Step 1
Be present for every adjuster inspection
You know your home better than anyone. Point out all damage, including areas that may not be obvious. Have your contractor there too.
Adjuster Guide
How to Work With Your Insurance Adjuster Effectively
The adjuster inspection is the most important meeting of your claim. Knowing who they represent, how to prepare, and what to point out ensures nothing is missed in their scope of loss estimate.
- Adjuster Types
- Inspection Prep
- Scope Review
- Supplement Process
Key Steps
What you need to know
Step 2
Understand who the adjuster works for
Staff and independent adjusters represent the insurance company. They're not your advocate. Be cooperative but verify everything they document.
Step 3
Walk through damage room by room
Don't let the adjuster rush. Systematically walk every room and area. Open closets, check under sinks, look in attics and crawl spaces.
Step 4
Get the adjuster's contact information
Business card, email, direct phone. You'll need to follow up on scope questions, missing items, and supplement requests.
Key Takeaways
Always have your restoration contractor present during the adjuster inspection
Staff and independent adjusters work for the insurer — a public adjuster works for you
Compare the adjuster's Xactimate estimate line by line with your contractor's
Scope disagreements are resolved through supplements, appraisal, or negotiation
Good documentation from your contractor builds trust with adjusters and speeds approvals
Visual Reference
Insurance and restoration in practice
Real-world examples of the documentation, coordination, and processes involved in insurance claims.
Adjuster Inspection
Be present, be thorough, and have your contractor there to point out damage the adjuster might miss.
Estimate Review
Compare the adjuster's Xactimate estimate line by line with your contractor's to catch omissions.
Step-by-Step
How the process works
Understanding each step gives you leverage and helps prevent common problems.
1
Prepare before the inspection
Compile all photos, receipts, and a list of damage areas. Brief your contractor on what you've observed.
2
Walk the property together
You, the adjuster, and your contractor systematically inspect every affected area. Point out hidden damage.
3
Review the estimate carefully
When the adjuster's Xactimate arrives, compare to your contractor's line by line. Note discrepancies.
4
Submit supplements for missing items
If items are omitted, your contractor documents them and submits a supplemental estimate with evidence.
State-specific notes
South Florida
After hurricanes, independent adjusters from other states may not know FL building code requirements. Your local contractor fills this knowledge gap.
Charlotte / NC
NC adjusters tend to be responsive and straightforward. Market is less contentious than FL, but you should still verify the scope thoroughly.
Coastal SC
Wind pool claims may have different adjuster processes. Know whether your claim goes through the SC Wind Pool or your private carrier.
Continue Reading
Related insurance guides
Need adjuster coordination help?
Our team meets adjusters on-site, prepares Xactimate-compatible estimates, and files supplements when scope is understated. We work directly with insurers.