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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about public adjusting, insurance appraisal, and the claims process.

General Questions

What is a public adjuster?

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

How is a public adjuster different from the insurance company's adjuster?

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.

How much does it cost to hire a public adjuster?

Most engagements are handled on a contingency basis, meaning there's no upfront cost. Louisiana engagements are billed hourly, per state law.

What is insurance appraisal, and how is it different from public adjusting?

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.

Do you provide expert witness services?

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

What states does Catalyst Public Adjusting serve?

We serve California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Colorado, Florida, and North Carolina.

What is an insurance umpire, and when is one needed?

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.

How does the free claim review process work?

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.

Is Catalyst licensed in Louisiana, and how does the fee structure differ there?

Yes. Louisiana law requires public adjusting engagements to be billed hourly rather than on contingency, so all Louisiana engagements follow that structure.

Do you handle commercial property claims?

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

Do you handle hurricane and storm damage claims?

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

What if my claim was already denied or underpaid?

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.

What credentials do Catalyst's public adjusters hold?

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

Where is Catalyst Public Adjusting located?

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.

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