Read the entire written agreement.
Michigan's Department of Insurance and Financial Services publishes consumer information about public adjusters and residential contracts. Current official materials should control over summaries on a private website.
- What percentage or amount will be charged, and what recovery is it calculated on?
- What exact services are included—and excluded?
- Who hires and pays estimators, engineers, accountants, or other experts?
- How can the agreement be canceled, and what fees survive cancellation?
- Does the adjuster receive compensation for referrals or contractor work?
- What happens to the file and fee if an attorney must be hired?
Verify current requirements.
Consult the Michigan DIFS public-adjuster resources and the actual proposed contract. Fee limits and required terms can depend on the claim and applicable law.
Compare the total path, not just the opening fee.
A lower pre-suit percentage may not determine the overall cost if the matter later requires new counsel, duplicated work, or additional experts. Ask each professional to explain in writing how compensation changes if the claim cannot be resolved.