The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) defines a public insurance adjuster as an individual employed by a policyholder to negotiate a claim with the insurance company in exchange for a percentage of the claim settlement. TDCI’s glossary adds one line that matters: public insurance adjusters must be licensed by TDCI.
Who a public adjuster works for
After a storm, fire, or water loss, Tennesseans may hear from several kinds of adjusters. The adjuster assigned by your insurance company handles the claim for the insurer. A public insurance adjuster, under TDCI’s definition, is hired by the policyholder. That is the key difference: who employs the adjuster, and how the adjuster is paid.
TDCI defines a claim as a policyholder’s request for reimbursement from an insurance company under a home insurance policy for a loss to property. When you file against your own policy, TDCI’s glossary calls that a first-party claim.
How the fee works
Because TDCI describes the public adjuster’s pay as a percentage of the claim settlement, the fee comes out of what the insurer pays on the claim. Before signing anything, ask for the percentage in writing, whether it applies to amounts the insurer already offered, and how the agreement can be cancelled. A clear contract protects both sides.
Checks before you sign
- License. Ask for the adjuster’s Tennessee license and confirm it with TDCI before you sign.
- Pressure. Be cautious of door-to-door solicitations right after a storm, especially from anyone who will not leave written terms.
- Your own file. Keep copies of photos, receipts, estimates, and every letter from your insurer, whether or not you hire help.
- Other options. You can also raise claim questions directly with your insurer or, if needed, with TDCI’s Consumer Insurance Services.
Hiring a public adjuster is a personal decision, and it does not change what your policy covers. Coverage still comes from your policy forms, limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
Related reading from All Seasons
- Storm Claim Underpaid in Tennessee? Your Next Steps
- TDCI’s Contractor Fraud Awareness Week tips tell Tennesseans how to check licenses before repairs.
- How Tennesseans file an insurance complaint with TDCI’s Consumer Insurance Services.
- TDCI’s CLUE explainer says Tennesseans can pull seven years of home and auto claims history for free.
Free policy review
All Seasons Insurance Group offers a free personal policy review. Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/. This article is informational only and does not promise coverage or eligibility; your policy forms control. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
What is a public insurance adjuster?
TDCI defines one as an individual employed by a policyholder to negotiate a claim with the insurance company in exchange for a percentage of the claim settlement.
Do public adjusters need a Tennessee license?
Yes. TDCI’s glossary states that public insurance adjusters must be licensed by TDCI.
How is a public adjuster paid?
Under TDCI’s definition, with a percentage of the claim settlement. Get the percentage and terms in writing before signing.
Is a public adjuster the same as the insurance company’s adjuster?
No. A public adjuster is employed by the policyholder; the company’s adjuster handles the claim for the insurer.
What is a first-party claim?
TDCI defines a first-party claim as a claim filed by an insured against his or her own insurance policy.
Does hiring a public adjuster change my coverage?
No. Coverage comes from your policy forms, limits, deductibles, and exclusions. This article is informational only.
Where can I get help if a claim stalls?
You can contact your insurer, review TDCI’s consumer resources, or file a complaint with TDCI’s Consumer Insurance Services.
How can All Seasons help after reading this?
Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/ for a free personal policy review. Informational only; no coverage promises. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
