Using a Public Insurance Adjuster

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The recent storms in Oklahoma have many wondering what they would do if their home was destroyed.

One route many folks aren't aware of is working with a public insurance adjuster. They could help you get more money from your insurance company.

Everyone hopes when their home is destroyed in some type of disaster, they can get back the amount of money they lost. But, there are plenty of times where that's not the case, which is where public insurance adjusters come in.

Debra Herlihy's home was a total loss after a fire destroyed it just over a year ago. Her insurance company didn't feel it was necessary to tear down the home and start from scratch.

"I don't think we would have gotten a new house. I don't think we would have gotten a full replacement of inventory if it wasn't for her," Herlihy said.

Herlihy is talking about the public insurance adjuster her family hired. Herlihy said Alice Young was the reason she was able to get the family's home completely rebuilt and get over 30 percent more back then their insurer's original claim.

"A public insurance adjuster works for you. On average people don't know and what we're trying to let people know is there is a service and that there is options. You don't have to be scared, alone when going through the process," Young said.

By going through the Herlihy's home top to bottom, including even the little things like pens, Young said that's how she was able to get so much more than the Herlihy's insurance company.

But insurance companies said that larger return can shrink fast.

"If they do want to have a public insurance adjustor, that's up to them, just be forewarned that their cost will come out of the claim," Allstate Agency owner Cathy Polony said.

Although they do have to charge a fee, should you consider a public insurance adjustor, Young said there is no upfront cost to utilize their services.