If your property was damaged by fire, water, storm, wind, a roof leak, or another covered loss, this guide gives you clear answers before you deal with the insurance company alone.
Insurance companies have adjusters working for them. Keystone Adjusting works for policyholders. Our role is to help document the damage, review the claim, prepare support, and communicate with the insurance company so the loss is not minimized or overlooked.
Use this Q&A page if you are trying to understand when to hire a public adjuster, what your options are, how to fight an insurance decision, and what to do before accepting a settlement.
A public adjuster is a licensed claims professional who represents the policyholder, not the insurance company. They inspect the damage, review the policy, prepare claim documentation, estimate the loss, and communicate with the insurer.
You should consider hiring a public adjuster when the damage is serious, expensive, disputed, or difficult to document. This includes fire damage, water damage, storm damage, roof damage, smoke damage, and claims involving temporary housing.
Not always. Many property owners call Keystone after receiving a low estimate, partial approval, delay, or denial. However, waiting too long can make the claim harder because evidence may be removed and policy deadlines may apply.
If you are unsure, get the claim reviewed before signing settlement documents or closing out repairs.
Yes. A denied claim does not always mean the claim is finished. Denials can happen because of missing documentation, policy interpretation, exclusions, late reporting, or incomplete inspections.
Keystone can review the denial letter, inspect the damage, compare the decision to the policy, and help prepare stronger claim support.
Start by asking for the insurance company’s decision in writing. Then gather photos, videos, repair estimates, invoices, receipts, inspection reports, and all claim communication.
Yes. Fire claims often include more than burned materials. Smoke, soot, odor, electrical damage, water from firefighting efforts, contents damage, and rebuild costs may all need to be documented.
A public adjuster helps identify the full scope of damage so the claim is not limited to only what is obvious.
Yes. Water damage claims can involve flooring, drywall, cabinets, ceilings, insulation, mold concerns, plumbing issues, and hidden moisture. These claims are often underpaid when the inspection is too basic.
Keystone helps document visible and hidden damage so the claim reflects the real repair scope.
Yes. Storm claims can involve roof shingles, siding, gutters, flashing, windows, interior leaks, ceiling stains, and structural concerns. These claims often require detailed photos, repair estimates, and a clear explanation of how the storm caused the damage.
Your policy may include Additional Living Expense coverage, sometimes called loss of use coverage. This may help pay for temporary housing, hotels, meals, laundry, storage, and other related costs after a covered loss.
Keep every receipt and get written confirmation from the insurance company about what they will cover.
Not automatically. The first offer may miss labor, materials, code requirements, matching issues, contents, debris removal, temporary housing, or hidden damage.
Before accepting, compare the offer to contractor estimates, the policy, and the actual damage.
Public adjusters commonly charge a percentage of the claim recovery. The fee should be clearly explained before any agreement is signed. Keystone explains the fee structure upfront so property owners understand the process before moving forward.
Learn more on Keystone’s page about public adjuster fees in Pennsylvania.
Ask if they are licensed, what types of claims they handle, how they charge, what is included, who communicates with the insurance company, and what happens if the claim is delayed or denied.
A good public adjuster should answer clearly. If someone pressures you to sign immediately or promises a guaranteed payout, be careful.
Be cautious if someone refuses to explain their fee, cannot confirm licensing, promises a specific payout, pressures you to sign fast, or avoids giving you a clear written agreement.
A public adjuster should make the insurance claim process clearer, not more confusing.
Keystone Adjusting helps Pennsylvania property owners with fire, water, storm, roof, and housing-related insurance claims. Get a second opinion before accepting a settlement that does not match your damage.
This page is for general educational purposes only and does not replace legal, insurance, or policy-specific advice. Coverage depends on your insurance policy, claim facts, documentation, and applicable Pennsylvania insurance rules.
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535 Route 38 East, 355K, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 | All Rights Reserved © Keystone Adjusting
