After a major water, fire, or storm loss, three different "adjusters" might end up at your house, and they don't work for the same person. Understanding who's representing whom is the difference between a fair settlement and a denied claim.
The Three Types of Adjusters
- Staff adjuster: employed by your insurance carrier. Their job is to settle your claim accurately and quickly, with a strong incentive toward "quickly."
- Independent adjuster: contracted by the carrier during catastrophes. Same incentive structure as staff, but usually less familiar with your policy.
- Public adjuster: hired by you. Licensed by the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Represents your interests only.
When a Public Adjuster Makes Sense
- Total loss or near-total loss (typically $25K+)
- Carrier is delaying or low-balling the estimate
- Complex claim involving multiple coverages (dwelling + contents + ALE)
- Mold or hidden damage disputes
- You don't have time to negotiate while also rebuilding your life
When You Probably Don't Need One
- Loss under $10,000 with a cooperative adjuster
- Single-room water damage with clear cause and documentation
- Carrier already approved a fair scope
Oklahoma Fee Limits (2026)
Standard contracts: 10% of the settlement. Catastrophe declared events (governor-declared emergency): capped at 10% by Oklahoma statute. Always verify the adjuster is licensed at the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
What a Restoration Company Can (and Can't) Do
ASAP Pro Services is IICRC-certified and writes Xactimate-grade scopes. We document every moisture reading, photo, and material so your adjuster (staff, independent, or public) has defensible data. We do not negotiate your claim; that's a licensed adjuster's job. See ourclaim documentation guidefor what every adjuster wants to see.
Need Help Documenting a Loss?
Call (405) 992-4111 for a written, IICRC-grade moisture and damage assessment. The same report your adjuster will eventually ask for, just delivered on day one.