Frequently Asked Questions

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents the policyholder, not the insurance company, in documenting, valuing, and negotiating an insurance claim.

The insurance company's adjuster works for and is paid by the insurer. A public adjuster is hired by and works exclusively for the policyholder.

Most engagements are handled on a contingency basis, meaning there's no upfront cost. Catalyst bills Louisiana public-adjusting engagements hourly and on a non-contingent basis. Louisiana law prohibits fees contingent on, or calculated as a percentage of, insurance claim payments. The written agreement states all compensation.

Appraisal is a formal dispute resolution process used when a policyholder and insurer disagree on the value of a loss. Unlike public adjusting, appraisal and umpire work is neutral: our appraisers and umpires are retained by either party, policyholders, insurers, or attorneys on either side of a dispute.

Yes. Our expert witness work is independent analysis, retained by either party for claim analysis, damage valuation, and litigation support.

We serve as licensed Public Adjusters in California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas.

An umpire is a neutral third party who resolves a valuation dispute when the policyholder's and insurer's appraisers can't agree. Like our appraisal work, umpire services are neutral and can be retained by either party.

We review what you submit, respond within one business day, and give you an honest evaluation of your options — with no cost and no obligation to proceed.

Yes. Catalyst bills hourly in Louisiana; Louisiana law prohibits contingent and percentage-of-claim-payment fees.

Yes. We work with hotels, apartment complexes, retail centers, office buildings, and industrial facilities in addition to residential properties.

Yes. Wind, flood, and named-storm damage claims are a core part of our practice across the states we serve.

A denial or low settlement isn't always final. We review the basis for the decision, gather additional documentation, and in many cases can reopen or re-negotiate the claim.

Our team includes P.L.A.N. Certified Property Loss Appraisers and Umpires, active public adjuster licenses across California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas, and IICRC and Haag certifications in fire, water, and roof damage assessment.

Our California office is in Los Angeles. Meetings with a licensed public adjuster require advance scheduling by phone. Our Texas address is for billing and payments only, not client meetings.