What does a public adjuster do in Georgia?
A public adjuster is a state-licensed professional who represents the homeowner — not the insurance company — when documenting and negotiating a property damage claim. This page explains the role in plain English for Georgia homeowners. It is educational content, not legal or licensed insurance advice.
Educational content only — not legal, tax, or licensed insurance advice. For binding guidance on your specific claim, speak with a licensed Georgia public adjuster or attorney.
The role in one sentence
A public adjuster inspects the loss, prepares a detailed line-item estimate using the same software the carrier uses (typically Xactimate), submits the claim with supporting evidence, and negotiates scope and amount with the insurance company on the homeowner's behalf.
Licensing in Georgia
Public adjusters in Georgia are licensed by the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire. Before signing a representation agreement, homeowners can verify any adjuster's license on the state's public license lookup. Fees, cancellation rights, and scope of representation must be disclosed in writing.
What a public adjuster typically handles
Public adjusters most often work on property losses where the dollar amount is meaningful and the scope spans multiple trades.
- Sudden water damage from supply-line bursts, failed water heaters, and storm-driven roof leaks
- Wind and hail roof damage across North Georgia after spring and summer storm events
- Fire and smoke losses — including secondary smoke residue and HVAC contamination
- Mold remediation that is triggered by a covered water loss (subject to policy caps)
- Underpaid claims where the carrier's estimate omits code upgrades, matching, or hidden damage
What a public adjuster does not do
A public adjuster is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice. They do not litigate bad-faith claims. They generally do not perform the repairs themselves — that work is contracted separately so the estimate stays independent.
How fees work in Georgia
Most Georgia public adjusters work on a contingency fee, commonly 10%–15% of the recovered claim amount on open losses, with statutory caps during declared catastrophe events. Always read the contract and the cancellation window before signing. Homeowners should never feel pressured to sign on a first visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is a public adjuster the same as the insurance company's adjuster?
No. The carrier's field or desk adjuster works for the insurance company. A public adjuster is hired by — and works for — the homeowner.
Do I need a public adjuster for every claim?
No. For small single-trade losses near the deductible, hiring one rarely makes financial sense. They become more useful on larger losses, denied claims, or multi-trade damage.
How do I verify a Georgia public adjuster's license?
Use the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire license lookup before signing any representation agreement.
Can a contractor act as my public adjuster?
In Georgia, contractors who are not licensed public adjusters cannot negotiate your claim on your behalf. Be cautious with assignment-of-benefits forms — read them carefully before signing.
Public adjuster guidance by city
City-specific homeowner pages for North Georgia communities.
Related homeowner guides
Get matched with a Georgia public adjuster
Tell Cudab what happened — water, roof, fire, smoke, or mold — and we'll route your request to a licensed local professional. No obligation, no legal advice.