Answers to the most common questions about public adjusters, insurance claims, fees, and the claims process. Serving VA, MD, DC, PA & NC.
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents the policyholder — you — in the insurance claims process. Unlike the insurance company's adjuster, whose job is to protect the insurer's interests, a public adjuster works exclusively for you. We inspect your property, document all damage, interpret your policy, prepare your claim, and negotiate directly with the insurance company to secure the maximum settlement you're entitled to.
Coin Claims Services works on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid when you receive your settlement. There are no upfront fees, no hourly charges, and no cost to you if we don't recover money on your behalf. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement we secure for you, which means our interests are completely aligned with yours: we maximize your settlement, and we're compensated accordingly.
You should consider hiring a public adjuster as soon as possible after a property loss. The earlier we get involved, the better positioned we are to document damage before it's repaired or altered, ensure your claim is filed correctly from the start, and prevent the insurance company from establishing a low baseline for your settlement. That said, we can also assist with claims that are already in progress or have been underpaid.
In the vast majority of cases, yes. Our clients consistently receive significantly higher settlements than those who navigate claims on their own. This is because we identify damage that insurance adjusters miss, understand policy language and coverage entitlements that most policyholders don't, prepare far more comprehensive documentation than a typical claim submission, and negotiate from a position of expertise and evidence.
A claim denial is not necessarily the end of the road. Many denials are improper — based on incorrect policy interpretation, insufficient investigation, or bad faith claims handling practices. We review your denial letter and policy in detail, identify grounds for appeal, and build a comprehensive case to challenge the denial. In many cases, we are able to reverse denials and recover significant settlements for clients who had given up hope.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the claim, the type of damage, and the insurance company involved. Simple residential claims may resolve in 4–8 weeks. Complex commercial claims or disputed losses can take several months. Our involvement typically accelerates the process because we ensure everything is documented and submitted correctly from the start, reducing back-and-forth with the insurer.
A contractor's estimate is a useful starting point, but it's not a substitute for professional claim representation. Contractors focus on the cost to repair — public adjusters focus on the full scope of your insurance coverage, including items contractors may not account for such as code upgrades, additional living expenses, contents losses, and business interruption. We also negotiate directly with the insurance company, which contractors are not licensed to do.
In some cases, yes. If you received a settlement that didn't cover your actual losses, we may be able to file a supplemental claim to recover additional funds. We review your existing settlement, identify underpaid or overlooked items, and pursue additional recovery on your behalf. There are time limits on supplemental claims, so it's important to act quickly.
Coin Claims Services holds active public adjuster licenses in Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. We serve property owners throughout these states, including major metro areas such as Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Baltimore, Bethesda, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, and Raleigh.
Yes — a significant one. An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company and is paid by the insurer. Their job is to evaluate your claim in a way that protects the company's financial interests. A public adjuster works for you, the policyholder, and is paid by you — typically on a contingency basis. We are your advocate, not the insurance company's.