Using a Public Adjuster Reduces Litigation

Oct. 26, 2015 — Insurance claims rarely — if ever — end up in litigation, say experts, and never for damages. In the event of a disputed claim, every insurance policy affords either party an appraisal for matters of value, which is binding arbitration. A public adjuster also ensures litigation is rarely taken. 

"You go and ask a contractor for an estimate to repair your building and the contractor says he wants $750,000 and the insurance company says, no, it is only worth $500,000," says Bob D'Amore, president of the New York Public Adjusters Association, an approximately 100-year-old organization that brings together 164 of the roughly 400 licensed public adjusters in the state. "Somewhere in there is the truth. How do you come to that truth and maximize the recovery? That is what a good public adjuster can do."

Steve Gutenplan, president of Affiliated Adjustment Group (AAG), says relationships with insurance companies blow hot and cold but the majority of claims are settled professionally, without conflict. "[Insurance companies] are not my best friends and they don't give me a blank check, but we know how to co-exist," he says. "Either we have fought in the past and want to find an amicable resolution to a claim, or I'm going to make them not want to fight with me again. Usually we are pretty successful."