How Much Does a Public Adjuster Charge?

How Much Does a Public Adjuster Charge in New York?

In New York State, public adjuster fees are governed by Regulation 10
(N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 11, § 25.7).

By law:

• A public adjuster fee cannot exceed 12.5% of the total recovery
• The fee must be clearly stated in the public adjuster retainer agreement
• No hidden or excessive charges are allowed

This regulation exists to protect policyholders and ensure fairness in the claims process.

Public Adjuster Fees and Contingency-Based Pricing

Most people are relieved to learn that public adjusters work on a contingency fee basis.

This means:

• There is no upfront cost to hire a public adjuster
• The public adjuster only gets paid when the policyholder gets paid
• If no recovery is made, no fee is owed

This contingency structure ensures that the public adjuster is fully invested in maximizing your insurance claim recovery.

Our Public Adjuster Service Rates

While public adjuster fees in New York may legally go up to 12.5%, our firm’s standard rate is 10% of the amount recovered.

Actual rates can vary depending on:

• Claim size
• Claim complexity
• Stage of the claim when we are retained

All fees are discussed upfront so policyholders know exactly what to expect.

How Do Public Adjusters Get Paid During a Claim?

Insurance claims are rarely settled in a single payment. They often involve:

• Initial undisputed payments
• Supplemental payments
• Recoverable depreciation

The public adjuster is typically paid proportionally as payments are released by the insurance company, based on the agreed-upon percentage, until the claim is fully resolved.

Can a Public Adjuster Charge Separately for Experts?

Another common question relates to outside experts such as engineers or consultants.

If an expert’s work directly relates to the adjusting function, their cost must be included within the public adjuster fee and cannot be billed separately under Regulation 10.

If specialized experts are required beyond the adjusting scope, those costs are usually handled as reimbursable claim expenses, and a public adjuster can help determine when experts are truly necessary.

Is the Cost of a Public Adjuster Worth It?

When evaluating how much does a public adjuster charge, it’s important to consider opportunity cost. Underpaid or mishandled claims often result in settlements far below what the policy allows.

For larger or more complex losses, many policyholders find that professional representation results in a recovery that far exceeds the public adjuster fee.

Understanding how much does a public adjuster charge allows you to make an informed decision—one that can significantly impact your financial recovery after a loss.