Free Review.
Schedule a free review to discuss your claim with our team at no cost or obligation.
Bring whatever you have. The policy, the carrier’s letters, photos. If we can’t add value, we’ll say so.
How It Works
How Does a Public Adjuster Work?
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance adjuster who works for you, the policyholder, and not for the insurance company. We read your policy, measure and document the loss, build the claim and negotiate the settlement with your insurer. You decide on every offer. With Blue Star, one senior adjuster leads your claim from the first call to the final settlement.
Our ability to affect your outcome diminishes with time.
- No upfront cost
- You always have final say on any settlement
- CA DOI License No. 6015234
Five Steps. You Have the Final Say.
The Public Adjuster Process, Step by Step
Policy Review.
We read the whole policy, endorsements included. We identify all avenues of recovery available under your policy.
- Dwelling
- Other structures
- Contents
- Loss of use
- Code upgrades
- Debris removal
Each bucket gets measured on its own.
Scope the Loss.
We participate in determining the full scope of your loss from day one.
Moisture mapping, industrial hygiene testing, and structural review where the loss calls for it.
Build Your Claim.
We prepare and present a detailed, itemized claim package on your behalf, with your approval. It’s written trade by trade and priced to current code.
Negotiate the Settlement.
We negotiate the claim with your insurer, line by line. The senior adjuster who scoped your loss is the one at the table.
You always have final say on any settlement.
Who Does What.
| You | We |
|---|---|
| Approve the claim package | Build it |
| Decide on every offer | Negotiate it |
| Keep receipts for living costs | Claim them |
| Get back to work and family | Attend every inspection and meeting |
Public Adjuster, Insurance Company Adjuster or Attorney?
All three can be part of a property claim. They work for different people.
| Insurance company adjuster | Public adjuster | Attorney | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works for | The insurance company | You, the policyholder | You |
| What they do | Inspects the loss and settles the claim for the insurer | Reads the policy, measures the loss, builds and negotiates the claim | Gives legal advice and takes a dispute to court |
| How they’re paid | By the insurance company | No upfront cost. We’re paid a percentage of what we recover. | Set by your agreement with them |
Works for
Insurance company adjusterThe insurance company
Public adjusterYou, the policyholder
AttorneyYou
What they do
Insurance company adjusterInspects the loss and settles the claim for the insurer
Public adjusterReads the policy, measures the loss, builds and negotiates the claim
AttorneyGives legal advice and takes a dispute to court
How they’re paid
Insurance company adjusterBy the insurance company
Public adjusterNo upfront cost. We’re paid a percentage of what we recover.
AttorneySet by your agreement with them
We don’t give legal advice. When a claim needs counsel, we work alongside your attorney.
The Contract, in Plain Terms.
Cal. Ins. Code 15027
Your fee is written into it. So is the line California requires:
“We represent the insured only.”In California you may cancel within three business days of signing and receiving the contract, or five calendar days if your property is in a declared catastrophic disaster area.
No upfront cost. We’re paid a percentage of what we recover. In California, our fee can never leave you with less than your insurer had already paid before you hired us.
Public adjuster fees, explainedHow to Check a Public Adjuster’s License
Public adjusters in California are licensed by the California Department of Insurance. Before you sign, look the license number up on the Department’s license search. Ours is CA DOI License No. 6015234.
When a Public Adjuster May Not Be Worth It
On a small loss, or when the carrier’s offer is already fair, our fee may outweigh what we add. We’ll tell you so at the free review, before you sign anything.
Before You Call
- Get safe. Don’t go back in until officials clear the property.
- Photograph and video everything before anything is moved or cleaned.
- Don’t throw anything away until it’s documented, even if it’s ruined.
- Don’t sign on the spot with anyone, including a public adjuster.
- Get the loss measured before the first estimate is final.
Questions About How a Public Adjuster Works
Does hiring a public adjuster slow the claim down?
It can. A 2010 Florida state study of claims at Citizens Property Insurance (OPPAGA Report 10-06) found that claims with a public adjuster took longer to settle than claims without one, and that the payments were higher before fees. More of the loss gets measured and argued, and that takes time.
Do I still talk to my insurer?
You can. Most clients prefer we handle it.
Will my insurer treat me differently?
Carriers work with public adjusters every day. The difference is what gets measured.
When should I call a public adjuster?
As early as you can. Bringing us in before the first estimate is final, and before anything is thrown away, gives us the most room to work. If you already have an offer, it’s usually not too late.
Call Before the Carrier Sets the Narrative.
Your insurance company has an adjuster protecting their interests. You have the right to one too.
Field photograph