Guide
Adjusters, public adjusters and contractors
Three kinds of people may be involved after a loss. Their jobs do not overlap.
Connects you with an independent restoration contractor.
Who does what
- Your insurer
Takes the claim, sends an adjuster and decides what the policy pays.
- A public adjuster
A licensed professional you can hire to negotiate with the insurer. TDI says a public adjuster who works on your claim cannot also act as your contractor. TDI will confirm whether an adjuster is licensed through its Help Line, 800-252-3439.
- A restoration contractor
Dries and repairs the property. Does not decide coverage. In Texas it is illegal for a contractor to waive your deductible or help you avoid paying it.
- This site
Connects you by phone with an independent contractor. It is not an adjuster and gives no advice about your claim.
Practical points
TDI warns about contractors who offer rebates or credits equal to a deductible and calls that fraud. It says to report such offers to the Texas Attorney General's consumer hotline, 800-621-0508.
A contractor can give you an estimate and a written scope. Pass those to the adjuster yourself.
What the company adjuster does
TDI says the adjuster decides how much damage there is and estimates the cost to repair or replace it, and that the insurer bases payment on that estimate. If the damage turns out to be worse than first thought, you or your contractor can ask the adjuster to raise it.
TDI suggests being present when the adjuster looks at the damage and bringing your contractor, who can discuss estimates and other issues. Give the company your new address and a phone number if you move out.
If you and the insurer disagree on the amount
Say why
Tell the company what you think is wrong with the estimate. Many disputes end here.
Appraisal
TDI says each side hires an appraiser, the two choose an umpire, and the umpire decides any difference. The result binds both sides. Appraisal is for the amount of a loss, not for whether the policy covers it.
Complaint
A complaint to TDI must be in writing and can go through its online portal.
Court
TDI notes that after a disaster you must tell the company in writing at least 61 days before suing.
Where the money goes
If you owe money on the house, TDI says the repair check is made out to you and the mortgage company. The lender may ask for the work list, estimates and contractor details before releasing funds, and it must release all or some within 10 days after getting that information.
A public adjuster charges a fee, cannot give legal advice and cannot act as your contractor, according to TDI. Check what you would owe before you sign.
Water is still moving. Call now.
One call connects you with an independent restoration contractor who serves the Kyle area. Then you decide what happens next.