Hiring a public adjuster in Louisiana is not as ubiquitous of a practice as it is in other states. This is in part because until recently, property insurance companies in Louisiana were able to prevent their policyholders from doing so. That is no longer the case. Effective August 1, 2023, Senate Bill 156 was signed into law. The new law prohibits insurers from inserting anti-public adjuster clauses into property insurance policies.
Now, the choice to hire a public adjuster to assist with the claims process is entirely up to homeowners, but is it a good idea to do so if you experience wind damage to your Louisiana property?
For many property owners, the answer is yes.
Why Hire a Public Adjuster
If you’ve filed a wind insurance claim in Louisiana only to have it denied or underpaid, you know how frustrating the claims process can be. Not only does it add undue stress and anxiety to an already difficult time, but it also leaves you financially on the hook for repairing your damaged home.
To relieve some of this burden and ensure you receive your rightful claim amount, it can be helpful to work with a public adjuster and/or an insurance law attorney on the claims process. Both professionals work on the homeowner’s behalf (not the insurance company’s) and their advocacy means you stand a fighting chance against your insurance provider.
What is the Difference Between a Public Adjuster and an Insurance Law Attorney?
Public adjusters and attorneys both help with your wind damage claim, though they work in different capacities. Public adjusters focus primarily on handling the claims process. This includes gathering all documentation and submitting the claim on your behalf. Attorneys step in to handle the negotiation and other legal aspects of the claim process, including litigation, disputes, and bad faith claims.
Deciding whether you need a public adjuster or an attorney to help with your wind damage claim in Louisiana depends on the specifics of your situation. Here are some instances where hiring a public adjuster can be particularly helpful.
When to Hire a Public Adjuster for Your Wind Damage Claim
A public adjuster can be invaluable in situations where you need assistance with the initial filing and valuation of your wind damage claim. Here are some other scenarios where a public adjuster might be beneficial:
- Your claim is complex – If your wind damage is extensive or involves multiple aspects of your property (e.g., the roof, windows, siding, and/or interior damage), a public adjuster can help ensure that all damages are thoroughly documented and valued correctly.
- You don’t have time – The claims process is time-consuming. If you are too busy or overwhelmed to manage it yourself, a public adjuster can handle all aspects of the claim, including documentation and communication with the insurer.
- You lack experience – Insurance policies and the claims process are unnecessarily complex. If you’ve never filed a claim before (and even if you have), a public adjuster’s expertise can help you avoid mistakes and ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Public adjusters are experts in the insurance claims process. If you experience wind damage to your property, a call to a public adjuster may be a good place to start the claims process. If, however, challenges ensue and there becomes a dispute with the insurance company, you may need to escalate to an attorney. Our experienced legal team at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie has been helping homeowners with their wind and hurricane insurance claims for decades. We have more than 50 years of combined legal expertise and are here to ensure you receive the relief you deserve for your insurance claim in New Orleans and throughout the state of Louisiana. If you have questions about a property insurance claim, turn to one of our claims advisors in Louisiana for answers.
