This is one of the most common questions we get from Atlanta homeowners after storm damage. The honest answer: it depends on your claim complexity and dollar amount.
What a Public Adjuster Does
A public adjuster (PA) is a licensed professional who represents policyholders in insurance claims. They document damage, prepare the claim, negotiate with the carrier, and advocate for the maximum covered settlement. They charge 10-15% of the final settlement.
What a Roofing Contractor Does
A licensed contractor assesses physical damage, prepares a scope and cost estimate, supplements the adjuster’s estimate for missed items, and completes the repairs. Most experienced contractors who work insurance claims understand the process deeply. They don’t charge a fee for claim assistance — they make their money on the work.
When a Public Adjuster Makes Sense
- Large, complex claims — over $50,000 involving multiple trades and structural damage
- Denied claims — when you’re fighting a denial rather than a scope dispute
- Carrier bad faith situations — when the carrier is acting unreasonably
- When you don’t have a trusted contractor — a PA fills the advocacy role
On a complex $80,000 claim, a PA at 12% costs $9,600 but might recover $15,000-$20,000 in additional coverage. The math can work.
When Your Contractor Is Enough
- Standard roofing claims — replacement due to hail or wind
- Claims under $40,000
- When your contractor has strong insurance claim experience
- Supplement disputes — contractors handle these directly
On a $15,000 roof claim, paying a PA 12% ($1,800) when a contractor would handle the supplement for free is rarely the right call.
What Georgia Law Says
Public adjusters must be licensed in Georgia. Verify any PA’s license at oci.ga.gov. Be very cautious of anyone approaching your door after a storm claiming to be a “claims specialist” without a PA license — this is a common scam.
Our honest recommendation: For a standard roofing claim, an experienced contractor handles it. For a large, complex, or denied claim, a licensed PA may be worth the fee.