Q: Do insurance companies ever discourage claimants from hiring a public adjuster, and if so, why?

A: This happens all the time. Insurance companies don’t want the insured to be on an even playing field. They want to control the situation and not deal with someone as or more knowledgeable than they are. Insurers are predisposed to minimize claim payments. Public adjusters are predisposed to maximize claim payments. Additional consumer information on hiring a public adjuster is available on the UP website along with more insurance industry resources such as buying tips and state-by-state help. Visit the United Policyholders website at www.uphelp.org.  ³