Navigating the Insurance Adjuster's Inspection: A Homeowner's Guide
After you file your claim, the insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect your property. This is one of the most critical moments in your entire claim process. The adjuster's report will form the basis of the company's settlement offer. For a homeowner, this visit can feel intimidating. The purpose of this guide is to replace that anxiety with confidence. By preparing correctly, you can ensure the inspection is thorough and fair, setting the stage for a just settlement.
Understanding the Adjuster's Role
It is vital to remember one simple fact: the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. Whether they are a "staff adjuster" (an employee) or an "independent adjuster" (a contractor), their professional duty is to their employer. Their job is to assess the damage from the company's perspective and write a report based on their findings and the policy's terms. They are not there to be your advocate; that is the role of a public adjuster. Your role is to be a prepared, informed, and helpful guide to ensure they see the full extent of your loss.
How to Prepare for the Inspection
Your preparation is your power. Do not wait for the adjuster to arrive to get organized. Have these items ready:
- A Copy of Your Policy: Have your declarations page handy so you can refer to your coverage limits.
- Your Documentation: Have your photos and videos accessible on a tablet or laptop. Provide the adjuster with a printed copy of your personal property inventory list.
- Receipts for Temporary Repairs: If you've purchased tarps, plywood, or other materials to mitigate damage, have the receipts ready. These are often reimbursable.
- A List of Questions: Write down any questions you have about the process, the timeline, or specific coverages.
During the Inspection: Be Their Guide
You must be present for the entire inspection. You are the expert on your home and what happened to it. Your job is to guide the adjuster's eyes.
- Walk With Them: Accompany the adjuster through every room and around the entire property.
- Point Out Everything: Use your photos as a reference. Point out damage that might be easy to miss, like water stains behind furniture or subtle cracks in the foundation.
- Answer Questions Factually: Stick to the facts of what happened. Avoid speculating on repair costs or the extent of unseen damage. Simply present the evidence you have gathered.
What NOT to Do During the Adjuster's Visit
- Do NOT Feel Pressured: The adjuster may present you with documents to sign. Do not sign anything other than a simple confirmation that they were there. Never sign a "final release" or a settlement offer on the spot.
- Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement Unprepared: You are not obligated to give a recorded statement during this visit. If they ask for one, you have the right to schedule it for a later time when you are more prepared.
- Do NOT Accept Their Assessment as Final: The adjuster's report is their initial assessment. It is the beginning of a negotiation, not the final word.
What Happens After the Inspection?
After the visit, the adjuster will complete their report and submit it. You can expect to receive a copy of their estimate and, shortly after, a settlement offer. This is the point where you will compare their assessment to your own documentation and decide on your next steps. For more information, return to our main Hurricane Damage Claims guide.
