Work With a North Carolina Public Adjuster
If you own a home or business in North Carolina and you're facing a property damage claim, hiring a Public Adjuster can make a real difference. Whether you're dealing with hurricane wind damage, flooding, hail, a burst pipe, or a fire, a North Carolina Public Adjuster can document your loss, negotiate with your insurer, and help you recover the full settlement your policy promises.
What Is a Public Adjuster?
North Carolina law recognizes three types of adjusters. Company adjusters work for your insurance company. Independent adjusters are hired by your insurance company on contract. Both are paid by the insurer and represent the insurer's interests.
A Public Adjuster is the only one who works for you. Licensed by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, a Public Adjuster helps policyholders prepare, present, and settle first-party property claims. They handle residential and commercial claims, and can even help with renters' insurance claims. You can hire one at any point in your claim, but bringing one on early lets them document damage before repairs or cleanup change the scene.
How Much Does a Public Adjuster Cost in North Carolina?
Most North Carolina Public Adjusters work on contingency, meaning their fee is a percentage of the settlement they help you recover. State law requires the fee, including the exact percentage if it's percentage-based, to be spelled out in your contract, along with estimates for any expenses that will be reimbursed from your claim payment.
When the Governor or President declares a catastrophic incident, North Carolina caps Public Adjuster fees at 10% of your insurance settlement, and a Public Adjuster can't collect any fee, retainer, or deposit until your claim is settled.
North Carolina adds other fee protections, too:
- Paid as you're paid: Your Public Adjuster takes a percentage of each insurance check as it's issued. They can't take their entire fee from the first check, or collect on money your insurer owes but hasn't paid.
- No surprise charges: Contracts can't include late fees or collection costs.
- Fast full payouts: If your insurer pays or commits in writing to pay your full policy limit within 72 hours of your claim being reported, your Public Adjuster can't take a percentage of it. They can only charge reasonable compensation for the time they actually spent and the expenses they incurred.
Your Rights When You Hire a Public Adjuster
North Carolina law spells out clear protections for anyone who hires a Public Adjuster. Before you sign, your adjuster must hand you a separate written disclosure that explains the three types of adjusters. It also confirms that you're never required to hire a Public Adjuster and that you can always talk directly with your insurance company.
- A written contract: It must be titled "Public Adjuster Contract" and list the adjuster's license number, the services provided, and the full fee.
- Three days to cancel: You can cancel in writing within three business days of signing. Anything you paid must be returned within 15 business days.
- No hidden conflicts: Your Public Adjuster must disclose any financial interest in contractors, salvage firms, or other companies working on your claim.
- Your name on the check: No contract can require your insurer to pay only the Public Adjuster.
Are North Carolina Public Adjusters Licensed?
Yes. It's illegal to act as a Public Adjuster in North Carolina without a license from the NC Department of Insurance. Every licensed Public Adjuster must pass a state and federal background check and carry a $20,000 surety bond or letter of credit, which protects consumers from fraud and unfair practices. Public adjusting companies need their own business entity license too.
Always verify a Public Adjuster's license with the NC Department of Insurance before you sign. If you're interested in learning about license requirements in other states, you can access the 50-state database of Public Adjuster license requirements by state.
Tiger Adjusters® Will Stand Up For Your Claim
Tiger Adjusters® is backed by a nationwide network of licensed claim professionals. With local teams across North Carolina, we know the state's insurance regulations and we know what storms here can do to a property. We work to recover everything your policy provides, so you have what you need to rebuild.
- Statewide Knowledge: From Asheville to Wilmington, Tiger Adjusters® understands North Carolina's insurance laws and claim procedures, and we'll walk you through every step.
- Skilled Adjusters: Our Public Adjusters find the damage others miss, from hidden roof damage after a hailstorm to water intrusion after a hurricane, and document it properly.
- Insurance Claim Specialists: Your insurer has adjusters looking out for its interests. Hiring Tiger Adjusters® levels the playing field so your settlement reflects the full scope of your covered damage.
Nick Sullivan
Owner/Operator and Public Adjuster
West Charlotte, North Carolina
NC #22185327
(704) 464-7620