Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Claims in MA & RI

A public adjuster is a professional claims handler who advocates for the policyholder, not the insurance company, in appraising and negotiating insurance losses.

A public adjuster represents the interests of the policyholder when there is a loss, to maximize your payout. Meanwhile, an insurance company adjuster represents the interests of the insurance company, to minimize your payout.

You should call a public adjuster immediately after a loss. The sooner you call, the sooner you can get things back to normal. A public adjuster will help you interpret your coverage to ensure you receive all the benefits you're entitled to, handle the complexities of your claim, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your insurance claim.

Yes, you will get a larger settlement working with a public adjuster as opposed to handling a claim on your own. You should choose a public adjuster who has a track record of success in negotiating favorable settlements for their clients.

You are never required to hire a public adjuster. However, it can be highly advantageous to do so. It's the same concept as doing your taxes on your own. You have the right to do so but you will miss some things without the help of an expert.

When hiring a public adjuster, there are no fees or upfront costs until we receive an agreed settlement with the client. We charge up to 10% of the claim which is regulated by the Division of Insurance.

Any homeowner, business owner, commercial property owner, or condo association that has had a major disaster that's covered by their insurance policy, can use the services of a public adjuster.

No, your insurance company cannot cancel your contract if you hire a public adjuster. Public adjusters are licensed by the Division of Insurance which regulates the entire industry.

No, once we are hired, the company or insurer will only communicate with the public adjuster through the entire claims process.

Yes, you are entitled to a second opinion and have the right to file suit if the insurance company denies a claim that should be covered.

No, it is never too late to hire a public adjuster, whatever current situation you are in during your settlement. You can hire a public adjuster at any time during the claims process.

You should call a public adjuster immediately after a loss. The sooner you call, the sooner you can get things back to normal. A public adjuster will help you interpret your coverage to ensure you receive all the benefits you're entitled to, handle the complexities of your claim, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your insurance claim.

A public adjuster can only be hired when there is an open insurance claim that has yet to be settled. If you haven't signed a final release, Marinilli Adjusters, Inc. may still be able to help you with your insurance claim. We would be happy to review the details of your situation, even if your claim has been denied. Contact us for help with your claim.

Yes, every state in the U.S. requires that all public adjusters be licensed.

We are licensed in MA, RI, NH, CT and Maine.

Each state has a Division of Insurance that regulates the industry.

For preparation of a claim, public adjusters assess both the building and its contents for damages and then negotiates an increased settlement of the loss.

Public adjusters typically won't take losses that are under $10,000 dollars in damages.

Yes, we will be handling your claim personally!

We have over 30 years of claims estimating skills, credentials, and experience! Our firm has helped thousands of clients throughout Massachusetts & New England.

We settle the contents and building portion of the claim only.

We are licensed in MA, RI, NH, CT and Maine.

Yes, our company’s name will be on every check the insurance company issues after you hire us. This is the standard practice.

If you decide to terminate your contract before a settlement has been finalized, you will owe us for the work that we did up to that point. Each settlement will depend on the services acquired.

No, we will not be working with any specific attorney or law firm on your claim. Only if the claim ends up in an Arbitration or Reference Proceeding.

Yes, you can hire your own attorney to settle your property damage claim but they may take a 3rd of the claim. Whereas, a public adjuster only charges 10% of what they recover.