Public Adjuster FAQ

A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents you, the policyholder, in a property insurance claim. The insurance company has its own adjuster; we work only for you. We review your policy, inspect and document the damage, prepare a detailed estimate, file and support the claim, and negotiate with your insurer for a fair settlement.

You pay nothing upfront. We are paid a percentage of the insurance settlement we help you recover, so if there is no recovery, there is no fee. Florida law caps public adjuster fees (section 626.854, Florida Statutes); the maximum depends on the type of claim and whether it is tied to a declared state of emergency. Your contract with us states the exact percentage before any work begins.

The earlier, the better: ideally right after the damage, before the insurer inspects. That way the full loss is documented from the start. We also help when a claim is large or complicated, when your insurer is slow to respond, or when you have received a denial or an offer that will not cover the repairs.

Residential, commercial and condominium association property claims, including hurricane and wind damage, roof leaks, water and plumbing damage, flood, fire and smoke, mold, sinkholes, vandalism and theft, and business interruption. See our residential, commercial and condominium association services.

Often, yes. We review the denial letter or the insurer's estimate against your policy and the actual damage. If the evidence supports it, we prepare a supplemental claim or challenge the decision with the insurer. Keep every letter, photo and receipt, and call us as soon as you can: Florida law and your policy set deadlines for claims and supplemental claims (section 627.70132, Florida Statutes), so waiting can limit your options.

It depends on the size and complexity of the loss and on how the insurer responds. Florida law sets time frames for insurers to acknowledge a claim, begin investigating and pay or deny it (section 627.70131, Florida Statutes). We keep the claim moving, respond to every insurer request quickly and keep you updated along the way.

Yes. Many clients call us after filing, after the insurer's inspection, or after receiving a payment or denial. We take over communication with the insurer from that point and review what has already happened on the claim.

If you are a Northside client, call us at 888-888-8591 or email [email protected] with your name and property address (and claim number if you have it). Your adjuster will give you an update on where the claim stands and what comes next.

We serve all of Florida from our office in Cape Coral, with a focus on Southwest Florida: Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Lee County, Bonita Springs and Estero, Punta Gorda and Lehigh Acres. In South Florida we serve Miami-Dade County and Broward County. Florida public adjuster licenses are statewide, and we inspect every property in person. See all the areas we serve.

Yes. We inspect your property and review your situation at no cost and with no obligation. If you decide to work with us, we explain the contract and our fee before you sign. Phone and text: 24/7. Inspections by appointment: 10 AM to 7 PM, 7 days a week. Request your free inspection.

Yes. Northside Adjusters is a licensed Florida public adjusting firm (firm license W807579), and Harrison Whittaker is a licensed Florida public adjuster (license W091764). You can verify any public adjuster license with the Florida Department of Financial Services licensee search.

The company adjuster is hired by your insurer and works for the insurer. A public adjuster is hired by you and works for you. Both are licensed in Florida, but only a public adjuster is there to advocate for your interests on the claim.