Start with the work you need done.
| Question | Public adjuster | Policyholder attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Documents and estimates damage | Yes, within the licensed role | Can coordinate evidence and experts |
| Negotiates with the insurer | Yes, on the property claim | Yes, with legal advice and strategy |
| Interprets legal rights and obligations | Cannot provide legal services unless also a lawyer | Yes |
| Files and litigates a lawsuit | No, unless separately licensed as an attorney | Yes, when warranted |
| Best fit | Often a valuation/documentation problem | Coverage, conduct, deadline, or litigation risk |
Signals that legal advice may matter early
- The insurer raises exclusions, conditions, misrepresentation, or late notice.
- The parties disagree about coverage, not only price.
- An examination under oath, sworn proof of loss, or recorded statement is requested.
- A contractual or statutory deadline may be approaching.
- The amount at stake could justify litigation.
No comparison page can decide the issue without the policy, claim record, and economics of the loss.