claim itself, not to who helped you file it. Insurance companies set premiums based on claim history and risk factors, not whether a public adjuster was involved.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
The bottom line is simple. A public adjuster works for you, and an insurance company adjuster works for the insurer. Knowing who is on your side helps you make better decisions after water damage, fire, or mold affects your home.
If you need accurate damage documentation to support your claim, First Restoration America, Inc. is ready to help. We serve Charlotte, Matthews, Concord, Gastonia, Mooresville, Fort Mill, SC, and all surrounding communities in the Greater Charlotte Metro Area.
Call us today at 18883205944 to schedule an inspection or request a detailed damage assessment that you can use throughout your claims process.
