Appraisers vs. Public Adjusters

Many contractors confuse these two roles. Both work for the policyholder, but their authority and timing are completely different.

Public Adjusters

• Licensed by the state to handle the entire claim
• Negotiate with the carrier on the insured's behalf
• Typically engaged early in the claim
• Paid as a percentage of the settlement

Appraisers

• Engaged only after the appraisal clause is invoked
• Resolve disputes about the amount of loss
• Must be competent and impartial (the policy requires it)
• Usually paid a flat fee or hourly

When You Need an Appraiser

You need an appraiser when the carrier and the policyholder cannot agree on the dollar amount of damage — even if a public adjuster is already involved. The appraiser then becomes the policyholder's representative on the appraisal panel.

American Appraisals works seamlessly alongside public adjusters and attorneys.