Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Public Adjuster Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

PUBLIC ADJUSTER AGREEMENT

This Public Adjuster Agreement (the "Agreement") is made effective as of between Client Name: (the "Insured") and Public Adjuster Name: (the "Adjuster").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Insured has suffered loss or damage to property located at and intends to submit a claim under one or more insurance policies; and

WHEREAS, the Adjuster is duly licensed and experienced in adjusting, evaluating and negotiating insurance claims on behalf of insureds; and

WHEREAS, the Insured desires to engage the Adjuster to represent the Insured's interests in presenting, prosecuting and negotiating the insurance claim subject to the terms set forth herein.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

1. APPOINTMENT; SCOPE OF ENGAGEMENT

The Insured hereby retains and appoints the Adjuster as the exclusive public adjuster to assist, prepare, present, adjust and negotiate the insurance claim described in the Recitals ("Claim") with the Insured's insurer(s). The Adjuster shall act on behalf of the Insured only in accordance with the authority expressly granted in this Agreement and shall perform services including, but not limited to, policy and coverage review, loss documentation, scope and estimate preparation, submission of proofs of loss, meeting with the insurer and its representatives, and negotiation of settlement.

2. ADJUSTER AUTHORITY

The Insured grants the Adjuster authority to: (a) obtain and review copies of the Insured's insurance policy and claim file; (b) authorize inspections and investigations; (c) obtain estimates and documentation from contractors and consultants; and (d) negotiate settlement of the Claim subject to the Insured's written approval for any settlement amount in excess of $. The Adjuster shall not bind the Insured to any settlement or admission without prior written consent of the Insured, except as expressly authorized in writing.

3. ADJUSTER DUTIES; STANDARD OF CARE

The Adjuster shall perform services in a professional manner consistent with the standards of the public adjusting profession and applicable licensing laws. The Adjuster shall keep the Insured informed in writing of material developments, provide copies of correspondence and offers, and furnish final accounting of compensation and disbursements upon request or upon conclusion of the Claim.

4. FEES AND PAYMENT

The Insured shall compensate the Adjuster as follows (select applicable fee structure):

The contingency fee, if selected, shall be computed on the gross amount of recovery before deducting any costs or attorney fees unless otherwise agreed in writing. Payment to the Adjuster shall be due within days of receipt of settlement proceeds by the Insured. The Insured authorizes the Adjuster to deduct fees and approved expenses from any settlement proceeds prior to disbursement to the Insured, provided such deduction is expressly permitted by law and supported by written accounting.

5. COSTS AND EXPENSES

The Insured shall be responsible for out-of-pocket costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the Adjuster in the prosecution of the Claim, including, but not limited to, fees for experts, engineers,photographers, document reproduction, travel and postage. Such costs shall be preauthorized in writing if anticipated to exceed $ unless otherwise agreed.

6. TERM; TERMINATION

This Agreement commences on the effective date and continues until the Claim is finally resolved and all payments are disbursed, unless earlier terminated. Either party may terminate this Agreement upon days' written notice to the other. Termination does not affect the Adjuster's right to fees or reimbursement for work performed prior to termination on a quantum meruit basis if fees are disputed.

7. CONFIDENTIALITY

The Adjuster shall maintain in confidence all nonpublic information obtained in connection with the Claim, except to the extent disclosure is necessary to carry out the Adjuster's duties, is required by law, or is consented to in writing by the Insured. Confidential documents provided to the Adjuster remain the property of the Insured.

8. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST; REPRESENTATIONS

The Adjuster represents that it has no known conflicts of interest that would materially impair its ability to represent the Insured. The Adjuster will disclose any potential conflicts that arise during the engagement and will obtain the Insured's written consent before continuing representation if a material conflict exists.

9. RECORDS; ACCOUNTING

The Adjuster shall maintain records of all activities performed and all receipts and disbursements relating to the Claim. Within a reasonable time after final resolution of the Claim or upon request, the Adjuster shall deliver a final settlement statement and supporting documentation to the Insured.

10. INDEMNIFICATION; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The Insured shall indemnify and hold harmless the Adjuster for claims arising from the Insured's negligent misrepresentations, failure to disclose material facts, or unauthorized acts. Except for willful misconduct or gross negligence, the Adjuster's liability to the Insured for any claim arising under this Agreement shall be limited to the amount of fees actually paid to the Adjuster under this Agreement.

11. NOTICES

All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the following addresses by hand, certified mail (return receipt requested), or overnight courier:

12. AMENDMENT; WAIVER

No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in a writing signed by both parties. No failure or delay in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of that right.

13. GOVERNING LAW; VENUE

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to conflict of law principles. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in that State for disputes arising under this Agreement.

14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY; COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by electronic or facsimile signature, each of which shall be deemed an original.

15. CLIENT COOPERATION

The Insured agrees to cooperate with the Adjuster, to provide truthful statements, to execute authorizations required to obtain records and to make available relevant documents, proofs of loss, and to appear for examinations under oath if requested by the insurer. Failure to cooperate may relieve the Adjuster of further obligations under this Agreement.

16. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Insured

Party Label:

By:

Date:

Public Adjuster

Party Label:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What a Public Adjuster Agreement Is and why it matters

A Public Adjuster Agreement is a written contract that authorizes a licensed public adjuster to investigate, prepare, and negotiate an insurance claim on behalf of a property owner or insured. The agreement defines the adjuster’s scope of work, fee arrangement (hourly or contingency), responsibilities for documentation and communications with the insurer, and any limits on authority. It commonly addresses confidentiality, termination, dispute resolution, and required signatures. A clear, signed agreement documents consent, preserves evidence of authority, and reduces friction during claims handling and potential regulatory review.

Why having a written Public Adjuster Agreement helps all parties

A signed agreement clarifies the adjuster’s authority, sets fee expectations, and creates an auditable record for insurers, regulators, and courts. It reduces disputes and supports compliance with state licensing rules.

Why having a written Public Adjuster Agreement helps all parties

Who typically signs or relies on this agreement

Typical participants and stakeholders involved in a Public Adjuster Agreement include the insured, the licensed public adjuster, and any retained counsel or consultants.

  • Property owners and commercial tenants who need professional representation to prepare, document, and negotiate insurance claims for residential or commercial property losses.
  • Licensed public adjusters retained to inspect damages, estimate loss value, prepare proof of loss documentation, and negotiate settlements on an hourly or contingency basis.
  • Attorneys and insurance consultants who review contract terms, advise on dispute strategy, or assist with appeals and regulatory compliance.

Signed agreements give each party clarity on scope, fees, and timelines before claim activity begins, reducing later disagreement.

Essential clauses to include in a professional agreement

Include these core provisions to define responsibilities clearly, limit exposure, and create enforceable rights for both the insured and the adjuster.

Scope of Services

Describe inspecting damages, preparing estimates, filing proof of loss, negotiating with insurer, and any exclusions or limits on authority.

Fee Structure

Specify contingency percentage or hourly rate, timing of payment, expenses reimbursement, and whether fees require court approval in contested claims.

Authority & Access

Grant permission to access policy documents, property, repair estimates, and to communicate with insurers and third-party vendors on the insured’s behalf.

Duration & Termination

Set effective dates, automatic renewals if any, termination rights, notice periods, and the effect of termination on pending claims or fees.

Confidentiality

Outline handling of sensitive claim materials and any PHI, limits on disclosure, and obligations to comply with applicable privacy law.

Dispute Resolution

State the governing law, venue, and whether mediation or arbitration is required for fee disputes or claim-related litigation.

Key information fields the contract must record

Adjuster License: State license number
Insured Name: Full legal name
Property Address: Street, city, state, ZIP
Policy Number: Carrier policy identifier
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY format
Fee Terms: Percentage or hourly rate

Step-by-step: preparing and executing the agreement

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, review, and execute a compliant Public Adjuster Agreement efficiently.

  • 01
    Gather documents: Collect policy, estimates, photos, and owner ID.
  • 02
    Draft contract: Populate parties, scope, fees, dates, and signature blocks.
  • 03
    Review & revise: Allow counsel or regulator review and negotiate terms.
  • 04
    Sign and distribute: Execute, notarize if required, and send copies to insurer and parties.

How to set up a digital workflow for this agreement

Configure an electronic template and signer flow to automate execution and recordkeeping for repeat claim intake.

Field Configuration
Template Source Use a standardized docx or PDF template
Signer Order Adjuster then insured, or simultaneous signing
Authentication Email link, SMS code, or stronger MFA for sensitive files
Audit Trail Enable timestamps, IP capture, and signed certificate

Where to send and who receives signed copies

Route signed agreements to each stakeholder to preserve a complete record and enable prompt claim processing.

  • Insurer: Send final signed copy to the insurer’s claim file.
  • Policyholder: Provide the insured with a fully executed copy.
  • Adjuster File: Retain one copy in the adjuster’s secure records.
  • Legal Counsel: Share with counsel if dispute or litigation expected.

Technical considerations for e-signing and electronic records

Use an eSignature platform that supports PDF/DOCX upload, audit trails, and secure storage to record execution events.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Authentication options: Email, SMS, or MFA
  • Audit capability: Timestamps, IP, and certificate

Common timing considerations and expectations

Timelines for notices, insurer responses, and contract rescission vary by policy and state; document key dates in the agreement.

Prompt notice to insurer:

Provide notice as required by the policy as soon as practical.

Claim documentation window:

Submit proof of loss and supporting records within insurer-specified timeframes.

Rescission or cancellation:

Some states allow rescission; confirm local cooling-off periods where applicable.

Insurer response expectations:

Insurers often resolve or acknowledge within policy timelines; document agreed milestones.

Evidence preservation:

Preserve originals and photos until claim fully resolved.

Common preparation errors to avoid

  • Failing to confirm the adjuster’s current state license and disciplinary history before signing the contract.
  • Leaving fee terms vague, such as unspecified percentages or unclear expense reimbursement policies.
  • Using an unsigned or poorly dated agreement that creates ambiguity about when authority began.
  • Not retaining documentary proof of notice to the insurer and copies of all communications during the claim.

Primary legal and financial risks

Unlicensed Practice: State fines/liability
Contract Voidability: Agreement may be unenforceable
Fee Disputes: Civil litigation risk
Regulatory Action: License suspension possible
Tax Issues: Reportable income obligations
Data Exposure: Privacy breach penalties

Practical examples of how agreements are used in real claims

These short scenarios illustrate common structures and outcomes when agreements are executed properly.

Residential Loss Example

A homeowner engaged a public adjuster after a major storm to document damage and estimate loss.

  • The adjuster prepared a scope and negotiated with the insurer.
  • With a signed contingency agreement and supporting estimates, the homeowner obtained a settlement covering repairs and debris removal in a timely manner while preserving proof of authority and fee terms.

Commercial Claim Example

A small business retained a licensed adjuster to manage a multi-peril property claim after fire damage.

  • The adjuster coordinated contractors and compiled inventories.
  • The written agreement defined contingency compensation, expense reimbursement, and dispute-resolution steps, enabling smoother negotiations and reducing the risk of later fee disputes.

Who can sign and why their role matters

Policyholder — Property Owner

The property owner or named insured must sign to grant authority to the adjuster; signature verifies consent to representation and fee arrangements and ties the contract to the insured property and policy.

Public Adjuster — Licensed Adjuster

A licensed adjuster signs to accept appointment, confirm licensing, and agree to the scope and fee terms. Their signature creates the enforceable obligation to act on the insured’s behalf.

Common eSignature providers for executing agreements (pricing snapshot)

Compare starting prices and selected capabilities for common eSignature platforms used to execute Public Adjuster Agreements. signNow appears first per editorial ordering.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Answers to common legal and execution questions

Practical answers to frequent questions about enforceability, notarization, revocation, and identity verification for Public Adjuster Agreements.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users