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Using A Professional vs. Adjusting Your Own Loss

After a property loss, you are immediately placed into a complex and unfamiliar process.

One that insurance companies navigate every day, but most policyholders experience only once. The decisions made in the early stages of a claim can significantly impact the outcome of your recovery. Below is a side-by-side comparison outlining the differences between hiring a professional public adjuster and attempting to manage the claim on your own.

GREAT PLAINS ADJUSTERS INTERNATIONAL

YOURSELF

Experience

Adjusting property losses since 1946. Thousands of claims successfully settled.
In-house building experts, inventory specialists, accountants, attorneys & adjusters.
Members of NAPIA
Licensed in all states requiring it.li>
Deep knowledge of policy interpretation & application.

Likely first and only loss.

Inventory

Professional inventory preparation.
Extensive prior-claim database.
Accurate replacement cost & depreciation analysis.
Expertise in repair vs. replace decisions.
Proactive instead of reactive.

Limited experience preparing inventories.
Emotional involvement reduces objectivity.
Must rely on insurer guidance.
Reactive approach.

Building Scope

We dictate scope.
Extensive fire claim experience.
Familiar with carrier adjusters & estimators.
Proactive management of repair & settlement.

Insurance company determines scope.
Carrier controls process.
Little experience with fire repairs.
Reactive approach.

Control of Adjustment

We dictate manner & method of adjustment.
Experienced in moving settlement to conclusion.

Process dictated by insurance company.

Cost

Percentage of settlement.
Incentive to maximize recovery.

Likely smaller recovery.
Lost time & productivity.

Speed

Incentive to expedite settlement.

Rushing settlement may reduce recovery.

Control of Settlement

You have final say.

You have final say.