When you file an insurance claim, it’s easy to assume everyone involved is working in your best interest. But the truth is, most insurance adjusters don’t work for you—they work for the insurance company.

Insurance companies assign adjusters to assess damage, calculate payouts, and manage the claims process. Their role is to protect the company’s financial interests—not maximize your payout.

That’s why it’s so important to understand who’s really on your side. The kind of adjuster handling your claim can make a huge difference in how much you recover—and how smoothly the process goes. If you’re not familiar with the types of adjusters and what their roles mean for you, you could end up settling for far less than you’re entitled to.

The Breakdown: Company, Independent, and Public Adjusters

Not all adjusters are created equal—and who they work for makes all the difference. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the key differences:

Type of Adjuster Who They Work For Their Priority
Company Adjuster Insurance company (employee) Minimize the claim payout to protect company funds
Independent Adjuster Insurance company (contracted) Same goal as company adjuster: control costs
Public Adjuster You, the policyholder Maximize your payout and protect your interests

Company and independent adjusters may seem helpful, but it’s important to remember who they represent. Their role is to serve the insurance company’s interests by keeping payouts as low as reasonably possible. That’s their job.

Public adjusters work solely for you—assessing your damages, interpreting your policy, and negotiating with the insurer to help secure a fair settlement.

What Insurance Adjusters Won’t Tell You About Your Policy

Insurance policies are dense, technical documents—and unless you read every line, it’s easy to miss what’s truly covered (and what’s not). Most insurance adjusters won’t take the time to walk you through the fine print. Instead, they’ll offer a quick explanation of what they say is covered and move on.

Here’s what often goes unsaid:

  • Exclusions aren’t always final. Adjusters may cite exclusions like “wear and tear” or “neglect” that don’t actually apply to your situation.
  • Policy language is open to interpretation. Vague terms can be used to justify denial or underpayment—even when coverage exists.
  • You don’t have to accept the first offer. Initial estimates are often lower than what’s truly needed to repair or replace your loss.
  • You can have someone on your side. Adjusters may not mention that you have the right to hire a public adjuster to represent your interests.

These oversights aren’t always intentional—but they happen. And when they do, policyholders often walk away with less than they deserve simply because they didn’t know what questions to ask.

Why a Public Adjuster Puts You in Control

A public adjuster levels the playing field. Instead of relying on the insurance company’s assessment, you have your own licensed professional who understands the policy language, knows how to document damage properly, and negotiates directly with the insurer on your behalf.

At IRPA, we work exclusively for policyholders in Ohio and Michigan. Our goal is to take the pressure off you while making sure your claim gets the attention it deserves. We help you:

  • Understand what your policy really covers
  • Avoid common claim mistakes
  • Build a strong, well-documented claim
  • Push back on low offers or unfair denials

When to Get a Public Adjuster Involved

The best time to involve a public adjuster is as early as possible—but even if your claim is already in progress or was recently denied, it’s not too late.

Here are a few signs it’s time to call IRPA:

  • You’re confused about what your policy actually covers
  • The insurance company’s offer seems too low
  • Your claim was denied or closed without a full explanation
  • The damage is complex, widespread, or involves a business interruption
  • You’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure what to do next

Public adjusters like IRPA can review your claim, identify any missed opportunities, and help guide the process toward a fairer result. And the sooner you reach out, the more options you may have.

Take the Guesswork Out of Your Claim

Insurance adjusters may not tell you everything—but we will. At Indemnity Resolution Public Adjusters (IRPA), we’re here to advocate for you, explain your options clearly, and make sure no detail gets overlooked.

If you’re unsure about your claim—or just want a second opinion—we’re ready to help.