Insurance Adjuster Inspection: What to Expect and How to Prepare

When your insurance company's adjuster comes to your home, they inspect the damage, take photos and measurements, and gather what they need to write a repair estimate. That estimate is what the insurer uses to decide how much to pay, so the visit matters.

You can't control the adjuster's conclusions, but you can make sure they see everything.

Who the adjuster works for

The person who inspects your home works for the insurance company, not for you. The NAIC Post-Disaster Claims Guide ↗ describes two kinds:

• Company (staff) adjusters work only for that insurance company, which hires and pays them.
• Independent adjusters work for several insurance companies. Insurers use them when they don't have their own adjusters on staff or need more than they have, which often happens after a large disaster.

Either way, they do the same job and you do not pay them. For a full comparison, see public adjuster vs. insurance adjuster.

When will the adjuster come?

It depends on the insurer, the size of the loss and how many claims are coming in. The NAIC says to ask your insurer when you file. If you haven't heard from an adjuster in a reasonable time, contact your agent or company. The NAIC suggests that could be 3 to 5 days for a minor claim, and longer after a large disaster (NAIC ↗).

Some states set deadlines. Two examples:

• Florida: If an insurer does a physical inspection, it must do so within 30 days after it receives proof-of-loss statements. The adjuster must also give you a document with their name and state license number (Fla. Stat. 627.70131 ↗).
• Texas: The Texas Department of Insurance ↗ says your company must acknowledge your claim within 15 days, and must accept or reject it within 15 business days of getting all the information it needs.

Other states have different rules. Check your state's page or your state insurance department.

What the adjuster looks at

According to the NAIC ↗, the adjuster will inspect your home and take photographs and measurements. They may even do some calculations of the damage and repair cost while they are there. The adjuster also reviews your policy to see whether the damage is covered and which limits and deductibles apply.

How long the visit takes varies with the size and type of loss. The California Department of Insurance ↗ notes that a brief "scope of loss" inspection may mean a second visit is needed to finish.

How to prepare before the visit

The NAIC recommends you:

• List the damage. Make a list of damage to the home and other structures, like a garage, shed or pool, and a list of damaged personal property.
• Gather "before" photos or videos of your home and belongings.
• Collect receipts for damaged items.
• Get contractor bids if you have time. You aren't required to, but it can help. Bids should show materials, prices and labor line by line.

Also:

• Document the damage yourself. Take your own photos and video of every damaged area. See our guide on how to document damage for an insurance claim.
• Keep damaged items. TDI says not to throw away damaged items until an adjuster has seen them (TDI ↗).
• Make only temporary repairs. The NAIC warns your company may not pay for permanent repairs it didn't authorize. Save every receipt for emergency work.

During the inspection

Be there and walk with the adjuster

The NAIC says you should be there when the adjuster comes. You can show them where you believe there is damage and hand over your lists, photos, videos and bids. TDI similarly advises walking around with the adjuster "to make sure they don't miss anything" (TDI ↗).

Consider having your contractor there

TDI says you might want your contractor or builder with you to discuss estimates or technical details with the adjuster. United Policyholders agrees: "Feel free to ask your contractor to be there with you" (UP ↗). For serious losses, United Policyholders says it is "rarely sufficient" to rely only on the insurer's adjuster and suggests getting reports from qualified specialists such as contractors or structural engineers (UP ↗).

Take your own notes and photos

Photograph what the adjuster photographs, and write down what they say about cause and coverage. Before they leave, the NAIC says to:

• Get their name and contact information
• Ask what the next steps are and when you'll hear back
• Ask if there is any other information you should provide

United Policyholders recommends keeping a daily claim journal and sending short follow-up emails or letters "summarizing what was said or agreed to" (UP ↗).

Don't sign anything you don't understand

Read every form before you sign it, and ask what it does. The NAIC specifically warns about assignment of benefits (AOB) agreements, which transfer your claim rights to someone else, usually a contractor. You may give up "some, most, or even all" of your rights. The NAIC says to take your time, and you can ask an attorney or your state insurance department to review it (NAIC guide ↗; NAIC ↗). If a document may affect your legal rights, talk to an attorney before signing.

Ask for a copy of the estimate

You need the insurer's estimate to check it. Some states require insurers to share it:

• Florida: The insurer must send you a copy of any detailed estimate within 7 days after it is generated (Fla. Stat. 627.70131 ↗; Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights ↗). See our Florida page.
• California: If a claim is settled based on a written scope or estimate prepared by or for the insurer, the insurer must give you a copy of each document the settlement is based on (10 CCR 2695.9 ↗). See our California page.

In other states, ask for it in writing anyway.

How to review it

United Policyholders' estimate review guidelines ↗ suggest you:

• Check room measurements, since errors carry into every line item
• Look for items you know were damaged, and ask the adjuster to show you where anything missing is
• Ask which price list was used and make sure it isn't old cost data
• Ask how overhead and profit, waste and permits are handled

As UP puts it: "Don't be afraid to challenge the adjuster and don't be afraid to ask dumb questions."

Reinspections and new damage

Sometimes a second visit is needed, to finish a brief first inspection or because more damage turns up. The NAIC says to contact your insurer and adjuster any time you find damage that hasn't been reported or inspected. If you believe the adjuster missed something, ask in writing for a reinspection and send photos or a contractor's report showing what was missed. United Policyholders advises that if an insurer refuses to do proper inspections, "ask again in writing" (UP ↗).

What to do if you disagree

1. Tell the insurer why, in writing. TDI says the company "may have overlooked something and may make adjustments" (TDI ↗). Include your contractor's estimate and photos.
2. Ask for any denial in writing, and keep all paperwork (NAIC ↗).
3. Contact your state insurance department if you're not satisfied with the response. In Florida, the Bill of Rights describes free mediation through the Department of Financial Services (627.7142 ↗).
4. Consider appraisal if your policy has it and the dispute is about the amount. New York DFS notes appraisal is not available for disputes about the cause of damage (NY DFS ↗). Learn more about the appraisal clause.
5. Get help. TDI notes some people hire a public adjuster when they disagree with the number or type of damages the insurer's adjuster listed. For coverage disputes over policy wording, suspected bad faith or a lawsuit, talk to an attorney.

When a public adjuster may or may not help

A public adjuster can attend the inspection, prepare their own estimate and negotiate for you. The NAIC notes the insurer will still send its own adjuster and doesn't have to accept your public adjuster's estimate. Public adjusters charge a fee, so they may not be worth it for small or simple claims, or when the insurer's estimate already matches your contractor's.

If your claim is large or you and the insurer are far apart, Get matched with a licensed public adjuster.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state and change over time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to let the insurance adjuster inspect my home?

Most policies require you to cooperate with the insurer's investigation, which usually includes an inspection. Check the "duties after loss" section of your policy, and ask an attorney if you're unsure.

Should I have my own contractor at the adjuster inspection?

It can help. The Texas Department of Insurance and United Policyholders both suggest having your contractor there to discuss the scope of damage and estimates with the adjuster.

Can I get a copy of the insurance adjuster's estimate?

You can always ask, and some states, including Florida and California, require insurers to provide it.

What if the adjuster missed damage?

Report it to your insurer and adjuster in writing, with photos, and ask for a reinspection. The NAIC says to contact your insurer any time you find damage that hasn't been reported or inspected.

Is an independent adjuster on my side?

No. An independent adjuster is hired and paid by the insurance company, just like a staff adjuster. Only a public adjuster or an attorney you hire represents you.