Public Adjuster vs. Attorney for a Roof Claim: Who to Call When
When to hire a public adjuster, when to hire an attorney, and when neither is worth the fee on a roof insurance claim.
Both work on contingency. Both take a cut of your payout. They solve different problems.
Hire a public adjuster when…
The claim is open and you're arguing scope, not coverage.
The adjuster is missing damage or lowballing pricing.
You don't have time to manage the claim yourself.
Typical fee: 10–20% of the increased recovery. Regulated in most states — cap is 10% in FL for named-storm claims.
Hire an attorney when…
The carrier flat-out denied the claim.
You suspect bad-faith handling (delay, misrepresentation).
The dispute involves policy interpretation, not just scope.
Fee is usually contingency (33–40%) but in fee-shifting states (FL, TX, LA), attorneys are paid by the carrier if you prevail.
Neither is worth it when…
The claim value minus deductible is under $8,000 and the carrier is offering something reasonable. The fee wipes out any gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I hire both?
- Yes. Common workflow: PA handles scope, attorney handles coverage disputes. They coordinate on percentage split.
Pillar guide: Roof Insurance & Claims
Start with the complete homeowner playbook, then estimate your project with our free calculators.