Public Adjuster for Homeowners and Businesses

Homeowners and small business owners with a property insurance claim, often one that is large, complex or disputed.

Usually a percentage of the claim settlement, agreed in a written contract. You are only paid when the claim pays out, and some states cap the percentage.

• Reading and explaining insurance policies
• Negotiating firmly and respectfully
• Building cost estimates and written claim packages
• Empathy with people who have just had a loss

• Public adjusters are licensed separately from independent adjusters in most states, and some states don't allow it without prior experience, so check your state
• Fee caps, contract wording, advertising and solicitation rules vary by state, and some limit contact after a disaster
• Errors and omissions insurance and possibly a surety bond may be required
• Claims can take months to settle, so income is slow and uneven
• Never promise a result, and don't act as a contractor or lawyer unless properly licensed

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your licensing, insurance and setup. Errors and omissions insurance and possibly a surety bond may be required, so check your state's requirements before budgeting.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the claims you take on. Claims can take months to settle, so income is slow and uneven. Plan your cash flow with that delay in mind.

Public adjusters are licensed separately from independent adjusters in most states, and some states don't allow it without prior experience, so check yours. Fee caps, contract wording, advertising and solicitation rules also vary by state.