Types of Adjuster

Public vs Company vs Independent Adjuster: What Is the Difference?

There are three kinds of insurance adjuster, and only one of them works for you, the policyholder. Here is how they differ and why it matters.

All three are licensed insurance adjusters, but they answer to different people. A company adjuster and an independent adjuster both work for the insurance company. A public adjuster is the only one who works for the policyholder.

The Three Adjusters, Side by Side

Works for the insurer
Company Adjuster
A salaried employee of the insurance company. Friendly, but their job is to protect the insurer’s money.
Works for the insurer
Independent Adjuster
A contractor the insurer hires to handle overflow or catastrophe claims. Still paid by, and working for, the insurance company.
For you
Works for the policyholder
Public Adjuster
The only adjuster who legally represents you. Paid a percentage of the claim they recover on your behalf.

What Each One Actually Does

  • Company adjuster: receives the claim, inspects the loss, and sets the insurer’s offer. Their loyalty is to their employer.
  • Independent adjuster: does the same work on the insurer’s behalf, usually when the carrier is short-staffed or dealing with a major storm.
  • Public adjuster: is hired by the property owner to re-inspect the loss, document what the other side missed, prepare the claim, and negotiate for a fair settlement.

Why the Difference Matters

When your home or business is damaged, the adjuster the insurer sends is not on your side, no matter how pleasant they are. A public adjuster balances the table by putting a licensed professional in your corner. That is the entire value of the role, and it is why public adjusters exist as a separate license.

Thinking about becoming one? Public adjusting is a licensed career built around representing policyholders. It is a natural move for contractors who already understand damage and estimates. See how to become a public adjuster in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a public adjuster?

A licensed adjuster who represents the policyholder, not the insurance company. They document the loss, prepare the claim, and negotiate for a fair settlement in exchange for a percentage of the recovery.

What is the difference between a public and independent adjuster?

An independent adjuster is hired by, and works for, the insurance company. A public adjuster is hired by, and works for, the policyholder. Opposite sides of the same claim.

Is the company adjuster on my side?

No. The company adjuster works for the insurer. Only a public adjuster legally represents you.

How do I become a public adjuster?

Pass the Illinois public adjuster exam, post a $50,000 bond, clear a background check, and license through IDOI. We can prep you and handle the paperwork. Call (773) 635-0099.

The Bottom Line

Company and independent adjusters work for the insurance company. A public adjuster works for the policyholder. If you want a licensed professional in your corner, or you want to be that professional, the public adjuster is the one that matters.

Next: how to become a public adjuster, or how much they make.

Become the Adjuster Who Works for People

Get licensed as an Illinois public adjuster. We prep you and can handle the paperwork.