Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with a licensed public adjuster in Arizona.
About Public Adjusters
What is a public adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents you — the policyholder — during the property damage claims process. Unlike the adjuster your insurance company sends, a public adjuster works exclusively to maximize your payout.
How is a public adjuster different from the insurance company's adjuster?
The insurance company's adjuster works for the insurer and is incentivized to minimize payouts. A public adjuster works only for you. Studies show homeowners who use public adjusters receive 2-3 times higher settlements on average.
Are public adjusters licensed in Arizona?
Yes. Public adjusters in Arizona must be licensed by the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI). Copper State Adjusting is fully licensed and insured to represent homeowners throughout the state.
Is a public adjuster the same as a lawyer?
No. Public adjusters handle insurance claim negotiation, documentation, and settlement. Attorneys handle litigation. In most cases, a public adjuster resolves claims without the need for legal action. If litigation becomes necessary, we can refer you to qualified insurance attorneys.
Fees & Cost
How much does a public adjuster cost?
Public adjusters in Arizona typically charge 10-15% of the final settlement on a contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront and nothing at all if we do not increase your payout. There are no hidden fees.
Is hiring a public adjuster worth it?
In most cases, yes. Even after our contingency fee, homeowners consistently net more than they would have received on their own. For example, if your insurer offers $12,400 and we negotiate $34,870, your net after a 15% fee is $29,639 — more than double the original offer.
Do I pay anything if you can't help my claim?
No. We work on a contingency basis. If we cannot improve your settlement, you owe us nothing. The free claim review is also completely free with no obligation.
The Claims Process
How long does the claims process take?
Every claim is different. Simple claims may resolve in 2-4 weeks, while complex commercial or disputed claims can take several months. We keep you informed at every step and push for the fastest resolution possible.
Can you reopen a denied or closed claim?
Yes. In many cases we can reopen denied or underpaid claims even after the insurance company has issued their 'final' offer. Arizona law provides homeowners with the right to dispute claim decisions, and we have successfully reopened claims months after the initial denial.
What if I already accepted a settlement?
Depending on the circumstances, we may still be able to help. If you signed a full release, options are limited. If you received a partial payment without a release, we can often reopen the claim for additional compensation. Contact us for a free review of your situation.
Do I need to be present during the inspection?
It is helpful but not required. We can conduct a thorough inspection and keep you informed of our findings. If you are available, being present allows us to discuss the damage and your concerns in real time.
Coverage & Damage Types
What types of damage do you handle?
We handle all types of property damage insurance claims in Arizona: hail, wind, fire, smoke, water damage, roof damage, storm damage, flood damage, mold, commercial property damage, denied claims, and underpaid claims.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage?
Roof damage caused by covered perils — storms, hail, wind, falling objects — is generally covered. Damage from wear and tear or deferred maintenance is not. Insurance companies frequently try to classify storm damage as wear and tear to deny claims.
Is flood damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood coverage requires a separate policy through the NFIP or a private carrier. However, the distinction between 'flood' and 'water damage' is critical — and insurance companies often misclassify covered water damage as excluded flood damage.
Does insurance cover mold?
Mold is typically covered when it results from a sudden, covered water damage event (burst pipe, storm damage). Mold from long-term neglect is usually excluded. Many policies have mold sublimits, but a public adjuster can identify additional coverage provisions.
Service Area
What areas of Arizona do you serve?
We serve the entire state of Arizona, with primary coverage in the Phoenix metro area including Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, and Tucson.
Are you available for commercial property claims?
Yes. We handle commercial property claims including retail, office, multi-family, industrial, and hospitality properties. Commercial claims involve business interruption, equipment loss, and inventory damage that require specialized expertise.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to answer any questions about your claim. Call us or request a free review.