Inspection
Independent vs. Company Adjuster: Know Who Is Writing Your Scope
Independent adjusters are contracted by the carrier. Company adjusters are employees. Both represent the carrier, but their incentives differ.
Read this before the adjuster arrives.
The inspection is the most consequential meeting in your claim. Preparation makes the difference.
Independent adjusters are contracted by the carrier. Company adjusters are employees. Both represent the carrier, but their incentives differ.
Tactical
What to do
Independent adjusters handle CAT team work during surges. They are paid per claim. Thorough work costs them time. Company adjusters are salaried and have different metrics. Both should produce thorough scopes, but independent adjuster turnaround often compromises depth. Verify and document.
Checklist
Key action items
Pre-inspection checklist
- ✓Photograph everything before the adjuster arrives
- ✓Have your policy declarations page ready
- ✓Note your questions in advance
- ✓Keep communications factual and concise
- ✓Document the inspection independently
- ✓Do not sign scope agreements the same day
Free claim review
Get a free claim review from a licensed Florida public adjuster.
We review your policy and estimate at no cost. If we take your case, our fee only comes from the increased recovery.
- ✓Licensed Florida public adjusters
- ✓We work for policyholders, not insurance companies
- ✓No fee unless we recover more than you were offered
What kind of damage?
Pick the closest match. We will ask for details later.
Watch for these
Red flags
- RUInspection rushed under 30 minutes on substantial damage
- SIPressure to sign scope sheet or agreement onsite
- RERequest for recorded statement before documentation is complete
- FAQuick settlement offer before full scope is known
Recovery
What if they already...
If you already signed something you should not have, the 14-day rescission rights under FS 627.7152 may apply to certain documents (notably AOBs). For recorded statements you wish you had not made, you can supplement with written clarification. For scope agreements, you can request re-inspection. A licensed Florida public adjuster can review and advise.
No obligation. No fee unless recovery.
Inspection coming up? Claim already in motion? Free review.
Licensed Florida public adjuster.
More inspection help
Related inspection topics
What to Expect When the Adjuster Arrives
The first inspection visit sets the tone for the entire claim. What happens, who does what, and what to have ready.
What to Say to a Florida Insurance Adjuster
The adjuster is a carrier employee, not your advocate. Language choices during inspection echo through the claim. Here is how to talk.
What NOT to Say to an Insurance Adjuster
Statements that hurt claims. Speculation, apologies, cost estimates you cannot back up. Avoid these.
Red Flags During Your Carrier Inspection
When the inspection is being rushed, under-scoped, or pressure-tested, these are the signs. Know what to look for.
Questions a Good Adjuster Should Ask You
A thorough inspection includes specific questions. If they skip these, they are under-scoping.
Free claim review
Still building your claim? We can help right now.
A licensed Florida public adjuster will review your policy and loss documentation for free.
- ✓Licensed Florida public adjusters
- ✓We work for policyholders, not insurance companies
- ✓No fee unless we recover more than you were offered
What kind of damage?
Pick the closest match. We will ask for details later.
Know the law
Related statutes
FS 626.854 Public Adjuster Licensing
Your right to professional representation.
FS 627.70131 Carrier Duties
What carriers must do and when.
FS 627.70132 Notice Deadlines
When you must file.
FS 627.7142 Homeowner Bill of Rights
What the carrier owes you.
FS 626.9744 Matching
Reasonable matching requirement.
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Inspection
Other inspection topics
Bringing Your Contractor to the Adjuster Inspection
Another inspection-day topic for Florida policyholders.
When the Carrier Brings in an Engineer
Another inspection-day topic for Florida policyholders.
What to Expect When the Adjuster Arrives
Another inspection-day topic for Florida policyholders.
Red Flags During Your Carrier Inspection
Another inspection-day topic for Florida policyholders.
Questions You Should Ask the Carrier Adjuster
Another inspection-day topic for Florida policyholders.
Free claim review
Your policy says more than you think. Find out what you are actually owed.
Licensed Florida public adjusters. Free claim review. No recovery, no fee.
- ✓Licensed Florida public adjusters
- ✓We work for policyholders, not insurance companies
- ✓No fee unless we recover more than you were offered
What kind of damage?
Pick the closest match. We will ask for details later.
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