Frequently Asked Questions

A Public Adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents policyholders, not the insurance company, during the claims process. Their job is to protect the rights of homeowners, businesses, and property owners after a loss and to ensure claims are handled fairly.

Public Adjusters are heavily regulated by state law. For example, in Florida, a candidate must complete a state-approved insurance course, pass a state exam, undergo fingerprinting and background checks, secure a $50,000 bond, and apprentice under another licensed Public Adjuster for one year before being fully licensed. For more details click here.

Insurance appraisal is a process available to policyholders when they believe the insurance company has undervalued their claim. Most policies include an “Appraisal Clause,” often found under “Conditions” or “What to do after a loss.” This clause allows both parties to hire independent appraisers to evaluate damages and determine a fair payout. The process is similar to arbitration but without courtrooms, judges, or lawyers. For more details click here.

Insurance mediation is a dispute resolution process between a policyholder and their insurance company. Each side presents its perspective, often with representatives present, to reach a fair settlement. Many policyholders attend mediation alone and risk losing out on fair compensation. Having a Public Adjuster represent you ensures your rights are protected and your claim is valued correctly. For more details click here.

Yes. It’s encouraged to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, but always document the condition of your property with photos or videos before making repairs. Keep receipts for materials and labor so you can be reimbursed. Call Noble first to ensure your repairs don’t accidentally harm your claim.

Contact Noble before hiring a contractor. While many contractors provide valuable services during catastrophes, others may be unlicensed or perform substandard work. Noble can help you determine if a contractor is reputable and whether it’s the right time to begin work.

Insurance companies use Staff Adjusters and Independent Adjusters who represent the insurer’s interests, not the policyholder’s. Public Adjusters, by contrast, work only for property owners and are paid by the policyholder.

Becoming a Public Adjuster also requires more rigorous training, licensing, and a mandatory apprenticeship, unlike Staff or Independent Adjusters. Because of these requirements, Public Adjusters are better positioned to advocate for fair settlements without conflicts of interest.

While there may be tension during negotiations, any negative reaction is directed at the adjuster—not you. Insurance Agents, who sell policies, often welcome Public Adjusters because they cannot legally represent policyholders themselves. In fact, many agents refer their clients to us for help with complex or underpaid claims.

Insurance companies may raise rates or drop customers for many reasons unrelated to hiring a Public Adjuster, such as negligence or high claim frequency. Using a Public Adjuster does not directly impact your rates. In some cases, improvements like a new roof may even allow you to negotiate a lower premium.

An AOB (Assignment of Benefits) or an AOC (Assignment of Claim) can be a very good or a very bad thing. You definitely want to give us a call to discuss this further in reference to your specific claim and the company who is wanting you to sign the agreement. It will relieve you of dealing with the claim, but it will also relieve you of all of the money paid out on your claim, and furthermore, you will have to give up all authority and say in your claim. If you have a great contractor, this is not a problem. If you have a bad contractor, you’re in trouble. Ask your contractor for a Partial Assignment, which pertains only to the work he is doing. This is much safer than signing over the entire claim. Always make sure the company you are using is reputable, has good online reviews, and referrals.

We represent policyholders in virtually all types of property damage claims, including residential, commercial, auto, marine, aircraft, crop damage, and more. Noble specializes in catastrophic claims from hurricanes and other disasters, as well as everyday losses like fire, water, or roof damage.

Negotiation* time can range from a few days to a few months, it really depends on how efficient your insurance company is. During this process our office staff will contact them almost daily by phone and e-mail to check the status of your claim, and to ensure that they are working on it steadily. Notes and status updates are recorded in our library of files, where you can login and see what’s happening with your claim. During a catastrophe, such as a hurricane, processing time can slow down drastically because of the influx of thousands of claims. Ideally a residential, non-catastrophic claim would be completed in 90 days. A multi-million dollar commercial property catastrophic claim can last up to two years, depending on the details. Because there are so many variables, it’s very difficult to say how long it will take for your specific claim. Feel free to ask your Noble claim processor, who knows your claim. If you have a claim with Noble, you can also access your file 24/7 by clicking on Check my Claim Status here or the icon on the home page of our site. For more details on how the process works, click here.

You need to contact us first because there are a lot of things you might say accidentally to your insurance company that can cause your claim to be denied. We can help you to avoid many mistakes. If you are involved in a catastrophe or natural disaster, when many people are impacted, your Public Adjuster may direct you to go ahead and call the claim in. That can be an easy form online or automated call that won’t prompt the usual interrogation, from them. Contact us if you think you have a claim.

Yes. A government study (OPPAGA) found that policyholders who hire Public Adjusters receive up to 747% higher settlements on average. At Noble, we work on a contingency basis; if we don’t increase your payout, you owe us nothing. Contact us for a complimentary claim inspection.

Claim and Property Inspection with Policy Consultation:

No out-of-pocket-cost. For Noble to come to your property and inspect damages to see if you have a claim and go over your insurance policy, there is no charge whatsoever, and no obligation to sign a contract.

Claim Representation:

Our fee for public adjuster representation is listed on the contract that you will sign if you decide to have us represent you, so you’ll never have to question what we’re charging you. Fees are regulated according to state statutes that are different in every state, and Noble will clearly communicate the fees with you both in writing and verbally according to the latest state statutes.

Appraisal and Umpiring Services:

When there’s a disagreement over the value of a property damage claim, Noble offers professional Insurance Appraisal Services to help resolve disputes fairly. Our licensed appraisers provide an independent evaluation of the loss in compliance with state statutes and industry standards.

Umpiring Services:

If appraisers cannot agree, Noble can serve as a neutral Umpire to review both sides and make a binding decision. This ensures that the claim moves forward efficiently and fairly.

Expert Witness Services:

In cases that require courtroom testimony, our team is available to serve as Expert Witnesses, bringing credibility, industry knowledge, and clear explanations to support property damage claims.

Fees for these services vary by state and are regulated according to the latest statutes. Noble will clearly explain the process and costs with you in writing and verbally before any service begins.

Yes. State laws require all contracts to include a cancellation window. To cancel, you must provide a written notice within the allowed period. Depending on your state’s requirements, this may need to be sent by certified mail or another accepted method. Noble will notify your insurer and keep a record for compliance.

Yes. Noble Public Adjusting Group is licensed in multiple states and represents policyholders nationwide. Our headquarters is in Panama City Beach, Florida, but we serve clients across the U.S. and beyond. Here are all of our service area locations.

Each Noble Public Adjuster carries their own state license number. See our staff page for a full list of our Adjusters and license numbers.

Yes. We are always looking for skilled professionals, including Public Adjusters, insurance experts, administrative staff, and marketing specialists. If you’re interested in joining our team, visit our careers page.